Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
399. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the requirements for a visa to remain in Ireland for non-EEA students who have completed a master's degree course in an Irish university; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22206/22]
View answerIreland welcomes international students who wish to live here in order to pursue a full-time course of study.
For students who have completed a master's degree programme, Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), it is open to them to make an application at their local immigration office for a Stamp 1G. A Stamp 1G may be granted for up to 24 months subject to the overall limit of 8 years on student conditions that apply. Graduates at level 9 NFQ or above who qualify for a Stamp 1G permission will be granted the permission for 12 months initially.
A Stamp 1G indicates that a person has permission to look for employment in the State under the Third Level Graduate Programme. The Stamp 1G is granted for 12 months to ensure that such students are making genuine efforts to access suitable graduate level employment, for example, attending job interviews or signing up with graduate employment agencies.
Where a student on a Stamp 1G secures employment or an offer of employment, it is open to the employer to make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an employment permit on their behalf.
Any student wishing to remain in the State following the expiry of their Stamp 1G permission must have secured an employment permit or some other immigration permission.
