After completing a Master's degree in Ireland, international students receive a 2-year Stamp 1G immigration permission — allowing full-time open work with any employer. No job offer needed. No employer sponsorship required. It's one of the most straightforward post-study work permissions in the world, and it's your bridge to long-term settlement in Ireland.
1. What Is Stamp 1G?
Stamp 1G is a type of immigration permission issued by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). It allows international graduates to stay in Ireland and work full-time while they search for skilled employment.
- Duration: 2 years for Level 9 graduates (Master's degree) / 1 year for Level 8 (Bachelor's)
- Work type: Open — any employer, any sector, full-time
- No sponsorship needed: Unlike the UK's Skilled Worker visa, you don't need employer sponsorship
- Renewable? No — Stamp 1G is a one-time permission. After 2 years, you need to transition to a work permit (Critical Skills or General Employment Permit)
2. Eligibility
- Completed a Level 9 qualification (Master's or Postgraduate Diploma) at a recognised Irish university or institute
- The programme must be at least 1 year in duration
- You must apply within 6 months of graduation
- You must have a valid passport and be registered with immigration (GNIB/IRP card)
3. What You Can Do on Stamp 1G
- Work full-time — 40 hours/week with any employer
- Change employers freely — no restrictions
- Multiple jobs — you can have more than one employer
- Professional jobs: You can work in your field of study or any other field
- What you cannot do: Access social welfare benefits or claim jobseeker's allowance
Earning potential: Ireland's minimum wage is €12.70/hour (2024). Most Master's graduates find jobs paying €30,000-45,000/year (~BDT 36-54 lakh/year). Tech roles in Dublin often start at €40,000-55,000.
4. How to Apply
Step 1: Complete your Master's degree and receive your academic transcript or award parchment.
Step 2: Book an appointment at your local immigration office (INIS Dublin or regional office).
Step 3: Bring: passport, graduation certificate, IRP card, proof of address, letter from your university confirming graduation.
Step 4: Pay the IRP renewal fee — €300.
Step 5: Your immigration permission is changed from Stamp 2 (student) to Stamp 1G (graduate).
The process is straightforward and typically completed in one appointment. There's no separate visa application — it's handled through your immigration registration.
5. Pathway from Stamp 1G to Permanent Residency
Stamp 1G is your stepping stone. Here's the typical pathway to Irish PR for Bangladeshi graduates:
- Year 1-2 (Stamp 1G): Find a skilled job with a qualifying employer
- Year 2: Transition to a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) or General Employment Permit (GEP)
- CSEP holders: After 2 years on CSEP, you get Stamp 4 — which gives you permission to live and work in Ireland without a work permit
- After 5 years total legal residence: Apply for long-term residence or citizenship
Critical Skills Employment Permit: This is the gold standard. Available for occupations on the Critical Skills list (IT, engineering, healthcare, science, finance). No labour market test needed, and it leads to Stamp 4 after just 2 years. Minimum salary: €38,000 (or €32,000 for occupations on the list).
6. FAQ
Can my spouse join me on Stamp 1G?
Spouse visa options for Stamp 1G holders are limited. Your spouse can apply for a separate visa but automatic dependent work rights are not guaranteed. Once you transition to a Critical Skills permit, dependent rights improve significantly.
What if I can't find a skilled job in 2 years?
You would need to transition to another visa type or leave Ireland. Starting your job search early (within the first few months of Stamp 1G) is essential. Use this time wisely — network, attend career fairs, and leverage your university's career services.
Is Stamp 1G the same as a work permit?
No. Stamp 1G is an immigration permission, not a formal work permit. The distinction matters because Stamp 1G doesn't require employer involvement — it's granted based on your graduation. A work permit (CSEP or GEP) is tied to a specific employer and job.
Can I change to Stamp 1G from any Irish university?
The programme must be from a recognised institution listed on the ILEP (Interim List of Eligible Programmes). All major Irish universities and most Institutes of Technology are on this list.