Stamp types at a glance
Stamp
Who it is for
Work rights
Stamp 1
Work permit holders. Permission linked to a specific employer.
Named employer only
Stamp 1G
Graduates of Irish higher education seeking employment.
Unrestricted
Stamp 2
Students enrolled full-time at approved institutions.
20 hrs/wk term time
Stamp 2A
Exchange students and short-term study visits.
No work
Stamp 3
Visitors, some family members, some ministers of religion.
No work
Stamp 4
Recognised refugees, long-term residents, leave to remain, family of Irish/EEA citizens, Stamp 1 holders after 5 years.
Unrestricted
Stamp 4S
People granted subsidiary protection.
Unrestricted
Stamp 5
Long-term residents after 8 years. No condition as to time.
Unrestricted, indefinite
Moving between stamp types
You can change stamp type when your circumstances change. Common progressions: Stamp 1 to Stamp 4 after 5 years continuous legal residence; Stamp 2 to Stamp 1G after graduating; Stamp 3 family member to Stamp 4 when conditions are met. All changes require a new registration appointment with the GNIB.
Stamp 4 is the key milestoneStamp 4 removes the employer-linking condition of Stamp 1 and gives unrestricted work rights. After 5 years on Stamp 1, applying for Stamp 4 is the most significant immigration upgrade most non-EEA workers can make.
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