Stamp 1G lets non-EEA graduates work in Ireland after finishing their degree. This guide covers eligibility, duration, and how to apply.
The Stamp 1G permission, also called the Third Level Graduate Programme, is one of the most valuable benefits of studying in Ireland as an international student. It gives you time to find graduate-level work after your studies. You can work full-time in any sector while you look for a role that fits your career goals.
This guide explains who qualifies, how long the permission lasts, how to apply, and what you can and cannot do while you hold it. It also covers the pathways from Stamp 1G to a long-term work permission in Ireland.
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Disclaimer: Irish immigration rules can change. Always check the latest guidance at irishimmigration.ie or speak with a qualified immigration adviser before making any decisions. This article is a guide only and is not legal advice.
What Is Stamp 1G? The Third Level Graduate Programme
Stamp 1G is an Irish immigration permission for non-EEA graduates. Non-EEA means anyone who is not a citizen of the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), Switzerland, or the UK. Stamp 1G is officially called the Third Level Graduate Programme.
When you hold Stamp 1G, you can stay in Ireland after your studies to look for full-time work. You do not need a separate employment permit to work during this period. This is a major advantage because most non-EEA workers in Ireland must hold an employment permit before they can start a job.
Stamp 1G is recorded on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card. The IRP card is a photo identity card that proves your right to live and work in Ireland. You register for it at the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), the government body that manages immigration in Ireland.
Note: Stamp 1G is specifically for graduates of Irish institutions. Your award must come from a recognized Irish awarding body, and your programme must appear on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Your institution's international student office can confirm whether your course qualifies.
Who Can Apply for Stamp 1G?
You can apply for Stamp 1G if you meet all of the following requirements. Check each one carefully before submitting your application.
- You are a non-EEA, non-Swiss, non-UK national.
- You studied full-time, in-person at a recognized Irish institution on a student (Stamp 2) immigration permission.
- Your programme is on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). The ILEP is the official list of courses approved for student immigration in Ireland.
- Your qualification is at QQI Level 8 or above. QQI stands for Quality and Qualifications Ireland. It is the national body that sets education standards in Ireland. Level 8 means an Honours Bachelor's degree. Level 9 means a Master's degree. Level 10 means a Doctoral degree (PhD).
- You apply within 6 months of being notified by your institution that you have received your award. This is the official notification of your results, not the graduation ceremony date.
- You currently hold a valid Stamp 2 (student) permission and an up-to-date IRP card at the time you apply.
Important Requirement: Distance learning, online-only, or part-time programmes are strictly ineligible for Stamp 2 student permission and do not qualify for Stamp 1G. You must complete your programme in person on a full-time basis in Ireland.
How Long Does Stamp 1G Last?
The length of your Stamp 1G permission depends on the QQI level of your qualification. Level 8 graduates receive 12 months. Level 9 and Level 10 graduates receive 24 months.
If you completed a Level 9 or Level 10 qualification, your 24 months comes in two separate 12-month blocks. You will need to renew your IRP card online after the first 12 months to receive your second block. This renewal is not automatic; you must apply for it within the combined time limits described in the next section.
Source: irishimmigration.ie, Third Level Graduate Programme
Note: Not sure whether your Irish qualification is at Level 8, 9, or 10? Read our guide on Ireland Level 8 vs Level 9 degrees to understand how the QQI National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) works.
The Combined Time Limit: How Long Can You Stay on the Student Pathway?
There is a maximum number of years you can spend on student-related immigration permissions in Ireland. This total combines all time spent on the following stamps: Stamp 2 (student), Stamp 2A (student, no work), Stamp 1A (student intern), and Stamp 1G (graduate). The limit depends on your qualification level.
Note: The combined time limit counts ALL your student stamps together, not just the years in your most recent programme. For example: if you completed a 3-year bachelor's degree and then a 1-year master's degree (both in Ireland), that is 4 years of Stamp 2 time before your Stamp 1G starts. Your Stamp 1G then uses the remaining years within the 8-year cap.
Warning! Once you reach the combined time limit, you cannot receive further student or graduate permissions. Plan your next immigration step (such as applying for an employment permit) before your limit is reached.
Source: irishimmigration.ie, Third Level Graduate Programme
Know which careers open after Stamp 1G
Read our guide on in-demand careers for international graduates in Ireland to find sectors with the fastest path to a Critical Skills Employment Permit and Stamp 4.
How to Apply for Stamp 1G
You apply for Stamp 1G online through the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online renewals portal at irishimmigration.ie. You do not need to visit an immigration office in person to make your initial application.
