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If I do not find a job within the six-month visa extension period, do I have to return in Ireland/Australia?

07 Sept 2026 · Answered by Shairal Pathak · 2 min read
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Yes, generally, once your visa extension expires and you have not secured a qualifying job or a new visa, you must leave the country. In Ireland this applies to the Stamp 1G graduate permission, and in Australia to Temporary Graduate or Working Holiday extensions, both strictly temporary.

Shairal Pathak
Shairal Pathak Verified
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Yes, if your six month extension runs out and you have not moved onto a qualifying job or another visa, you are expected to leave Ireland or Australia before the expiry date. The specific rules differ by country, so check which one applies to your situation.

Ireland Vs Australia Extension Rules

CountryRelevant PermissionWhat Happens At Expiry
IrelandStamp 1G Third Level Graduate Programme, 12 to 24 months depending on degree levelMust leave before expiry unless you move to an employment permit or another immigration stamp
AustraliaTemporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) or Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417/462) extensionMust depart before the extended validity date unless granted a different substantive visa such as Subclass 482

Ways To Avoid Having To Leave

  • In Ireland, transition onto a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit before your Stamp 1G expires.
  • In Ireland, alternative routes like a study visa or spousal visa can also keep you legally present.
  • In Australia, apply for a sponsored work visa such as Subclass 482, a skilled migration visa, or a visitor visa before your extension ends.
  • In both countries, start this process well before the final weeks, since employer sponsorship and visa processing take time.

My Advice

Tell me clearly which country and which specific visa or extension you are holding right now, since the Irish Stamp 1G and the Australian Subclass 485 have different deadlines and next steps, and I can give you a precise countdown and pathway once I know which one applies to you.

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