Therefore, if you have recently pursued your qualification at an Irish institution and wish to work in Ireland, this article covers all the information you need to get going.
Before examining the details of the post-study work visa in Ireland, it is essential to comprehend the reasons international students favour studying and working in this country.
- Variety of course options available- One of the primary reasons Ireland is a well-liked location for international students is the wide variety of courses it offers. Ireland offers all you need, regardless of your interest in STEM courses or other academic subjects. Accounting & Finance, Data Science, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Nursing & Midwifery, Biotechnology, Pharmacy and Marketing are among the most sought-after courses in Ireland.
- Vibrant student life- Ireland offers a vibrant student life with a mix of learning opportunities, cultural diversity and a safe student environment. The country is ranked as the second most peaceful country in the world as per the Global Peace Index 2024 and ranked 17th in the World Happiness Report for 2024.
- English Language Requirement – International students are required to pass an English proficiency assessment when applying to universities in Ireland. Considering that the primary language is extensively spoken worldwide, non-EU students will probably travel to this country with relative ease.
- Low unemployment rate – One reason non-EU students choose to work in Ireland after completing their studies is the low unemployment rate, which is below 5%.
What is the Post Study Work Visa?
International students wishing to begin their careers after graduation can benefit greatly from Ireland’s post-study work visa, which is formally known as the Third Level Graduate Scheme. This visa opens the door to long-term settlement opportunities in Ireland, in addition to offering a route to career advancement. This visa permits international graduates to stay in the country to look for work or work part-time or full-time for a specified duration following the completion of their studies.
The Third Level Graduate Scheme is available to any student who
- has received a Level 8 qualification (bachelor’s degree or higher certificate) or above on the National Framework of Qualifications from an approved Irish awarding authority.
- has obtained a qualification at level 9 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications. Authorisation will be given for an initial duration of twelve months, subject to renewal for an additional twelve months.
PSW Visa duration and conditions attached to it:
The duration of the Third Level Graduate Scheme might range from 12 to 24 months. NFQ level 8 graduates are permitted to remain for a maximum of 12 months. Whereas the initial period of permission for applicants with an NFQ level of 9 or higher is 12 months; however, if they demonstrate to immigration officials that they have taken the necessary actions to obtain employment (such as attending job interviews or registering with graduate employment agencies), this period may be extended for an additional 12 months.
In the end, the Third Level Graduate Scheme makes Ireland a more desirable place to study since it makes the transfer from education to work easier and is an alluring lure for potential students.
Eligibility Criteria
If you are considering applying for the post-study work visa, here are the conditions you should fulfil:
- You must presently possess a Stamp 2 student immigration permit and a current immigration registration card.
- You must have received written notification from a recognised Irish awarding body or institution on or after January 1, 2017, confirming that you obtained a level 8 or 9 award for which you were enrolled as a student.
- You must submit your application for the programme within six months of receiving the award notification from the educational institution or awarding organisation.
- You are required to provide proof of the final award in the form of a parchment or, if your graduation ceremony has not yet taken place, an official letter from the relevant awarding authority verifying that the award has been granted.
- You must not have surpassed the seven-year restriction on your authorisation as a non-EEA student in Ireland.
- If you have previously participated in the Graduate Programme with a level 8 or higher award, you may re-enter the Programme for an additional 12 months upon attaining a higher-level award, such as level 9 or above, provided the total duration does not exceed eight years.
- In accordance with condition 6 above, entry to the Graduate Programme shall be permitted on no more than two distinct occasions.
- You must possess a good reputation and have not attracted any adverse notice from the authorities throughout your time in Ireland.
- Any prior visa denials must be disclosed in the application.
Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents
Along with the application form, applicants must upload and attach the required documents. The following is the list of documentation a student must prepare:
- Evidence of the qualification they have obtained, with either:
- A copy of the award granted to them in the form of a parchment, or a degree scroll or
- A letter of confirmation from the awarding body detailing the course they have studied and that they have completed it.
- A valid passport or travel document
- Their current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card
- Evidence of medical insurance encompassing accidents and medical occurrences, including hospitalisation for the entirety of their stay in Ireland.
Note: If students hold a level 9 qualification and wish to extend their visa under PSW, they must also provide proof of their active job search in the past 12 months. This can include evidence of employment, job interview attendance, emails confirming the job application was received and interview feedback.
2. Complete the Online Application
The following are the steps that students can follow to register online:
1. One must first visit the Irish government website and either log in or sign in for an account.
2. Select the Registration Renewal form
3: Fill out the form.
