How long can I extend my visa after completing a master's degree in Ireland to look for a job?

The extension is not automatic, and that catches people off guard. You have to apply before your first Stamp 1G period ends and demonstrate that you have been actively taking steps to secure suitable graduate level employment, such as attending interviews or registering with recruitment agencies, rather than simply holding the permission and waiting.

How The 24 Months Breaks Down

• First 12 months: granted automatically after you complete your master's, allowing full time work without needing a separate employment permit while you search for a graduate role.
• Second 12 months: available only on application, and only if you show genuine evidence of job searching during the first period.
• Eligibility requirement: your qualification must be Level 9 or higher on Ireland's National Framework of Qualifications, and awarded by a recognised Irish awarding body.
• Application timing: you generally must apply for the graduate permission within 6 months of being notified that you achieved your award, while you still hold valid Stamp 2 student permission.

What Happens When Stamp 1G Ends

Stamp 1G is a job search window, not a long term work permission. Before it expires, you need to move to an appropriate employment permission, such as a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit, if you want to keep working in Ireland beyond the 24 months.

This Information Is Also Available On

• Immigration Service Delivery, Third level graduate programme guidance

My Advice

I would start job hunting seriously in the first few months of Stamp 1G rather than treating the full 24 months as available runway, since the second 12 month extension depends on proving active job search during the first period. Keep dated evidence, interview confirmations, recruiter correspondence and application records, since that documentation is exactly what the extension application will ask you to show.