Stayback Visa - Stamp 1G

Students from outside the EU/EEA who have previously registered with Irish Immigration Service for the Stamp 2 permission must apply for their Stamp 1G through the online renewal portal.

You will be requested to pay a €300 registration fee and will need copies of the following documents when submitting your first time Stamp 1G application:

• Valid passport 
• IRP card indicating the Stamp 2 permission
• Academic Transcript. To produce this document please see visit the Academic Transcript page for instructions. 
• Proof of your private medical insurance. Insurance must be sourced in Ireland and cover accidents & medical incidents including hospital stays for the duration of your residence. Travel insurance is not sufficient for renewal.

While the rules allow for production of the degree scroll awarded on graduation, as UCD awarding ceremonies usually take place some months after your immigration permission expires, it is recommended that you avail of the TLGS on receipt of your official results.

If the application is successful a new IRP card will be posted to the address provided. There is no requirement for the applicant to attend the Burgh Quay office in person. Processing times are usually 3-5 weeks during which students must obey the working conditions of their previous Stamp 2 permission.

Non-EEA who graduated with an award at Level 9 or above (e.g. masters or PhD courses) can avail of the Stamp 1G permission for twenty-four months. 

Initially you will be granted the Stamp 1G permission for 12 months, and will then be able to apply for one renewal for another 12 month permission.

The renewal application is also processed through the online renewal portal and applicants should satisfy the immigration authorities that they have taken appropriate steps to access suitable graduate level employment (e.g. attendance at job interviews, signing up with graduate employment agencies, emails confirming job application was received, booking interviews, interview feedback, etc.).

Please note that the online renewal system will be available to international students who are resident in Dublin and currently in Ireland.  Applications cannot be made if a person is outside of Ireland. 

Revised immigration arrangements, for Ireland's stayback visa, Stamp 1G or the Third Level Graduate Programme, were introduced on 31 May 2017.

For full details see the policy document.

• The applicant must hold a current Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an up-to-date immigration registration card, and must apply within six months of obtaining their degree.
• They must not have already exceeded the seven year limit to remain in Ireland as a non-EU/EEA student
•  Graduates who have previously obtained the Third Level Graduate Programme can, on achieving a higher level award (Level 8 to Level 9), apply for the TLGP again, subject to an 8 year limit on remaining in Ireland.
• A graduate is not permitted to access the TLGP on more than two separate occasions.
• Applications for the TLGP will not be accepted from persons whose permission to be in the State has lapsed.
• Employers are permitted to hire graduates, who have obtained the TLGP, for up to 40 hours per week.

Persons qualifying for Stamp 1G permission of up to twelve months

Graduates with an award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications will be granted a twelve-month permission to a maximum of seven years' student permission overall. This applies mostly to undergraduate students.

Persons qualifying for Stamp 1G permission of up to twenty-four months

Graduates with an award at Level 9 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications qualify for the Programme will be granted permission for twenty-four months to a maximum of eight years’ student permission. This applies mostly to master’s and PhD students.

Please note: Graduates will be granted permission for twelve months initially. This will be renewed for a further period of twelve months where the graduate satisfies the immigration authorities that they have taken appropriate steps to access suitable graduate level employment (e.g. attendance at job interviews, signing up with graduate employment agencies, etc.).

• What is the Third Level Graduate Programme?

The Third Level Graduate Programme is a programme that allows non-EEA graduates holding an award of a recognised Irish awarding body to remain in Ireland after their studies. This is for the purpose of seeking graduate level employment and applying for either a general employment permit, a critical skills employment permit or a research hosting agreement.

• What is the Stamp 1G permission?

Stamp 1G is the immigration permission given to a non-EEA student who is availing of the Third Level Graduate Programme.

• Who can apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme? 

Non-EEA national graduates who have completed their studies in Ireland and have been awarded a degree Level 8 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications by a recognised Irish awarding body while holding a valid Stamp 2 permission. 

• What documents are required for the application?

Non-/EEA students residing in the Dublin area must apply for their Stamp 1G through the online renewal portal. The below documents must then be uploaded to the system:

1. Valid passport 
2. IRP card indicating the Stamp 2 permission
3. Academic Transcript. To produce this document please see visit the Academic Transcript page for instructions. 
4. Proof of your private medical insurance. Insurance must be sourced in Ireland and cover accidents & medical incidents including hospital stays for the duration of your residence. Travel insurance is not sufficient for renewal.

While the rules allow for production of the degree scroll awarded on graduation, as UCD awarding ceremonies usually take place some months after your immigration permission expires, it is recommended that you avail of the programme on receipt of your official results (academic transcript).

• Do I have to pay any fee to apply?

You will be requested to pay a €300 registration fee.

• What should I expect after I apply?

Once you have submitted your application, you should receive a confirmation email from the Immigration Service Delivery. Your application will join a queue and be reviewed soon. Processing time typically varies between 3 - 5 weeks. If the application is successful a new IRP card will be posted to the address provided. There is no requirement for the applicant to attend the Burgh Quay office in person. Please note that while your application is being processed you continue availing of the conditions of your Stamp 2 permission.

• Can I work full time once I submit my application to avail of the Third Level Graduate Programme?

No, you cannot. While the application is being processed, you continue enjoying the rights and conditions of your Stamp 2 permission, including its limited working rights. Please visit our Working in Ireland page for further information.

• I have finished my Masters degree while holding a Stamp 4 permission due to family reasons. Can I avail of the Third Level Graduate programme?

No, you cannot. You must hold a valid Stamp 2 permission in order to qualify for the programme.

• I graduated from UCD last year and started working on a  6 months contract with a General Employment Permit. Now that my contract is over can I apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme?

No, you cannot. You must hold a valid Stamp 2 permission in order to qualify for the programme.

• Can I apply for the programme while I am abroad?

No, you cannot. Only graduates who are physically in Ireland can apply. 

• How long after finishing my course can I still apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme?

It is advisable that UCD students apply within six months from the date their academic transcript is released.

• Can I work for any Employer once I have been issued with the Stamp 1G permission?

Yes, you can work full time for any Employer, there is no limitation of type of work and no further permissions are required. Employers do not need to sponsor Stamp 1G holders either.

• Can I start my own business while I am in Ireland on a Stamp 1G permission?

No, you cannot. During the period of permission granted under the Programme graduates are permitted to work full time in accordance with employment law provisions but are not permitted to operate a business or be self-employed. 

• Can I have dependents in the country while I am holding Stamp 1G permission?

Only those students who have finished PhD courses in Ireland can apply to keep their  dependents in the country.

• How long can I avail of the programme?

Graduates with an award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications will be granted a twelve-month permission to a maximum of seven years' student permission overall. This applies mostly to undergraduate students.

Graduates with an award at Level 9 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications qualify for the Programme will be granted permission for twenty-four months to a maximum of eight years’ student permission. This applies mostly to master’s and PhD students.

Please note: Graduates will be granted permission for twelve months initially. This will be renewed for a further period of twelve months where the graduate satisfies the immigration authorities that they have taken appropriate steps to access suitable graduate level employment (e.g. attendance at job interviews, signing up with graduate employment agencies, etc.).

• Can I change Stamp 1G permission to Stamp 1 permission?

Yes, it's possible to change from stamp 1G to Stamp 1 permission once the graduate is sponsored by an Employer through an employment permit or hosting agreement.

Last update on 21st April 2023

Working in Ireland