Are you studying in Ireland on a Stamp 2 student visa and wondering how to transition into full‑time work? This comprehensive guide helps you understand the process—from graduation to securing an employment permit, changing your immigration stamp, and avoiding common pitfalls. Provided by Ireland Work Permits—for expert assistance, you can contact us on 053 910 0014 or via our Contact Us page.
Understanding Your Current Student Status (Stamp 2)
As a non‑EEA student with Stamp 2, you’re allowed limited work rights:
- 20 hours/week during term time, and up to 40 hours/week in holiday months (e.g. June–September, mid‑December to mi d‑January).
- You must be enrolled in a recognised full‑time programme (NFQ Level 7+ for at least 15 hours/day over 25 weeks/year).
- Casual work and paid internships are allowed if part of your degree programme, subject to specific internship rules.
Your stamp remains valid until expiry—but it does not grant full work‑permit rights.
Post‑Study Options: Stamp 1G Graduate Scheme
On successful completion of your degree, you’re eligible for the Third Level Graduate Scheme—commonly referred to as Stamp 1G:
- Open to graduates with a Level 8 (honours bachelor’s) or Level 9 (master’s/PG diploma) through certain recognised Irish institutions.
- Allows full‑time work (40 hours/week) for up to 12 months (Level 8) or 24 months (Level 9+), not renewable beyond scheme limits (max 7–8 years total residency).
While useful for gainful employment, Stamp 1G does not replace a proper employment permit once connected to a sponsor—critical for long‑term work.
Secure a Job Offer That Qualifies for an Employment Permit
To switch from study to full‑time work via a permit, you must secure a job offer from an Irish employer that sponsors your permit application:
- For high‑skilled roles, consider the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which requires inclusion on the published Critical Skills Occupations List, meeting salary thresholds (e.g. €38,000+ with degree or €64,000+ without), and a minimum two‑year contract.
- For roles not on the Critical Skills list, they may qualify under the General Employment Permit, provided the position is eligible and the employer completes the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT).
Good news: you can apply for these permits while in Ireland under Stamp 2 or Stamp 1G, as long as you hold a valid IRP card.
Submitting the Employment Permit Application
Use the Online System
Applications must be submitted via the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS), jointly by employer and employee. Follow checklists closely and ensure your documentation is accurate—mismatches are a common cause of rejection or delay.
Observe Application Deadlines
You must submit the complete application at least 12 weeks before the proposed start date. Incomplete drafts are deleted after 28 days—so coordinating submission promptly after starting prevents data loss.
LMNT Requirements (for General Permits)
If applying under the General route, your employer must advertise the position for at least 28 days on JobsIreland, EURES, and another platform, and retain proof as part of the submission.
Immigration Stamp Change: Stamp 2 → Stamp 1
Once the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment issues your employment permit, you must change your immigration status:
- Schedule an appointment at your GNIB / ISD immigration registration office.
- Bring your permit grant letter, IRP card, passport, and employment contract.
- You’ll receive Stamp 1, which authorises full‑time employment according to your permit type.
If your GNIB/IRP is close to expiry, renew it before switching stamps to avoid unlawful stay gaps.
Timing & Immigration Strategy Tips
You Can Apply Before Graduation in Certain Cases
If your study end‑date is approaching but you already have a qualifying job offer in a critical skills role, you may apply before completing your programme. Once the permit is granted, you can immediately switch to Stamp 1—even before completing your course, although this might complicate study-based status.
Don’t Interrupt Your IRP Legally
An application for Stamp 1 does not automatically extend Stamp 2 status. Keep track of expiry dates—if your IRP lapses, you could breach immigration conditions.
Visa Considerations on Entry
Non‑EEA nationals with a Stamp 2 (student visa) hold the relevant long stay visa. When switching to a Stamp 1 tied to a permit, there’s no need for a fresh visa if you remain inside Ireland—but travel outside before stamp change may require a valid re-entry visa.
What If Your Job Requires a Visa-Required Nationality?
If your nationality requires an Irish visa to enter or return, then:
- Initially travel on your student D-visa, tied to Stamp 2.
- After permit approval, for outside travel you may need a new long-stay employment D-visa tied to your permit.
- To avoid disruption, organise any return travel or new visa applications once your permit is granted—but within a valid visa window.
Applying for Stamp 1 Post-Permit: The Process
When attending your IRP/GNIB appointment to switch:
- Show your permit grant, employment contract, passport, and existing IRP.
- Your Stamp 1 will be issued for the duration of the employment permit.
- Ensure your employer retains compliant salary, job description, and workplace details aligned with the permit.
Once Stamp 1 is valid, you may cease using Stamp 2 or Stamp 1G for legal work.
After Switching: Next Steps & Long‑Term Residency
Renewal & Visa Pathways
Depending on your permit type:
- Critical Skills permit holders can apply for Stamp 4 (permanent residence permission) after two years of full-time work, gaining unrestricted employment rights.
- General permit holders may renew for a total of up to five years before becoming eligible for Stamp 4, provided they satisfy residence criteria.
Employment Flexibility
- Stamp 1 tied to a Critical Skills permit allows job changes after nine months (if meeting criteria).
- General permit holders must apply for new permits with each change of employer or role.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
| Pitfall | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Applying too late or incomplete in EPOS | Submit at least 12 weeks before start, check every field thoroughly. |
| Ignoring LMNT rules | Ensure proper advertisement length and platforms. |
| Working full-time before permit approval | Only legally allowable under Stamp 1 or Stamp 4. |
| Letting IRP expire mid-transfer | Renew IRP early; maintain valid status. |
| Assuming Stamp 1G suffices | It’s temporary and not a replacement for employment permits. |
| Travel before switching stamps | Risk visa/immigration complications if Stamp 1 not yet granted. |
Final Step-by‑Step Summary
- Complete your programme and graduate under Stamp 2.
- (If eligible) get Stamp 1G under Third Level Graduate Scheme.
- Secure a job offer that qualifies for a Critical Skills or General permit.
- Submit your Employment Permit application via EPOS (employer+employee).
- Once permit is granted, attend GNIB/IRP office with all documentation.
- Change your immigration stamp to Stamp 1 tied to your employment permit.
- Register with GNIB/IRP and begin work legally.
- Plan renewals or apply for Stamp 4 for long‑term residence when eligible.
How Ireland Work Permits Can Help You
At Ireland Work Permits, we guide international students through:
- Understanding your current stamp and pathway options.
- Securing the right employment offer and permit type.
- Preparing and submitting EPOS applications accurately.
- Coordinating your GNIB/IRP appointment and stamp change.
- Planning renewals and transition to Stamp 4 or long‑term residency.
If you’d like someone experienced in employment permit transitions to manage the process, contact us on 053 910 0014.
Conclusion
Switching from a student visa (Stamp 2/ 1G) to a work-permit-backed Stamp 1 in Ireland is entirely possible—and many students successfully do it every year. Understanding eligibility criteria, timing your application properly, and following immigration rules closely are key to a smooth transition. With expert support, you can avoid delays, maintain lawful status, and confidently embark on your career in Ireland.
Need tailored advice or assistance preparing your permit application and immigration transition? We’re here for you. Contact us at 053 910 0014 or through our Contact Us page to get started.
