Ireland Third Level Graduate Programme: 2-Year Stay-Back Visa Guide 2026

Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme is one of the most generous post-study work arrangements in Europe — giving Nepali graduates up to two years to find employment, transition to a work permit, and begin building a life in the EU.

Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Programme is one of the most generous post-study work arrangements in Europe — giving Nepali graduates up to two years to find employment, transition to a work permit, and begin building a life in the EU.

What is the Third Level Graduate Programme (TLGP)?

The Third Level Graduate Programme (TLGP) is an Irish immigration permission that allows international graduates of recognised Irish higher education institutions to remain in Ireland after completing their studies to seek employment. It is not a work visa itself — it is a temporary residence permission during which you can work full-time and search for a job that qualifies for an employment permit.

The TLGP is available to graduates of QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) recognised institutions who have completed their course successfully. It must be applied for from within Ireland — you cannot apply after leaving the country.

TLGP Duration by Qualification Level

The duration of the TLGP stay-back permission depends on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) level of your completed qualification:

• NFQ Level 8 and above (Honours Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma, Masters, PhD) — 24 months stay-back permission
• NFQ Level 6 and 7 (Higher Certificate, Ordinary Bachelor Degree) — 12 months stay-back permission

You must apply for the TLGP within 6 months of the date your studies end. Applications are made to the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and require evidence of your completed qualification, valid IRP, and proof of address in Ireland.

Working Under TLGP

While on the TLGP, graduates can work full-time for any employer without requiring an employment permit. This gives you the freedom to explore the Irish job market, gain local experience, and secure a position that qualifies for a Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Employment Permit before your TLGP expires.

Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is Ireland’s primary skilled worker visa, designed to attract talent in sectors experiencing shortages. For Nepali graduates in Ireland, it is the most direct pathway to long-term residence. Key requirements include:

• An offer of employment in a Critical Skills Occupation (IT, engineering, financial services, nursing, medicine, and others listed on the DETE Critical Skills Occupations List)
• Minimum annual salary of €38,000 (higher thresholds apply for some roles)
• Relevant degree qualification or professional credentials

CSEP holders can apply for a Stamp 4 (unrestricted work rights) after 2 years, and are on a clear pathway to long-term residence and Irish citizenship.

General Employment Permit

For roles not on the Critical Skills list, the General Employment Permit is an alternative. It has a labour market needs test requirement (the employer must demonstrate no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available), a minimum salary of approximately €34,000, and is typically issued for 2 years in the first instance.

Path to Irish Citizenship

Ireland’s citizenship by naturalisation requires 5 years of legal residence (at least 1 of which must be continuous immediately before the application). Time spent on the TLGP counts towards this total. For Nepali students who study in Ireland for 3–4 years and then transition to a CSEP, citizenship is a realistic medium-term goal.

TLGP: Qualification vs Permission Duration

Frequently Asked Questions