Ireland’s post-study work permit | All you need to know

PSW in Ireland for international students

Ireland has long been an attractive destination for international students pursuing quality education and a vibrant cultural experience. In recent years, the Irish government took significant steps to make the country even more appealing by introducing a post-study work permit. This permit allows international students who completed their studies in Ireland to stay and work in the country for a certain period. Indian students who have completed their studies can also benefit from the post-study work visa in Ireland program which offers them the opportunity to stay and work in Ireland. In this blog, we will explore this work permit, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits it offers to students. Understanding the post-study work visa in Ireland for Indian students will be important for planning their future careers and enhancing their experience in the country.

Understanding post graduate work permit Ireland

Post-study work permits in Ireland allows non-EEA/EU/Swiss international students to stay and work under the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme. This is similar to a work visa, allowing legal resident third-level non-EU graduates to stay in the country while looking for work or applying for a work permit or green card.

Benefits of the post-study work permit

International students who choose to pursue their education in the country get the following benefits through post-study work visa in Ireland program-

• It provides an opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience in an international setting, which can enhance their career prospects.
• Post-study work visa in Ireland for Indian students can serve as a pathway to obtaining long-term residency and citizenship.
• Graduates can explore job opportunities in Ireland, a country known for its strong and growing economy, particularly in the technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance sectors.
• It allows graduates to build professional networks in Ireland, which can be valuable for career development.
• Staying in Ireland after graduation provides a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to explore the beauty and heritage of the country.
• It offers non-native English speakers a chance to improve their English language skills further.
• Graduates who find employment in Ireland contribute to the country’s economy through taxes and spending, which benefits both the individual and the nation.

Eligibility criteria for PSW Ireland

To be eligible for post-study work visa in Ireland, there are certain requirements that international students must meet-

• Students must complete a recognized degree or higher education qualification in Ireland. The program must be at least Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and have a minimum duration of two years. 
• Applicants must study full time during their stay in Ireland.
• Applicants should have a Stamp 2 permission during their studies. This permission allows individuals to work part time during term time and full-time during holidays.
• Students must adhere to the immigration rules and conditions while studying in Ireland. This includes maintaining appropriate attendance and meeting visa requirements.
• Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) or a relevant accrediting body should recognize the qualifications received in Ireland.
• Students should have comprehensive private medical insurance.
• A valid passport is necessary for the application process.

Types of post-study work permits in Ireland

There are three basic types of post-study work visa in Ireland accessible to students who want to work in Ireland after graduation. They are as follows-

Critical skills employment permit

People who can find their job type on Ireland’s skill shortage list receive this visa. Formerly known as the green card, the permit costs 1000 EUR. You can work and stay in Ireland for two years with this permit before applying for permanent residency.

Eligibility criteria

• The employer must have an Irish license.
• Applicants must have a two-year job offer or have worked for your current company for at least a year.
• Job profiles should have a minimum base salary of 32,000 EUR each year, and the candidate should have a bachelor’s degree or above.
• Please keep in mind that if you earn more than 64,000 EUR in Ireland, you can apply for a critical skill visa regardless of whether your job qualifies.

General employment permit

This permit allows you to work anywhere in the country as long as you are not in a prohibited occupation. It is also essential that the employment pay at least €30,000 per year. The student can work under a 12-month contract. This permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for another two. With this permission, you can apply for permanent residency after five years of work and stay in Ireland.

Eligibility criteria

• Ensure that the job type is not on the list of ineligible for employee permits.
• Qualifications or experience for that position must be in accordance with the Labour Market’s need test. Employers must pass a Labour Market Needs Test before issuing a General Employment Permit or Contract for Services Employment Permit to a non-EEA national to ensure that job opportunities are available to Irish and EEA nationals.
• Applicants must have a minimum annual salary of 30,000 EUR and have graduated within the last 12 months.

Internship employment permit

Students enrolled full time in an Irish institute can apply for an internship work visa. After earning their master’s degree, students can apply for and work for a firm by obtaining a post study work visa in Ireland. A six-month permit might cost up to 500 EUR, while a twelve-month pass costs 1000 EUR. You cannot renew these types of work visas.

Eligibility criteria

• The position should be on the list of Critical Skills Employment/Occupations.
• The salary must at least match the national minimum wage.
• The study must be wholly or significantly concerned with the critical skill shortages indicated on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• Employment should aid in the advancement of the subject being researched.
• After completing their internship, students must leave the state and return to the institute where they enrolled to finish their education courses.

Ireland Post-Study Work Visa Requirements

1. Completion of Recognized Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a recognized degree or higher education qualification in Ireland. The program must be at least Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and have a minimum duration of two years.
2. Full-Time Study: Applicants must have studied full-time during their stay in Ireland. Part-time study may not be eligible for the post-study work visa.
3. Stamp 2 Permission: During their studies, applicants should have held a Stamp 2 permission. This permission allows individuals to work part-time during holidays.
4. Recognition of Qualifications: Qualifications received in Ireland must be recognized by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) or a relevant accrediting body.
5.  Private Medical Insurance: Applicants should have private medical insurance coverage.
6. Valid Passport: A valid passport is necessary for the application process.

These requirements ensure that applicants have completed their education in Ireland, and maintained legal status during their stay. Meeting these requirements is important for obtaining a post-study work visa in Ireland.

Application process

The application process for Ireland’s post-study work visa for Indian students is relatively straightforward, provided you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above. Here are the key steps-

• Collect all required documents, including your degree certificate, transcripts, and a valid passport. You may also need evidence of your private medical insurance.
• Visit the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) website and complete the online application form for the post-study work permit. Ensure you provide accurate and complete information.
• There is an application fee associated with the permit. Fees might vary, so you should verify the current fee when applying.
• If required, you will have to provide your biometrics at a designated location. This is done to verify your identity and enhance the permit’s security.
• The processing time for the post-study work permit can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your graduation date or the expiration of your current immigration permission.
• Once your application gets processed, you will receive a decision in writing. If approved, you will receive a Stamp 1G permission, allowing you to work in Ireland.
• After receiving your post-study work permit, you should register with the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service to have your permission extended to work.

Key takeaways

• Ireland has long been an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education and a vibrant cultural experience.
• A post-study work permit program allows international students to complete their studies in Ireland. They can stay and work there for a certain period.
• To be eligible for the post-study work permit, students must meet various criteria, including the completion of recognized qualifications, full-time study, and adherence to immigration rules.
• Graduates who find employment in Ireland contribute to the country’s economy through taxes and spending, benefiting both the individual and the nation.

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FAQs

Q1. Do I need a job offer to apply for the post-study work visa?

Ans- The requirement for a job offer depends on the type of work permit you are applying for. While the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit require a job offer, the Internship Employment Permit may not necessarily require one.

Q2. Can I work anywhere in Ireland with a post-study work visa?

Ans- The scope of your employment can vary depending on the type of work permit you hold. Some permits may limit where you can work, while others offer more flexibility.

Q3. Can I bring my spouse or dependents to Ireland on a post-study work visa?

Ans- Your spouse or dependents may be eligible for certain visa permissions to join you in Ireland. However, this depends on their individual circumstances, such as whether they meet the requirements for family reunification visas.