Application Steps
- Receive your award notification. Wait for your institution to officially notify you that you have received your degree. This starts your 6-month application window. The notification is usually a letter or email from your college's registrar office.
- Apply within 6 months. Submit your Stamp 1G application through the ISD online renewals portal before the 6-month deadline expires. Do not wait until your current Stamp 2 permission expires.
- Pay the IRP registration fee. The registration fee is €300 per person. You pay this when you submit your online application.
- Receive your new IRP card. Once your application is approved, the ISD will issue a new IRP card showing your Stamp 1G permission and its expiry date.
Tip! Apply as soon as you receive your award notification. Processing times can vary. Applying early means you get your IRP card before your Stamp 2 expires and you can start work without any gap. Check current processing times at irishimmigration.ie.
Note: Your award notification is the official communication from your institution confirming your degree result. It is not the same as your graduation ceremony invitation. Keep this document safe; you will need it for your Stamp 1G application.
What You Can Do on Stamp 1G
Stamp 1G gives you the right to work full-time in Ireland without needing a separate employment permit. This is a significant benefit compared to most non-EEA work categories in Ireland.
- Work full-time for any employer in any sector.
- Work part-time or in casual employment.
- Search and apply for any job that matches your qualifications.
- Apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) while you work. A CSEP is a permit for high-demand roles. Your employer applies for it on your behalf. Holding a CSEP is the fastest route to long-term permission in Ireland.
- Apply for a General Employment Permit (GEP). The GEP covers a wider range of roles than the CSEP but takes longer to convert to Stamp 4.
- Apply for a Research Hosting Agreement if you plan to work in an academic or research institution.
Tip! Ireland's national minimum wage is €14.15 per hour as of January 2026. Most graduate-level roles pay well above this. Knowing your rights helps you identify genuine job offers and supports your immigration record when you apply for future permissions.
What You Cannot Do on Stamp 1G
Stamp 1G has clear restrictions. You must follow these rules for the entire duration of your permission.
- No self-employment. You cannot work as a freelancer, independent contractor, or sole trader.
- No running a business. You cannot set up or operate a company, partnership, or any other business structure in Ireland while on Stamp 1G.
Warning! Breaching your Stamp 1G conditions is a serious immigration offence. It can affect your future visa, employment permit, Stamp 4, and citizenship applications. Always work through a registered employer, not as a self-employed person.
Source: irishimmigration.ie, Third Level Graduate Programme
Can You Extend Your Stamp 1G?
The answer depends on your qualification level.
If you completed a Level 9 or Level 10 qualification, your 24-month permission comes in two 12-month blocks. You must renew your IRP card online after the first 12 months to receive your second block. This second block is your full entitlement, not an extra extension beyond 24 months. You cannot extend Stamp 1G beyond the 24 months total.
If you completed a Level 8 qualification, your 12-month permission is fixed. You cannot extend it beyond 12 months on Stamp 1G. If you want to stay in Ireland after it expires, you must transition to a different immigration status before your Stamp 1G ends. The most common routes are applying for an employment permit or changing status through a recognized pathway.
Note: Stamp 1G cannot be used to remain in Ireland indefinitely. Start planning your next immigration step early in your Stamp 1G period, not at the end of it.
Your Path to Stamp 4: Long-Term Work Permission
Stamp 4 is the most flexible immigration permission in Ireland for workers. It lets you live and work without any employment permit. It is a key step toward long-term residency and, eventually, Irish citizenship. Moving from Stamp 1G to Stamp 4 requires securing a long-term employment permit.
Critical Skills Employment Permit (Path to Stamp 4)
If your employer sponsors you for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) while you are on Stamp 1G, you can apply for Stamp 4 after completing 2 years on your CSEP. This is the fastest route to long-term permission in Ireland.
- Your employer applies for the CSEP on your behalf through the Employment Permits Online System at enterprise.gov.ie.
- After 2 years on a CSEP, apply directly to the Irish Immigration Service Delivery for Stamp 4.
- You do not need a support letter from the Department of Enterprise. This requirement was removed in November 2023.
- Once approved, Stamp 4 lets you work for any employer in any role without any permit requirement.
Source: irishimmigration.ie, Stamp 4 Upgrades for Employment Permit Holders
Note: Stamp 1G itself has a maximum limit of 24 months for graduates. Because of this cap, graduate Stamp 1G holders cannot accumulate 5 consecutive years on Stamp 1G alone. You must transition to an employment permit (such as a CSEP or General Employment Permit) to reach long-term residency or Stamp 4 status.
