Post-Study Work Visa in Ireland

Did you know Ireland is a top pick for international students looking to work after graduation? Over 62% of grads secure a Post-Study Work Visa in Ireland. If you are eyeing Ireland for your career growth, getting a post-study work visa in Ireland is the best choice for you.

Apart from its top-notch education system, Ireland is now a hotspot for careers among students worldwide. Many opt for a post-study work visa to enjoy Ireland’s perks like affordable living and a welcoming vibe. 

If you have just finished your studies in Ireland and want to stay and work, in this article we have covered all the details regarding a post-study work visa in Ireland. Keep reading to know more about it.

Why Should You Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in Ireland?

Before getting into the details of the post-study work visa in Ireland, let’s explore why international students are drawn to working here. Here are the key reasons:

1. Top Companies: Ireland hosts major players like Google, Apple, and Facebook, making it a hotbed for job opportunities. The well-structured work environment attracts businesses from around the globe.
2. Affordable Living: Ireland offers a reasonable cost of living. This makes it appealing for international students looking for work opportunities.
3. Career Growth: A post-study work visa opens opportunities to various career paths in Ireland. You can apply your skills in different industries because of the booming job market.
4. Work Experience: Working in Ireland under a post-study work visa provides valuable experience. It boosts your resume and makes you stand out in job searches.
5. Networking: Ireland’s dynamic business scene offers ample chances to connect with professionals across industries. This enhances your career prospects.
6. Language Advantage: Since English is widely spoken, non-EU students find it easy to navigate and communicate in Ireland.
7. Low Unemployment: Ireland boasts low unemployment rates, below 5%. This makes it a promising place to seek employment after studies.

What is a Third Level Graduate Scheme? 

If you have finished your studies in Ireland and want to stay for work, you can apply for the Third-Level Graduate Scheme. This allows you to seek employment or apply for work permits, green cards, or the Ireland PSW.

Under this scheme, postgraduate degree holders get a 2-year visa duration, while undergraduate degree holders get 3-4 years. Once you are notified by your institution that you have received your award, apply for the Third-Level Graduate Scheme six months in advance.

To qualify, you must follow these steps:

• You have a current Stamp 2 student visa and an updated immigration registration card.
• Your immigration permission should not exceed seven years. 
• You should have a good record of staying in Ireland. 
• You might need a letter from your institution confirming your award.
• You must follow all state laws and regulations. 

Post-Study Work Visa Options in Ireland 

If you are a graduate looking to work in Ireland, you have three main visa options: the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the General Employment Permit, and the Internship Employment Permit.

1. Critical Skills Employment Permit

If you are a graduate with skills that are in high demand in Ireland, you can apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit. To qualify, you need a job offer in a specific occupation and meet the salary requirement. The list of eligible jobs is updated regularly. This permit used to be called the green card. It has a fee of 1000 EUR.

a. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, you should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Your employer must be registered in Ireland
• You need to have a confirmed job offer for at least two years
• You should have worked with your current company for a minimum of 12 months
• Your job should pay at least 32,000 EUR 
• You must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

b. Documents Required

Here is what you need to provide for your work permit application:

• A copy of your passport showing your signature, photo, and personal details.
• A passport-sized photograph that meets Ireland’s requirements.
• A copy of your work contract.
• A copy of your immigration stamp.
• Contact information for someone your employer can reach out to if needed.
• Relevant license numbers, pins, and registration numbers for your company, as issued by Irish government bodies
• A copy of the letter of support from Enterprise Ireland or IDA.
• Details about your employer, such as their registration number, name, address, and any certificates they have from authorities.
• Information about your employment, like your job duties, salary, and how long you will be working there.

2. General Employment Permit

With the General Employment Permit, you can apply for any job except those on the ineligible list. You will typically work on a 12-month contract. This permit is more flexible than others, letting you work in various occupations. 

