Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
330. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to increase the 12 month extension period to the residence permission for graduates with a level 8 qualification under the third level graduate scheme; if he has considered increasing it to 18 months and to 24 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5103/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra332. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to increase the maximum limit of seven years for permission to remain in Ireland under the third-level graduate scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5105/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 332 together.
My Department regularly consults and engages with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key sectoral stakeholders, in relation to the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students.
A non-EEA student who has completed their studies in Ireland and gained an award at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or above may qualify for a Stamp 1G for a period of 12 months and an individual who receives an award at Level 9 NFQ may qualify for a Stamp 1G for up to 24 months subject to the overall limit of 8 years.
The additional period of residence on the Stamp 1G immigration permission is designed to provide the graduate with an opportunity to obtain graduate level employment and to provide any prospective employer with the opportunity to make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an employment permit, before the expiry of the Stamp 1G permission. If the application for an employment permit is successful, the applicant can register their permit and will be granted a Stamp 1 immigration permission and be allowed to remain in the State. If unsuccessful, the student is required to make arrangements to leave the State.
The conditions attaching to all immigration permissions for non-EEA students are kept under ongoing review by my Department. There are currently no plans to alter the existing arrangements in this area.
