After completing my studies abroad, can I stay in the country to look for a job in UK/Ireland?
Yes, you can stay in both countries to look for a job. The UK Graduate Route Visa gives master's and bachelor's graduates two years, and PhD graduates three, while Ireland's Stamp 1G gives one year for a bachelor's and two years for a master's or above.
Yes, you can stay in both the UK and Ireland after your studies specifically to look for a job, as long as you meet the visa requirements for non-EEA or non-UK nationals. The two countries structure this stay-back period slightly differently.
UK Versus Ireland Post-Study Job Search Visas
| Feature | United Kingdom | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Visa name | Graduate Route | Third Level Graduate Scheme, Stamp 1G |
| Duration for Bachelor's | 2 years | 1 year |
| Duration for Master's | 2 years | 2 years, second year conditional |
| Work rights | Any job, any skill level | Full time, up to 40 hours a week |
How and When to Apply
- In the UK, apply from within the country before your Student visa expires, and only after you have successfully completed your degree.
- In Ireland, apply for Stamp 1G after receiving your final exam results while your student Stamp 2 permission is still valid.
- To stay long term, transition from these bridge visas into a Skilled Worker visa in the UK or a Critical Skills Employment Permit in Ireland.
My Advice
Mark your visa expiry dates the day you receive them, since both the UK and Irish schemes require you to apply while your current student status is still active, missing that window can cost you the entire stay-back period. Check GOV.UK or the Irish immigration service website close to your graduation date, since thresholds do shift.
How long can you stay and work after an Irish master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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