Stamp 1G post-study — Third Level Graduate Programme

Build a Stamp 1G strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] graduating from [INSTITUTION] with [PROGRAM_COMPLETED] (NFQ Level [NFQ_LEVEL]).

§1 — THIRD LEVEL GRADUATE PROGRAMME (90-110 words)
Operational policy by Department of Justice (Immigration Service Delivery, ISD). Pathway for non-EU students who completed a qualifying programme in Ireland to remain + work without an Employment Permit. Stamp 1G permission categories:
  • NFQ Level 8 honours bachelor's: 12 months
  • NFQ Level 9 master's: 24 months (recently extended from 12 months for STEM + later all Level 9s)
  • NFQ Level 10 PhD: 24 months
  • NFQ Level 7 ordinary bachelor's: NOT eligible
Open work — no employer sponsorship, no occupation list restriction. Strong bridge to Critical Skills Employment Permit / General Employment Permit + eventual Stamp 4 long-term residency.

§2 — ELIGIBILITY (90-110 words)
[CLIENT_NAME] qualifies if:
  • Completed [PROGRAM_COMPLETED] at NFQ Level [NFQ_LEVEL] at [INSTITUTION] (ILEP-listed)
  • Programme was full-time + at least 1 academic year
  • Achieved required academic standard (pass, honours)
  • Application made within 6 months of formal graduation OR earlier on confirmation of results
  • Held valid Stamp 2 during studies
  • Character requirements met
For Indian-cohort: NFQ Level 9 master's = 24 months Stamp 1G is the most common path.

§3 — APPLICATION PROCESS (90-110 words)
  • Apply at Immigration Office (Burgh Quay for Dublin) OR regional GNIB station
  • Online appointment booking via ISD portal
  • Documents:
    - Existing IRP card + passport
    - Letter from [INSTITUTION] confirming completion + degree level
    - Transcript / provisional results
    - Formal graduation certificate (or letter if grad ceremony pending)
    - PPS number
    - Proof of address (utility bill / tenancy)
    - Registration fee EUR 300
  • Processing: 1-2 weeks for endorsement
  • Outcome: Stamp 1G stamped on IRP card; new IRP issued

§4 — WORK + STUDY UNDER STAMP 1G (90-110 words)
Stamp 1G permits:
  • Full-time work at any Irish employer
  • Any occupation (no occupation list restriction)
  • Self-employment subject to Revenue + business registration
  • Limited additional study (CPD-style courses, top-up qualifications)
  • Travel in/out of Ireland during validity

After job offer:
  • Transition to Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) for salary EUR 38,000+/SOL occupation
  • OR General Employment Permit (GEP) for salary EUR 30,000+/non-SOL occupation
  • Conversion at Department of Enterprise (DETE) — separate process from Stamp permission renewal at ISD

Indian-cohort common occupations for transition: software engineer, data scientist, finance professional, healthcare worker.

§5 — TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (80-100 words)
Stamp 1G is a temporary permission. After job offer secured:
  • Employer applies for CSEP (Critical Skills Employment Permit) — salary EUR 38,000+/Critical Skills Occupations List (SOL) OR EUR 64,000+ regardless of occupation
  • OR GEP (General Employment Permit) — salary EUR 30,000+/non-CSOL occupation; labour market test required
  • CSEP holders → Stamp 1 permission + fast-track to Stamp 4 after 24 months
  • GEP holders → Stamp 1 permission + Stamp 4 after 5 years legal residence
  • Apply at Department of Enterprise Trade + Employment (DETE) online
  • Fee EUR 1,000 (CSEP 2-year), EUR 500 (GEP 6-month)

§6 — INDIAN-COHORT REALITY (60-80 words)
Stamp 1G grant rates: high (95%+) for completed qualifying graduates. Common patterns:
  • TCD / UCD master's IT → secure software role within 3-6 months → CSEP
  • Healthcare graduates (nursing, allied health): immediate job offers + CSEP
  • Business / finance master's: 6-9 months job search; mostly GEP transitions
  • PhD graduates: highest CSEP success rates + academic research permits
Plan Stamp 4 application from day 1 of CSEP grant.

End with: "DRAFT STAMP 1G STRATEGY — for review by Irish solicitor familiar with employment + immigration law. Stamp 1G has no extension mechanism beyond initial 12/24 months; transition to CSEP/GEP before expiry. Verify NFQ Level eligibility + ILEP listing at irishimmigration.ie."