Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
826. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide clarification on a matter (details supplied) regarding courses available to those awaiting work permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47959/23]
View answerIreland supports the entry of migrants through legal pathways and these include arrangements for various categories of persons, including workers who wish to take up employment and international students who wish to pursue a full-time course of study.
When a non-EEA person comes to Ireland to undertake a course of study, be that an English language course, or a course at level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a Stamp 2 student immigration permission will be granted.
A Stamp 2 immigration permission indicates that the holder has permission to study a full time course on the official Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) for a specified period, subject to restrictions. For a permission to be renewed, students must prove that they are progressing in their course.
The Stamp 2 immigration permission will typically expire shortly after the conclusion of the course. However, where a non-EEA student has completed their studies in Ireland and gained an award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or above, that person may qualify for a Stamp 1G for 12 months. Where an individual receives an award at Level 9 NFQ, they may qualify for a Stamp 1G for up to 24 months subject to the overall limit of 8 years on student conditions that applies.
The period on the Stamp 1G immigration permission is to provide the Graduate and any prospective employer the opportunity to make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an employment permit. If that application is successful, they can register on a Stamp 1 immigration permission.
When a graduate is on Stamp 1G, it is expected that they, or their employer, will apply for and obtain and employment permit before the expiry of the Stamp 1G permission. It is not generally permissible to extend immigration permission in order to facilitate a late application for an employment permit.
There has been a significant increase in recent months for people seeking Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC). These are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible but it is only in exceptional circumstances that such an application will be considered.
