Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:184. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if non-EU postgraduate students are allowed to work here for a year after they have completed their studies. [11390/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 6 March 2014
Ceisteanna (184)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that it is possible for a non-EEA student to stay in Ireland after they complete their studies for the purpose of seeking employment under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This scheme exists to allow legally resident non-EEA third level graduates to remain in Ireland for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a green card or work permit.
The duration of the Third Level Graduate Scheme can be either for six months or one year depending on the level of qualification obtained. To be eligible for a one year permission under the third level graduate scheme a student is required to have studied in Ireland and obtained a qualification at Level NFQ 8-10, an award granted by a recognised Irish awarding body (overseas accreditation will not be accepted), i.e:
- Dublin Institute of Technology;
- Higher Education Training and Awards Council;
- Institutes of Technology with delegated authority;
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland;
- Universities;
- Other bodies that have statutory award making powers in Irish law.
During the period of permission under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme a student can work full time (up to 40hrs per week). There are a number of conditions attached to the Third Level Graduate Scheme such as the recipients permission will remain that of a student, it is a non renewable permission and it can only be availed of once.
A six month permission under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme is available to students who have graduated a course at Level 7 of the NFQ.
In general, upon the expiry of the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme the only way a student can remain in Ireland is by way of an employment permit or Green Card Employment Permit which are issued by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Holders of the Third Level Graduate Scheme are eligible to apply for an employment permit or Green Card Employment Permit without first having to leave the State.