Key Facts — Third Level Graduate Scheme
- Stamp 1G gives Masters graduates 12 months to find work (24 months for PhD)
- Work up to 40 hours/week with any employer — no restriction on sector
- Register at your local IRP office within 30 days of graduating
- Leads to Critical Skills Employment Permit → Stamp 4 → Permanent Residence
- Apply before your Stamp 2 (student permission) expires
After completing your Masters in Ireland, you do not have to leave immediately. The Third Level Graduate Scheme (TLGS) grants you a Stamp 1G immigration permission — a post-study work right that lets you stay in Ireland and search for graduate employment. This guide explains eligibility, the application process, work rights, and how Stamp 1G leads to long-term residence.
What Is the Third Level Graduate Scheme?
The TLGS was introduced by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) to allow graduates of Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland after completing their studies. It is not a work permit — it is a change of immigration permission from Stamp 2 (student) to Stamp 1G (graduate).
Stamp 1G is the bridge between student life and working life in Ireland. It gives you time to attend interviews, negotiate offers, and secure the right employment permit before committing to an employer.
Who Is Eligible?
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree level | Level 8 (Honours Bachelor), Level 9 (Masters), or Level 10 (PhD) on the Irish NFQ |
| Institution type | Irish third-level institution (university, IoT, private college with degree-awarding powers) |
| Study duration | Full-time student in Ireland for at least 1 academic year |
| Current status | Must hold valid Stamp 2 (student permission) at time of application |
| Criminal record | No criminal convictions in Ireland or home country |
NFQ Level matters: A 3-year Bachelor degree from India is often mapped to NFQ Level 7 (Ordinary Bachelor). If your Irish qualification is NFQ Level 8 or above, you are eligible. Confirm your award level on your degree parchment or from your university's awards office.
Duration of Stamp 1G
| Degree Level | Initial Grant | Extension Available | Maximum Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 9 Masters | 12 months | 6 months (one-time) | 18 months |
| Level 10 PhD | 24 months | Not available | 24 months |
| Level 8 Honours Bachelor | 12 months | 6 months (one-time) | 18 months |
What Can You Do on Stamp 1G?
| Activity | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work full-time (any employer) | Yes | Up to 40 hours per week |
| Work multiple jobs | Yes | No restriction on number of employers |
| Work in any sector | Yes | Tech, pharma, finance, retail — all permitted |
| Self-employment / freelance | No | Requires separate business permission |
| Travel outside Ireland | Yes* | Re-entry requires valid Stamp 1G card + valid passport |
| Bring dependants | No | Dependant rights not attached to Stamp 1G |
| Access public funds | No | No social welfare entitlement |
| Switch to employment permit | Yes | Main purpose — secure CSEP or GP within validity period |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Stamp 1G
1
Collect your graduation documents
Obtain your award letter or parchment from your university and a separate letter confirming your final exams are complete. Check your current IRP card expiry date — you must apply before it expires.
2
Book an IRP appointment (Dublin) or walk in (other counties)
Dublin residents must book online at RegistrationOffice.ie — appointments fill up fast, so book 4–6 weeks before your Stamp 2 expires. Outside Dublin, visit your local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) office directly.
3
Attend IRP registration with all documents
Bring: valid passport, current IRP card, award letter/parchment, letter from college confirming course completion, one passport photo, and the registration fee of €300. Pay by card — cash is not accepted in Dublin.
4
Receive your new IRP card stamped with 1G
Dublin: your new IRP card is posted within 5–10 working days. Outside Dublin: you receive the card at the counter immediately. The card shows "Stamp 1G" and your expiry date.
5
Job search and secure an employment permit
Use your Stamp 1G period to find a qualifying graduate role. Your employer will apply for your Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP). The permit must be secured before Stamp 1G expires.
Timing is critical: You must register for Stamp 1G before your Stamp 2 expires. If your student permission lapses, you will be out of status and may need to leave Ireland. Book your IRP appointment as soon as your exam results are confirmed — do not wait for the official parchment.
Documents Required at IRP Registration
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Original — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond Stamp 1G expiry |
| Current IRP card | Your existing Stamp 2 card |
| Award letter / parchment | From your Irish university — confirms degree level and classification |
| College completion letter | Confirms you have completed all course requirements |
| Passport photo | One recent passport-sized photograph |
| Registration fee | €300 — credit/debit card in Dublin; cash or card outside Dublin |
Extending Your Stamp 1G
If you have not found qualifying employment after 12 months, you can apply for a 6-month extension — one-time only. After 18 months total, no further extension is available.
