TL;DR — The Irish Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) grants 24 months of post-study work rights to Master graduates and 12 months to Bachelor / Higher Diploma graduates. The typical next step is a Critical Skills Employment Permit, which is a defined pathway to long-term residence.
Ireland is a strong option for Nepali students in ICT, healthcare, engineering and pharma. The Stamp 1G graduate programme opens a defined window to find qualifying work and transition to the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
What Stamp 1G is
- Immigration permission granted after completion of an eligible programme at an Irish higher education institution.
- 24 months for a Master (NFQ Level 9) or PhD; 12 months for a Bachelor / Higher Diploma (NFQ Level 8).
- Full open work rights during the permission period.
Eligibility
- Graduate of an eligible programme at a recognised Irish higher education provider.
- Programme listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
- Passport valid for the duration of the Stamp 1G period plus buffer.
- Registered with Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) within the required timeframe after graduation.
Application process
- Receive graduation confirmation from the Irish institution.
- Apply for Stamp 1G registration at the Immigration Registration Office (Burgh Quay in Dublin or local Garda Bureau).
- Pay the registration fee.
- Receive the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card with Stamp 1G endorsement.
Transition to Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Secure a job offer in an eligible occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
- Meet the salary threshold set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
- Apply through the Employment Permit Online System.
- Critical Skills Permit holders can apply for family reunification and are on a defined path to long-term residence.
Key takeaways
- Stamp 1G: 24 months (Master or PhD) or 12 months (Bachelor / Higher Diploma).
- Requires programme on the eligible list.
- Critical Skills Employment Permit is the standard next step for eligible occupations.
- Family reunification available under Critical Skills.
- Register with ISD within the required timeframe after graduation.
Important: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or migration advice. Rules, fees, salary thresholds and eligibility criteria change; verify current guidance on the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment websites, and speak to The Next Education counsellors before taking any action based on this content.
Related resources
See our Study in Ireland hub and Affordable education in Ireland.