IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Irish government has announced that any non-EEA nationals holding student permission (on an Irish Residence Permit Stamp 2) who are eligible for the Third Level Graduate Program may, under a temporary measure, apply electronically, rather than at an in-person appointment. This measure will allow applicants to move to an Irish Residence Permit Stamp 1G, with which they can work on a full-time basis.

  • Implementation time frame: This measure took effect April 17. As a temporary measure, the time frame will be kept under review, amended and withdrawn when considered appropriate. The measure will cease to apply no later than Sept. 20.
  • Who is affected: The change affects all holders of student permission (Stamp 2) who are eligible for the Third Level Graduate Program, but are unable to apply because of the temporary closure of the Registration Offices or because they have returned to their home countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers wishing to hire an eligible third-level graduate to undertake full-time employment may also take advantage of this measure.
  • Next Steps: Employers should update any employees or potential employees who may be eligible for the Third Level Graduate Program. Eligible applicants should submit their applications, including electronic copies of all required documentation, to the Burgh Quay Registration Office by email at: (burghquayregoffice@justice.ie). Successful applicants who are granted Stamp 1G permission will still be required to register in person once the Registration Office and local Registration Offices reopen.

Analysis & Comments: The new measure allows employers to hire graduates on the basis of their Irish Residence Permit Stamp 1G with which they can work on a full-time basis until the expiry of their permission. It will allow students to move to graduate permission, which can be counted in later naturalization applications. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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