To apply for the extension at the IRP office, bring:
- Evidence of active job search (emails from employers, interview records, applications submitted)
- Proof of lawful residence in Ireland (rent receipts, utility bills)
- Original passport and current Stamp 1G card
- Registration fee: €300
Extensions are discretionary: Officers may ask for detailed evidence of your job search. The strongest applications show active, targeted applications in your field of study — not generic blanket applications.
Pathway: Stamp 1G to Permanent Residence
1
Study
Stamp 2
1–2 yr Masters
2
Graduate
Stamp 1G
12–18 months
3
Work Permit
CSEP
2-yr Critical Skills
4
Long-term
Stamp 4
Work without permit
5
Citizen
Naturalisation
After 5 yrs residence
Critical Skills Employment Permit — Key Facts
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) is the primary route from Stamp 1G to long-term residence. It is designed for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) — which covers most roles in tech, engineering, science, finance, and healthcare.
| CSEP Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum annual salary | €38,000 (occupation on CSOL) or €64,000 (not on CSOL) |
| Initial permit duration | 2 years |
| Renewal | 3 years (after initial 2 years) |
| Stamp 4 eligibility | After 21 months on CSEP (not after 2 full years) |
| Dependant work rights | Immediate — dependants get unrestricted work permission from day 1 |
| Who applies for the permit? | The employer applies on behalf of the employee |
| Processing time | ~4 weeks (standard); ~1 week (priority — additional fee) |
| Labour market test required? | No — unlike the General Employment Permit, no market test needed |
Top Sectors Hiring Indian Masters Graduates in Ireland
| Sector | Typical Roles | CSEP Eligible? | Avg. Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Software Engineer, Data Scientist, DevOps, Cloud | Yes | €45,000–€60,000 |
| Pharma / MedTech | Validation Engineer, QA, Regulatory Affairs | Yes | €40,000–€55,000 |
| Finance / Fintech | Risk Analyst, Quant, Compliance, AML | Yes | €42,000–€58,000 |
| Data & AI | ML Engineer, AI Researcher, Analytics Engineer | Yes | €50,000–€70,000 |
| Engineering | Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical | Yes | €38,000–€52,000 |
| Hospitality / Retail | Various roles | No* | €30,000–€35,000 |
*Hospitality and retail roles are generally not on the CSOL. They may qualify for a General Employment Permit but require a labour market test and offer fewer long-term benefits.
Common Mistakes Indian Graduates Make
- Waiting until graduation to start applying: Start reaching out to employers in your final semester. Many graduate roles close months before their start date.
- Applying for roles below €38,000: If the salary is below the CSEP threshold, you cannot get the permit. Negotiate upward or look for higher-grade roles.
- Not knowing their CSOL occupation code: Confirm your job title maps to an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List before accepting an offer.
- Letting Stamp 2 expire: If your Stamp 2 expires before you register for Stamp 1G, you lose lawful permission to remain in Ireland.
- Accepting informal work: Taking cash-in-hand work from employers who cannot sponsor a permit is illegal and risks deportation and a future Irish visa ban.
- Assuming the extension is automatic: The 6-month extension must be applied for and can be refused. Do not plan your finances assuming you will always get 18 months.
Need Help Navigating Post-Study Work in Ireland?
Our advisors specialise in post-graduation pathways for Indian students — from Stamp 1G registration to CSEP applications.
Chat on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
How long does the Third Level Graduate Scheme permission last?
Stamp 1G is granted for 12 months for Masters graduates and 24 months for PhD graduates. Masters students can apply for one 6-month extension, giving up to 18 months total.
Can I work full-time on Stamp 1G?
Yes. Unlike your student permission (Stamp 2, capped at 20 hrs/week during term), Stamp 1G allows unrestricted work — up to 40 hours per week with any employer in any sector.
What is the minimum salary needed for a Critical Skills Employment Permit?
As of 2026, the minimum salary for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is €38,000 per year for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List, or €64,000 for occupations not on the list.
Can I bring my family to Ireland on Stamp 1G?
No. Stamp 1G does not carry dependant rights. Family members cannot join you under this permission. Once you obtain a CSEP or Stamp 4, you can apply to bring dependants — and CSEP dependants get immediate unrestricted work permission.
What if I cannot find a job within the Stamp 1G period?
You must leave Ireland when Stamp 1G expires. There is no general extension beyond 18 months for Masters graduates. Plan your job search from your final semester — do not wait until after graduation.
Does time on Stamp 1G count toward Irish citizenship?
Yes, time on Stamp 1G counts as reckonable residence for naturalization. You need 5 years of continuous lawful residence with at least 1 of the last 2 years being continuous before you can apply for Irish citizenship.