4. Upload digital copies of documents.
5. A debit or credit card payment of €300 is required for the renewal.
6. Submit application.
After the application’s submission, the ISD will send them an email with a unique application number (OREG number) and a payment receipt. It can be used as evidence that they have asked the ISD to renew their immigration permit, which is useful if their permission is about to expire and they are still waiting for a decision or an IRP card.
The following are some of the common mistakes to avoid while filling out the application form:
- Applying before receiving final results.
- Uploading incorrect or expired documents.
- Using an invalid card or forgetting to complete payment of the €300 fee.
- Errors in filling personal information.
3. Pay Application Fees
4. Submit Your Application
- Individuals may submit their applications through the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) internet platform, allowing anyone in Ireland to renew their visa online regardless of their location in Ireland.
- After submission of the application, one can expect to receive a decision on their application via email within six weeks of applying. Afterwards, their IRP card will be ready within 10-15 working days.
- If one applies online, the ISD will post their new IRP card to the address they have provided in their application. If one applies in person (physically at the office), the GNIB will notify them to collect their card from the registration office.
Visa Conditions and Regulations
The PSW or Post-Study Work visa permits firms to employ graduates full-time without any limits or limitations. In contrast to employment permits, the occupations available to graduate workers are not restricted by income thresholds or employment classifications.
Rights and obligations of visa holders:
- Work Rights- This scheme allows graduates to work up to 40 hours per week.
- Job Hunt- It allows a graduate to legally look for employment.
- Restrictions on self-employment- The PSW scheme does not allow individuals to start their own business or freelance.
- No social benefits from the government- It does not permit receiving any kind of state benefits or welfare assistance.
Furthermore, adhering to visa criteria (e.g., working within authorised hours, complying with the visa term) is crucial for legal residency in the nation, as failure to comply may result in visa revocation and even deportation.
Benefits of the Post-Study Work Visa
Following, we will discuss the benefits of obtaining a post-study work visa in Ireland:
Opportunities for gaining work experience in Ireland
The post-study work visa offers a major perk: the chance to get hands-on job experience in a global setting. Ireland hosts many big international companies such as tech leaders Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, along with top firms in the drug-making, money management and engineering fields. Having a job in this lively scene allows graduates to put what they learned in college to use on real problems, pick up new skills and boost their chances of getting hired worldwide.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The post-study work visa can also serve as a stepping stone to long-term residence in Ireland. Following the relevant work experience garnered through the Third Level Graduate Scheme, students can become eligible to apply for the Critical Skills Employment Permit or other employment permits that can ultimately lead to permanent residence. This is particularly attractive to those students who wish to establish a long-term future in Ireland, both professionally and personally.
Networking and career growth opportunities
Being on the ground in Ireland after completing studies offers graduates priceless networking contacts. Participating in industry meetings, job fests and training sessions enables overseas graduates to connect with potential employers, mentors and colleagues. Having access to a professional contact base is instrumental in career progression and some graduates report such contacts leading to job opportunities or recommendations in the preferred sector of employment.
Challenges faced by international students during the application process
The visa application process might be difficult for overseas students, despite the many advantages. These can include navigating unclear immigration regulations, gathering required paperwork, meeting tight application deadlines, or coping with job prospects that are unknown. There will be moments when the procedure seems overwhelming to someone unfamiliar with Ireland’s administrative systems.
Tips for overcoming these challenges
To tackle these challenges, early planning and informed decision-making are essential. The following are a few tips to make the process smoother:
- Start early: Start finding information about visa requirements and documents before graduation.
- Stay informed: Check the official Irish Immigration page or the university’s international office announcements for policy updates regularly.
- Seek advice: Contact your university’s career and international student support services for advice.
- Network actively: Visit job fairs and network with alumni to learn about job opportunities.
- Be organised: Keep all documents in order and be accurate in your application.
Through proactiveness and appropriate support, international students are able to overcome the challenges posed by the visa process and maximise the available opportunities in Ireland.
FAQs
1. What is the optimal time to apply for the Post-Study Work visa?
2. Can I renew this Visa?
3. Is it permissible to bring dependents on a PSW visa to Ireland?
Conclusion
The Post Study Work Visa in Ireland is an exceptional chance for overseas students to initiate their professional careers in a flourishing European economy. It serves as a link between education and employment, enabling graduates to stay, work and develop within Ireland’s nurturing and innovative landscape. For international students contemplating Ireland, the post-study work visa serves as a persuasive incentive to make the decision. It provides access to practical experience, professional growth and potential long-term residency in a nation renowned for its hospitality, educational standards and quality of life.
I hope this article helped you to resolve all the queries you had in your mind regarding the Post Study Work Visa in Ireland, although if you are looking for personalised guidance or further support, feel free to connect with our expert counsellors at Fateh Education.
