Stay Back Option for International Students in Ireland

1. Understanding Immigration Stamps in Ireland

Irish immigration permission is granted through residency stamps, each representing a specific legal status.

• Stamp 2 – Student permission (during studies)
• Stamp 1G – Post-Study Work permission (Third Level Graduate Programme)
• Stamp 1 – Employment-based permission (work permit holder)
• Stamp 4 – Long-term residence / permanent-type status

Stamp 1 is not issued at the study or PSW stage. It appears only after a graduate secures a qualifying job and employment permit. Stamp 1G acts as the bridge between education and Stamp 1 employment.

2. Stage One – Study in Ireland (Stamp 2)

International students are granted Stamp 2 while enrolled in a recognised Irish higher-education institution.

Important Note: Time spent on Stamp 2 does not count toward long-term residency or citizenship. It is purely a temporary educational status.

3. Stage Two – Post-Study Work (Stamp 1G)

After successful completion of a recognised Irish qualification, graduates may apply for Stamp 1G under the Third Level Graduate Programme (PSW).

Duration

• Bachelor's Degree (NFQ Level 8): Up to 12 months
• Master's Degree (NFQ Level 9): Up to 24 months

Purpose of Stamp 1G

Stamp 1G allows graduates to:

• Work full-time without an employment permit
• Gain Irish professional experience
• Secure a skilled job leading to an employment permit

Stamp 1G is temporary and non-renewable beyond the allowed period. Its sole objective is to facilitate transition to Stamp 1.

4. Transition from Stamp 1G to Stamp 1

Stamp 1G does not automatically convert to Stamp 1. The transition occurs only after securing a qualifying job offer and an approved employment permit.

5. Stage Three – Stamp 1 (Employment Permit Holder)

Once an employment permit is approved, the graduate registers and receives Stamp 1.

There are two main employment permit routes:

A. Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

This is the preferred and fastest route to long-term residency.

Eligibility

• Job listed on Ireland's Critical Skills Occupation List
• Minimum salary usually between €38,000 – €64,000+, depending on role

Advantages

• No labour market needs test
• Faster path to Stamp 4 (after 2 years)
• Immediate family reunification eligibility
• High job security and career stability

B. General Employment Permit (GEP)

This route applies to occupations not on the Critical Skills list.

Eligibility

• Labour market needs test required
• Minimum salary typically €30,000 – €39,000+

Features

• Renewable employment permission
• Can later transition to Critical Skills if eligible
• Longer route to Stamp 4

6. Advantages of Stamp 1

Stamp 1 allows:

• Full-time professional employment
• Legal residence based on employment
• Career progression and employer mobility (after conditions met)
• Progression toward permanent residency

Time spent on Stamp 1 counts toward long-term residency and citizenship.

7. Stage Four – Stamp 4 (Long-Term Residency)

Stamp 4 is a permanent-type residence permission that removes the need for employment permits.

Eligibility Timeline

• After 2 years on Stamp 1 (Critical Skills route)
• After 5 years on Stamp 1 (General Employment route)

Rights Under Stamp 4

• Work without a permit
• Start a business
• Sponsor family members
• Live in Ireland without employment restrictions

Stamp 4 represents settled status in Ireland.

8. Long-Term Residency Calculation

What Counts

• Stamp 1G
• Stamp 1
• Stamp 4

What Does Not Count

• Stamp 2 (student years)

A minimum of 5 years of reckonable residence is required for long-term residence and citizenship eligibility.

9. Stage Five – Irish Citizenship & Passport

After completing the required period of legal residence, an individual may apply for Irish Naturalisation.

Citizenship Requirements

• 5 years of legal, reckonable residence
• At least 1 continuous year immediately before application
• Good character and lawful conduct
• Compliance with immigration and tax laws

Outcome

Upon approval:

• Irish citizenship granted
• Eligibility for Irish passport
• Full EU rights and freedoms

11. Do's and Don'ts of the Route

Do's

• Maintain continuous legal status
• Apply for permit renewals on time
• Keep employment contracts and tax records
• Remain in full-time lawful employment
• Comply with immigration conditions

Don'ts

• Overstay visa permissions
• Work without proper authorization
• Remain unemployed for extended periods
• Change employers without approval
• Provide incorrect information to immigration authorities

12. Final Summary

Ireland provides a clear, lawful, and progressive pathway for international students:

Study → Stamp 1G → Stamp 1 → Stamp 4 → Permanent Residency → Irish Citizenship

Stamp 1 is introduced only after PSW, and Stamp 4 marks long-term settlement. With proper compliance, planning, and employment, students can move from education to permanent residence and citizenship in a structured manner.