In the current climate, we have received many inquiries from Stamp 1G holders who are actively seeking a job that's eligible for an employment permit. Many of them have graduated in the last two to three years. Their job prospects have been significantly affected by the pandemic and the current uncertain market conditions. Therefore, many of the Stamp 1G holders are asking the following questions:
1. My Stamp 1G is about to expire and I have not yet secured a job offer or I am in the progress of applying for employment. What should I do?
The current processing time for a general employment permit application is about 3-4 months, and 6 weeks for a critical skill employment permit. Refused application review time can take 2-3 months.
If you are in a situation where you have less than 6 months of Stamp 1G left and you have not yet secured a job, then you would need to consider a Stamp 1G extension application. The purpose of this extension is to give you enough time to secure a job offer and also apply for an employment permit.
If you are in a situation where you have less than 6 months, but you are in the process of applying for employment, then these 6 months would be sufficient for you to make an application. Please be aware that due to the limited time you have on Stamp 1G, you will most likely only have one attempt at making the permit application. Therefore, it's critically important that you seek expert advice in making this application.
2. I am in the process of applying for an employment permit but my Stamp 1G is about to expire soon before my permit is approved, what should I do?
In this case, you could try to apply for a Stamp 1G extension. However, this option may gradually fade out as the impact of the pandemic diminishes beyond 2022.
Another solution is Stamp 1 Condition (without holding an employment permit). This is a form of visa extension which is somewhat similar to the Stamp 1G extension, as it provides the client more time to apply for their employment permit during this extended period.
We have recently secured this permission for many of our clients, as shown below in one example.
3. Is it possible to get a Stamp 1G or another type of visa extension beyond 2022?
The short answer is Yes.
It will be increasingly difficult to make a case for Stamp 1G or a visa extension as we walk out of 2022 and the impact of the pandemic diminishes. However, we have continued to be able to secure such extensions to 2023.
Secondly, we have experience in applying for Stamp 1 Condition (without holding an employment permit) for clients who had a visa complication and needed an extension on their current Stamp 1G. This is a form of visa extension which is somewhat similar to the Stamp 1G extension, as it provides the client more time to apply for their employment permit during this extended period. We have been able to secure such visa extensions beyond 2022 also.
Future Direct specialises in Irish Employment Permits and immigration. We are one of the leading immigration consultancy firms providing immigration services to corporates and individual clients in Ireland. If you are looking for an employment permit application, visa extension or Stamp 1G query, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. You can reach us at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We are happy to answer your questions.