Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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300. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider permitting stamp 2 visa holders who have applied for the stamp 1G visa to continue working up to 40 hours per week beyond 30 September pending approval of their visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26489/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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When a non-EEA national comes to Ireland to undertake a course of study, be that an English language course or a course at level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), a Stamp 2 student immigration permission will be granted. The primary purpose for a student to be in the State is to study, and their Stamp 2 permission will be aligned with their studies.

Under Stamp 2 conditions, all students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During June, July, August and September, and between 15 December and 15 January, all students can work up to 40 hours per week. Stamp 2 conditions does not permit 40 hours of work per week outside of the time periods mentioned.

Where a non-EEA national student has completed their studies in Ireland and gained an award at level 8 on the NFQ or above, that person may qualify for a Stamp 1G for 12 months under the Third Level Graduate Programme. Where an individual receives an award at level 9 NFQ, they may qualify for a Stamp 1G for up to 24 months.

This period on the Stamp 1G immigration permission is to provide the graduate and any prospective employer a longer opportunity to make an application for an employment permit.

The student pathway sets out the immigration route for non-EEA national students and stipulates that applicable graduating students must apply for a Stamp 1G within six months of being notified by the relevant awarding body that they have achieved the award for which they had enrolled as a student. Further information on the student pathway is available on my Department's Immigration Service website at www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-study-in-ireland/.

Students who meet the qualifying criteria can apply for their permission on Stamp 1G conditions online at inisonline.jahs.ie/user/login. Applications submitted the week commencing 01 May 2025 are currently being processed.

A person cannot be granted a Stamp 1G immigration permission without confirmation that the student has achieved their relevant educational award. Students who do not successfully achieve their award are not eligible for a Stamp 1G permission.

While all immigration schemes are kept under constant review, there are no plans to amend current rules for students along the lines suggested by the Deputy.