How to Settle

The Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) allows graduates of Irish higher education to stay back and work — 1 year for Level 8 (Honours Bachelor) graduates and 2 years for Level 9 (Master) and Level 10 (PhD) graduates. No employer sponsorship required during this period — you can work full-time for any Irish employer. The application is via Immigration Service Delivery (formerly INIS) once your final transcripts are issued. EEC walks you through the Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G transition.

Yes — Ireland offers multiple pathways to long-term residence. The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) requires €40,904+ salary for roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List (or €68,911+ for standard occupations, effective 1 March 2026) and qualifies you for Stamp 4 (permanent-like) after just 2 years. The General Employment Permit requires 5 years to qualify for Stamp 4. Stamp 4 grants you free movement in the labour market, family rights, and is a stepping stone to citizenship. EEC counsellors plan your job hunt during Stamp 1G to maximise CSEP-eligible offers.

The Critical Skills Occupations List includes most IT and software roles (software engineers, DevOps, data scientists, cybersecurity), engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil), healthcare (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, allied health), finance and accounting (CFA, ACCA), and select scientific research roles. From 1 March 2026, the minimum annual remuneration is €40,904 for Critical Skills Occupations List roles (with a relevant degree) and €68,911 for standard occupations. CSEP gives fast-track to Stamp 4 (after 2 years) and spouse work rights immediately. EEC helps you target CSEP-eligible employers from day one.

Stamp 4 is granted after: 2 years on a Critical Skills Employment Permit, 5 years on a General Employment Permit, marriage to an Irish citizen (after 3 years cohabitation), or family ties. Stamp 4 gives full work rights with no employer sponsorship, ability to start a business, and family reunification rights. After 5 years total on Stamp 4 plus Stamp 1, you can apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. EEC visa team handles all Stamp 4 applications and renewals.

Yes — and the easiest way is via Stamp 1G. After completing your Honours Bachelor (Level 8), Master (Level 9) or PhD (Level 10), apply for the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) to get 1 year (Level 8) or 2 years (Level 9 / Level 10) of unrestricted work. During this period, find an employer who can sponsor your Critical Skills (€40,904+ CSOL / €68,911+ standard) or General Employment Permit (€36,605+). Once you have a job offer that meets the salary threshold, your employer applies for the permit on your behalf. Your status then transitions from Stamp 1G to Stamp 1. EEC alumni network helps with Critical Skills-eligible job referrals.

Yes. EEC provides end-to-end Ireland migration support — Stamp 1G application after graduation, Critical Skills or General Employment Permit applications, Stamp 4 transition, family reunification (spouse, children, parents under defined criteria), and naturalisation (citizenship) applications. We have a dedicated Ireland team in Vadodara with 10+ years of experience handling Immigration Service Delivery applications. Free initial consultation at any EEC centre.