To qualify, your job offer must meet specific criteria, like salary requirements and following Irish employment laws. Initially, it is granted for 2 years and can be renewed for up to 3 more years. After 5 years, you can apply for long-term residency in Ireland. The permit costs 1000 EUR for 6-24 months and 500 EUR for 6 months or less.

a. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Internship Employment Permit, you should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Make sure the job you are applying for is not on the ineligible list.
• You will need to show your qualifications or experience based on what the labor market needs.
• Your salary must be at least 30,000 EUR per year 
•  If you graduated from a non-EEA school in the last 12 months, your salary must be 27,000 EUR

b. Documents Required

Here is what you need to provide for your work permit application:

• A copy of your passport with your signature, photo, and personal info.
• A passport-sized photo that meets Ireland’s requirements.
• A copy of your work contract.
• Attach a copy of your immigration stamp.
• Contact details of a person to reach out to.
• Relevant license, PIN, and registration number of the company issued by the Irish government 
• A letter of support from Enterprise Ireland or IDA.
• Registration number, name, address, and certificates of the employer from authorities.
• Employment details such as job duties, salary, and tenure.

3. Internship Employment Permit

If you are a full-time student in Ireland, you can apply for an internship employment permit. This permit allows you to work for a company and gain valuable work experience while studying. You can apply for an Ireland work permit after completing your master’s. The cost for this permit is 500 EUR for up to six months and 1000 EUR for 6 to 12 months. An internship visa in Ireland is valid for only 12 months and cannot be renewed.

a. Eligibility Requirements

Here are the requirements for getting an Internship Employment Permit in Ireland:

• Make sure your job is listed on the Critical Skills Employment List.
• Your pay should meet or exceed the national minimum wage.
• Your course of study should mainly focus on skills that are in short supply as listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• The job you take should help you improve the skills you learned during your studies.
• After finishing your internship, you will need to leave the country and return to your college to finish your education.

How to Apply for an Ireland Post-Study Work Visa?

When you are ready to apply for a work permit in Ireland after completing your master’s or bachelor’s, the first thing you need to do is decide which type of work permit you want. Once you have made that decision, the next step is to fill out the application form. You can easily complete the form online.

You will need to provide the following information on the work permit application form:

• Your personal details
• Registration information
• Details about your job
• Information about your salary
• Details about your nationality as a foreigner.

Documents Required for an Ireland Post-Study Work Visa?

When you are applying, you will need to upload specific documents along with the application form. These documents might include:

• Your valid passport
• Passport-sized photos
• A signed contract between you and your employer, including job details
• Contact information
• Registration details
• Employer information
• Details about your job
• A letter of support from Enterprise Ireland or IDA, if necessary.

How To Extend Your Stay in Ireland After Your Post-Study Work Visa? 

If you want to stay longer in Ireland after your post-study work visa ends, you have a few options to choose from. You can apply for a Stamp 1G visa, a Stamp 4 visa, or switch to a Stamp 1 visa. This depends on what you want to do and your situation.

1. Stamp 1G Visa

If you have landed a job or internship in Ireland after graduation, you can apply for a Stamp 1G visa. This visa lets you work and gain experience in the country. To qualify, you need to have finished a degree or higher education in Ireland.

2. Stamp 4 Visa

If you have been working in Ireland with a post-study work visa for a while, you might qualify for a Stamp 4 visa. This visa gives you full access to the job market in Ireland without needing a work permit. To get it, you need to have lived and worked in Ireland for a few years, usually four or more.

3. Stamp 1 Visa

If you have a job in Ireland that is in high demand and matches the Critical Skills Employment Permit list, you could qualify for a Stamp 1 visa. This visa allows you to work in Ireland without any restrictions. This can lead to long-term residency. To get the Stamp 1 visa, you need to meet specific criteria related to your job, experience, and salary.

To apply for any of these visa options, you will need to collect the required documents and submit your application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Before you apply, please make sure to carefully check the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category.

Visa Option	Eligibility Criteria	Application Process
Stamp 1G	Completed degree or above from an Irish higher education institution, job offer or internship	Apply to the INIS
Stamp 4	Spent time working under a post-study work visa, typically four years or more	Apply for Stamp 4 visa with the INIS
Stamp 1	Secured a job in Ireland under the Critical Skills Employment Permit category	Apply to the INIS, meet specific criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So, if you are thinking about starting your career in Ireland, getting a post-study work visa can be the best choice for you. It lets you stay and work there after you finish your studies. This gives you a chance to gain valuable experience and move up in your career.

So far in this article, we talked about why the post-study work visa in Ireland is such a big deal. It is not just about finding a job; it is also about growing your professional network and making connections worldwide. Ireland has tons of job opportunities. This makes it the perfect place to start your career journey.

If you are interested in starting your career in Ireland, start looking for job openings early, and make sure to use of all the resources available to help you find the right job. With some effort and sheer determination, you can make the most of your time in Ireland.