The Third Level Graduate Scheme for students from outside the EEA
Can I work in Ireland after I graduate?
As of 10th April 2007, legally resident non-EEA third level graduates have been allowed to remain in Ireland for the purpose of seeking employment and applying for a green card or work permit.
Graduates who have studied for a primary, masters or doctorate degree from an Irish third level educational institution are entitled to avail of this scheme.
A person who qualifies will be granted one non-renewable extension to their current student permission for a maximum twelve month period starting on the day upon which they received their exam results. This scheme allows the person to work for up to 40 hours a week under student visa arrangements (Stamp 2) and/or to seek employment and apply for further permission to remain in the state under green card or work permit arrangements.
To apply graduates should present at their local Garda Siochána registration office, or at the Garda National immigration Bureau, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 with relevant supporting documentation.
For more information of the conditions and requirements of this scheme please visit the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation website.
Also check out the ICOS leaflet Employment of International Graduates in Ireland
Note: The period for the Graduate Employment Scheme was recently extended from 6 to 12 months, with effect from 28th October 2010, for students whose degree is at a minimum of level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Students on level 7 will only be offered the 6 month scheme, as before.
It should be noted that the Graduate Employment Scheme can be availed of on a one-off basis only and students who avail of the scheme will not be eligible to re-register as students, regardless of their level.
Last updated: December 2010