How does Student Immigration Permission (Stamp 2) work in Ireland, and who qualifies?

To study in Ireland for the long term, non-EEA students need to be accepted onto a programme that appears on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Alongside acceptance you will normally need proof of fees paid and sufficient funds, private medical insurance, and you must register with immigration on arrival, which is when Stamp 2 is granted.

Stamp 2 permits a limited amount of part-time work during studies. After graduating, eligible students can stay on under the Third Level Graduate Programme on Stamp 1G to seek graduate-level work. It is worth knowing, though, that time spent on Stamp 2 and Stamp 1G does not count as reckonable residence toward long-term residency or citizenship.

Eligible-programme lists and the funds you must show can change, so confirm the current position on irishimmigration.ie. ACME can help you check that your course is on the ILEP and plan ahead for staying on to work after you graduate.