Ireland Post-Study Work Visa: Requirements, Rules, Fee

Ireland has a strong economy that creates a wealth of opportunities and attracts international graduates. Out of all the EU nations, Ireland’s economy grew by 12.2% in 2023. Recently, Ireland introduced a post-study work visa, which allows all international students to stay and work in Ireland for 1-2 years (based on the course selection) under the level graduate scheme. Ireland post-study work visa will enable international students to work and contribute to its robust economy. The duration of the applicant’s stay depends upon their qualification level. The National Framework for Qualification (NFQ) divides the Irish degrees into ten levels based on competence and skill standards. However, the Higher education qualification for the post-study work visa begins from level 6. The table below clearly explains the level of education and duration for obtaining post-study work visa duration.

Who is Eligible For an Ireland Post-Study Work Visa?

Let's look at the key eligibility criteria for Ireland's post-study work visa.

1. Must have completed a course from a recognised Irish university
2. Must have a statement or a letter from the university stating they have completed the course
3. Permission to hold a valid stamp 2 student visa with an updated immigration card
4. The immigration permission should not exceed eight years.
5. Must comply and adhere to the laws of the state.
6. Students must have a good and clean background

Types of Ireland Post-Study Work Visas

1. Critical Skills Employment Permit

This Ireland post-study work visa was previously known as a green card and is provided so that individuals can work in the understaffed sectors. With the critical skills employment permit, individuals can stay and work in Ireland for two years before they apply for Permanent Residency.

Eligibility Criteria for the Critical Skills Employment Permit 

• The employer must be registered in Ireland and have an Irish license
• Must have a two-year job offer or have worked in the current company for at least a year
• Job profiles must have a bachelor’s degree and a  minimum compensation of £32,000 each year

2. General Employment Permit

This Ireland post-study work permit allows you to work in all kinds of occupations unless prohibited. The employee should pay £30,000 a year. You can work with this permit under a 12-month employment contract. The general employment permit is issued for two years and can be issued for another two to three years. After five years of work experience in Ireland, you can also apply for permanent Residency through Immigration service delivery.

Eligibility Criteria for the General Employment Permit 

• Must have a job offer in Ireland
• Graduation should have been completed in the last 12 months
• As determined by the Labor Market Needs test, the candidates must have the required qualifications and experience
• Must have a minimum income of £30,000 a year

3. Internship Employment Permit

Students who are studying in Ireland and looking for full-time courses can apply for this permit. This allows them to work in a company to gain work experience after completing their master’s degree. A six-month permit costs up to 500 euros, and a twelve month cost £1000.

Eligibility Criteria for Internship Employment Permit 

• The job role must be on the list of critical skills employment.
• The remuneration must match the national minimum wage or higher.
• The study program must be completely concerned with the skill shortages that are on the Critical skills employment list.
• The employment should help in the progression of the subject researched.
• Upon completing the internship, the student must leave Ireland and return to the institution to finish the course.

4. Third-level Graduate Scheme

If you want to stay in Ireland after completing your education, the third-level graduate scheme allows international graduates to remain in Ireland, given they should be holding an award from the Irish-recognised awarding body. The duration for the same is two years for Postgraduate holders and 3-4 years for undergraduate students. The awarding bodies are as follows:

• 7 Irish universities 
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Institutes of Technology
• Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
• Royal College of Surgeons Ireland

Eligibility Criteria for Third-Level Graduate Scheme

• Notified in writing by the rewarding body that they have achieved the award as a student enrolled in the university.
• Permission to hold a valid stamp 2 student visa with an updated immigration card
• Must apply within six months of notification given by the awarding body
• Must not exceed the seven-year limit of their permission as an international student in Ireland.
• The program is not permitted on two different occasions.
• Must bear a good character and comply with the immigration rules imposed by the state

Documents Needed for Ireland Post-Study Work Visa

Find out which documents are essential when applying for an Ireland Post-Study Work Visa. 

1. A valid passport
2. Passport-sized photographs
3. A signed copy of the employment contract.
4. Details of the company or the employer or the company (Contact, Registration, Address)
5. Medical Insurance
6. Current valid IRP card
7. Receipt of fee payment for registration

Cost of Ireland Post-Study Work Visa

The Ireland post-study work visa costs € 300, which can be refunded if the application is denied. Ensure you retain proof of payment for reference when applying. The costs for the other types of permits are as follows:

Processing Time For Ireland Post-Study Work Visa

The time taken to process an Ireland post-study work visa is 2-4 weeks; however, it can vary. Once the application is successful and you have applied online, you will receive a new IRP card within 10-15 working days. If an application is unsuccessful, you will receive an explanation and a refund of the fee payment.

Step-By-Step Process of Getting an Ireland Post-Study Work Visa 

Step 1: Collect and gather all of the required documents, including a valid passport, letter stating qualification, and stamp two visas.

Step 2: Carefully complete the form and apply for the Ireland post-study work visa online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) by providing accurate and complete details.

Step 3: Before submitting the document and application, make sure you keep the proof of payment as a receipt. Ensure your application is filled out and submitted. You may also have to provide biometrics to verify your identity.

Step 4: Await your approval: Once the application is processed, you will receive the decision in writing and a stamp of 1G permission, which allows you to work in Ireland. If the application is denied, the fee will be refunded.