Ireland Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G): 2026 Guide
The Third Level Graduate Programme grants eligible graduates a Stamp 1G - permission to remain and work in Ireland for one to two years after completing a qualifying degree. It is the bridge from study to an employment permit, used to secure skilled work and transition to a CSEP or GEP.
Third Level Graduate Programme: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the Third Level Graduate Programme (Ireland).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Third Level Graduate Programme (Post-study work permission) |
| Avg. Processing Time | Registration on arrival (indicative) Months |
| Government Fees | INR EUR 300 IRP registration (INR 27,600 approx.) |
| English Language Min | Met via your Irish qualification |
| Visa Validity | 1 - 2 years (Stamp 1G) |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Work after study: remain and work in Ireland post-graduation.
- No permit needed initially: work under Stamp 1G without a separate employment permit.
- Bridge to a permit: secure skilled work and move to a CSEP or GEP.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Ireland visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Eligible qualification: Completion of a qualifying Irish award at the required level.
- 2Application timing: Apply within the permitted window after completing the course.
- 3Compliance: Maintain immigration compliance throughout study and graduate stay.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Confirm eligibility
Check your award qualifies and for how long.
Apply for Stamp 1G
Register for the Graduate Programme within the window.
Secure skilled employment
Use the period to find a role that supports an employment permit.
Transition to CSEP/GEP
Move onto the appropriate employment permit before Stamp 1G ends.
A degree in Dublin that became an employment permit Category: Student Visas | Visa: Study Visa (Stamp 2) → Stamp 1G
The Client: A 24-year-old wanted to study in Ireland and stay on to work, but needed a course that genuinely qualified for the graduate route.
The Challenge: Only certain qualifications unlock the Third Level Graduate Programme - the wrong course would leave her with no post-study work option.
How We Handled It: Selected an eligible programme aligned with Ireland's in-demand tech sector. Prepared a clean Stamp 2 file with enrolment, funds and insurance evidence. Mapped the route from graduation to Stamp 1G and a Critical Skills permit.
The Result: She completed her degree, moved onto a Stamp 1G, secured a qualifying tech role, and transitioned to a CSEP - converting study into a long-term residence track. **Why It Matters:** In Ireland, course choice decides whether the graduate route is open. Aligning study with eligible programmes and in-demand sectors turns a degree into an employment-permit pathway.
Verify Ireland immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
How long is the Third Level Graduate Programme permission?
Up to 24 months of Stamp 1G permission for holders of an eligible award at Level 8 or above - typically 12 months for a Level 8 honours degree and up to 24 months for a Level 9 master’s or Level 10 doctorate. It cannot extend beyond the graduate programme limit.
What can I do on a Stamp 1G under this programme?
You can work full-time (up to 40 hours a week) for any employer without a separate employment permit, and look for skilled work. It is the bridge to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit and, from there, to long-term residence in Ireland.
Who is eligible for the Third Level Graduate Programme?
Non-EEA graduates who have completed an eligible Irish higher-education award (generally Level 8 or above on the NFQ) and apply within the permitted window after their results. The qualification must be an eligible Irish award, so course choice matters from the start.
Does the graduate programme lead to a work permit?
Yes - that is its purpose. You use the Stamp 1G period to secure a qualifying job offer, then move onto a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit. The Critical Skills route then opens Stamp 4 residence after about 21 months.
How much does it cost to register on Stamp 1G?
There is no separate visa fee for the programme itself, but you pay the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registration fee of about EUR 300 (roughly INR 27,600) when you register your permission. Confirm the current fee at registration.
Check Your Ireland Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Third Level Graduate Programme visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.