Note: Stamp 4 gives you broad rights to work and live in Ireland. It also counts toward the reckonable residence requirement for Irish citizenship. Read our Ireland work and financial guide for international students for more on working rights in Ireland.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit Explained
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is Ireland's main immigration route for skilled workers in high-demand sectors. If your job falls on Ireland's Critical Skills Occupations List, your employer can apply for a CSEP on your behalf. Holding a CSEP is the fastest way to move from Stamp 1G to long-term permission in Ireland.
Which Sectors Qualify?
The CSEP covers roles in sectors where Ireland has a documented skills shortage. Common sectors include technology, engineering, finance, pharmaceutical science, healthcare, and construction. Your specific role and salary must meet the minimum thresholds set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Critical Skills Occupations List is regularly updated. Check the current list at enterprise.gov.ie.
How Does Your Employer Apply?
- Your employer submits the CSEP application through the Employment Permits Online System at enterprise.gov.ie. You do not apply for the CSEP yourself.
- Your role and salary must meet the minimum thresholds for the CSEP. Effective March 1, 2026, the minimum salary threshold for CSEP roles is €40,904 per year (or €36,848 per year for recent graduates entering a CSEP-eligible role). Roles not on the ineligible list require a minimum salary of €68,911 per year.
- Once the CSEP is approved, your immigration status changes from Stamp 1G to Stamp 1 (employment permit holder).
- After 2 years on the CSEP, you apply to the ISD for Stamp 4, removing the need for any employment permit going forward.
Tip! During your Stamp 1G period, focus your job search on employers in CSEP-eligible sectors. Securing a CSEP-eligible role is the most direct route from graduate permission to long-term work permission in Ireland. Read our guide to in-demand careers for international students in Ireland to find which sectors offer the best opportunities.
Making the Most of Your Stamp 1G
Your Stamp 1G period is a genuine opportunity to build your Irish career and your long-term immigration profile. Use it strategically.
Build Your Irish Work History
Irish work experience strengthens your employment permit applications and future visa applications. Every month spent in a graduate-level role adds value to your profile.
Keep Your IRP Card Current
An expired IRP card can cause serious problems with employers and future immigration applications. Set a reminder well before your card's expiry date and renew online in good time.
Know Your Pay Rights
Ireland's minimum wage is €14.15 per hour (January 2026). Most graduate roles pay significantly more. Understanding your rights protects you and supports a clean immigration record.
Tip! Keep copies of all your employment records, payslips, and tax documents throughout your Stamp 1G period. You will need this documentation when you apply for an employment permit, Stamp 4, or Irish citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can travel outside Ireland while on Stamp 1G, as long as your IRP card is valid when you return. Non-EEA nationals from visa-required countries must also hold a valid Irish visa or re-entry visa to re-enter Ireland. Check whether your nationality requires a re-entry visa at irishimmigration.ie before you travel.
Yes. Stamp 1G is not tied to a specific employer. You can change jobs, take on a new role, or work for multiple employers at the same time during your Stamp 1G period. This is one of the key advantages of Stamp 1G over employment permit categories, which are generally linked to a single employer.
If your Stamp 1G expires and you have not secured an employment permit or changed to another valid immigration status, you will no longer have permission to remain in Ireland. Start your job search early in your Stamp 1G period and use your institution's careers service for support. If you are approaching your expiry date without a clear next step, contact an immigration adviser as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Third-level graduate Stamp 1G holders do not have automatic family reunification rights to sponsor family members. Spousal Stamp 1G permissions are granted to partners of Critical Skills Employment Permit holders, but student graduates cannot bring dependants under their graduate Stamp 1G. Family members must qualify for their own independent immigration permission to live, work, or study in Ireland.
No. Stamp 1G is only available to graduates of Irish institutions. Your award must be from a QQI-recognized Irish awarding body, and your programme must appear on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). A degree from another country, even if it is equivalent to QQI Level 8, does not qualify you for Stamp 1G. To access Stamp 1G, you must complete your qualifying degree at a recognized Irish institution while on a student immigration permission in Ireland.
Stamp 1G is one of the most practical reasons to study in Ireland. It gives you real time to build your career in one of Europe's most dynamic economies. Whether you are exploring Irish programmes or ready to apply, ApplyBoard can guide you toward a course that sets you up to graduate and thrive.
Find your Irish programme today
ApplyBoard connects you with top Irish universities and colleges. Get matched with programmes at QQI Level 8, 9, or 10 and take your first step toward Stamp 1G eligibility.