Stamp 1G Extension Ireland- Key Changes & Guidance 2025
- Future Direct Ireland
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Stamp 1G Extension Ireland: Key Changes & Guidance 2025
In recent months, Future Direct has seen a sharp rise in the number of graduates contacting us about their Stamp 1G extension applications. Many holders have reached out after receiving refusals, while others are entrusting us to prepare and submit their applications from the outset.
As a firm that has worked closely with graduates on 1G extensions since 2020, we have witnessed the changes to this process over the years and, in particular, the new challenges that have emerged in 2025. This blog is designed to give you a fresh view of the current landscape of Stamp 1G extensions and what you should keep in mind if your own permission is due to expire soon.
What is the Third Level Graduate Scheme (Stamp 1G)?
The Third Level Graduate Scheme was introduced to give international students time to transition into Ireland’s workforce. Under the scheme:
Master’s graduates are granted a two-year Stamp 1G permission.
Bachelor’s graduates are granted a one-year Stamp 1G permission.
The expectation is that during this period, graduates will secure an employment permit (General or Critical Skills) and move to a Stamp 1 permission. For those unable to do so by the end of their 1G, options become very limited. One of the few remaining possibilities is to apply for a Stamp 1G extension.
Why might someone need a 1G extension?
Graduates may find themselves needing an extension for several reasons:
They have not yet secured full-time employment.
They are employed, but the role does not qualify for an employment permit.
Their job may be eligible, but the employer cannot sponsor an employment permit.
An employment permit application has been refused, and more time is needed before reapplying.
They need a short-term bridging option while pursuing another pathway.
The Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) considers these exceptional requests on a case-by-case basis. Approval is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer.
What makes a “strong case”?
Unlike standard immigration applications, there is no official checklist for a Stamp 1G extension. This is because the scheme is designed to encourage graduates to transition to a Stamp 1 via an employment permit.
Therefore, any extension request must demonstrate exceptional grounds. The decision is at the discretion of the immigration officer who processes these applications on a case-by-case basis.
A successful application is typically:
Highly detailed – supported by carefully prepared documents.
Personalised – clearly setting out the applicant’s personal circumstances.
Well-structured – appealing directly to the immigration officer’s discretion.
At Future Direct, we take a tailored approach for each graduate, ensuring the application is built around their unique circumstances and backed by our experience.
Key changes to 1G extension applications in 2025
From our recent experience, there are two major changes graduates should be aware of this year:
Shorter Processing Times Since July 2024, ISD has moved these applications to an online portal. Processing now typically takes around one month, compared to the previous 6-month's postal wait. However, this also means that ISD no longer accepts early submissions. Therefore, applications made more than one month before an IRP Card expiry date are often refused outright based on “premature application”.
Increased Scrutiny Immigration officers are applying much higher standards to applications. A simple request letter is no longer enough. DIY applications, such as those once done with a friend's help, are increasingly being refused. Officers now expect applicants to provide detailed, structured, and well-argued cases, accompanied by supporting documentation.
These changes explain why more graduates are turning to professional guidance for support at this stage.
What permission is usually granted?
If successful, most applicants may be granted:
A six-month Stamp 1G, or
A 12-month Stamp 1 Permission (without an employment permit)
Both permissions allow you to continue working in Ireland. The type and length of permission granted will depend on your circumstances, and ultimately, the decision rests with the visa officer.
What if my 1G extension is refused?
A refusal can be very difficult, as options become extremely limited. In some cases, graduates may need to:
Enrol in a new course and apply for a student permission.
Secure an employment permit and request a change of status.
Apply for another discretionary permission, though the decision is entirely at the discretion of the visa officer.
Leave the State and apply for an employment permit from their home country.
The best way to avoid this outcome is to ensure your application is carefully prepared and submitted with attention to detail from the start. However, decisions are always discretionary.
Final Thoughts
The Stamp 1G extension is not a straightforward pathway. It is an exceptional request made to immigration officers who apply their own discretion to each case. With tighter standards in 2025, graduates should approach the process with care and have a plan B at hand.
At Future Direct, we have supported graduates in navigating these challenges since 2020 with a very high approval rate, helping them prepare tailored applications that reflect their unique situations. While there are no guarantees, given the discretionary nature of these applications, a well-structured and carefully presented application can make a difference.
If your Stamp 1G is expiring soon and you are considering applying for an extension, make sure you understand the new landscape and do not leave your application to chance. If you wish to learn more about our 1G extension application service call us at +353 871734289 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions and help you with this matter.