🇮🇪 Ireland Stamp 1G Visa Guide
Your complete guide to applying for Ireland's Stamp 1G graduate visa and starting your career
What is Stamp 1G?
Stamp 1G is Ireland's graduate visa specifically designed for international students who have completed their studies at an Irish-recognized institution. This visa allows graduates to remain in Ireland for up to 2 years to gain work experience, look for employment, or start their own business. It's a bridge between student life and longer-term residency in Ireland.
Perfect For:
- • Recent graduates from Irish institutions
- • Those wanting to gain Irish work experience
- • Students planning to start a business
- • Graduates seeking time to find suitable employment
Key Benefits:
- • 2 years to work and build experience
- • Full work rights without restrictions
- • Can bring spouse and children
- • Path to Stamp 4 (permanent residency)
📋 Eligibility Requirements
Academic Requirements
- ✓Irish DegreeCompleted degree at Irish-recognized institution (Level 8 or higher)
- ✓Recent GraduationGraduated within the last 12 months (some flexibility for extenuating circumstances)
- ✓Full-Time StudyCompleted at least 1 year of full-time study in Ireland
- ✓AttendanceMaintained 85% course attendance during studies
Financial & Other Requirements
- ✓Financial MeansProof of €10,000 for living expenses (bank statements, scholarship, etc.)
- ✓Health InsuranceValid private health insurance for Ireland
- ✓Valid passport and Stamp 2 (student visa) during studies
- ✓Clean RecordNo serious criminal convictions
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all Stamp 1G requirements:
- Graduated within 12 months
- Completed Level 8 qualification
- Have €10,000 financial proof
- Valid health insurance
Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documentation:
- University degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of financial means (€10,000)
- Health insurance certificate
- Passport and Stamp 2 copy
- Course attendance records
- Application form and fee (€300)
Submit Application
Apply through the Irish immigration system:
- Online application through immigration.ie
- Pay €300 application fee
- Upload all required documents
- Processing time: 8-12 weeks
Register and Receive Stamp
Complete the final steps:
- Register with Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)
- Receive Stamp 1G in your passport
- Update residence permit card if needed
- Begin working or studying
🎯 What You Can Do on Stamp 1G
Work Full-Time
Work unlimited hours in any job without restrictions
Study & Training
Pursue further education or professional training
Start a Business
Set up and run your own business in Ireland
Family Reunification
Bring spouse and unmarried children under 18
Travel Freely
Travel in and out of Ireland during visa validity
Apply for Stamp 4
After 2 years, apply for permanent residency
🔄 Stamp 1G vs Critical Skills Permit
Stamp 1G (Graduate Visa)
- ✓No job offer required
- ✓2 years to find work or start business
- ✓Full work rights without restrictions
- ✓Lower financial requirement (€10,000)
- ✗Must have graduated within 12 months
Critical Skills Permit
- ✓Higher salary threshold (€30,000+)
- ✓Job must be on Critical Skills list
- ✓Employer sponsorship required
- ✓Can lead to permanent residency faster
- ✗Requires specific job offer
🏠 Path to Permanent Residency
Stamp 1G
2 years on graduate visa
Stamp 4
Permanent residency after 2 years
Citizenship
Irish citizenship after 5 years total
Stamp 4 Requirements:
- • Continuous residence in Ireland for 2 years
- • Proof of employment or self-employment
- • Adequate housing and financial stability
- • Good conduct and no criminal convictions
- • Integration into Irish society
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Application Deadline: Must apply within 12 months of graduation
- • Financial Proof: €10,000 must be available for living expenses
- • Health Insurance: Must have valid private health insurance
- • Course Attendance: Must have maintained 85% attendance during studies
- • Extension: Stamp 1G cannot be extended beyond 2 years
- • Official Sources: Always check irishimmigration.ie for latest information
- • Processing Time: Applications can take 8-12 weeks to process
- • GNIB Registration: Must register with Garda National Immigration Bureau