Are You Overlooking Ireland’s Hidden Talent Pool?
- ts k
- May 30
- 2 min read
The Case for Hiring Stamp 1G Graduates
Every year, Ireland welcomes thousands of bright international students into its universities. They study hard, earn degrees in high-demand fields like IT, engineering, pharma, logistics, data, and more — and then what?
They’re ready to contribute.
But many of them are overlooked in the job market because of a simple misunderstanding:
Employers assume they can’t be hired without sponsorship.
Let’s clear that up 👇
What is a Stamp 1G Visa?
Stamp 1G is a special visa given to international graduates of Irish Level 8 and 9 programs (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees). It allows them to:
Work full-time (40 hrs/week)
No sponsorship needed
Be hired just like any Irish/EU candidate
Work in any sector — tech, pharma, finance, logistics, etc.
What Makes Stamp 1G Talent Unique?
Irish Degrees – Educated right here in Ireland, these grads already know the system, the work culture, and the standards.
Global Mindset – Many bring international experience and perspectives, essential for global teams.
Multilingual Skills – They often speak multiple languages, giving your company an edge in diverse markets.
Adaptability – Moving countries, studying abroad, and thriving? That takes resilience — something every team can benefit from.
Top 5 Myths Employers Believe About Stamp 1G
“They need a permit or sponsorship.”
→ Wrong. Stamp 1G grads don’t require any sponsorship for employment.
“They’re temporary hires.”
→ Not necessarily. Many go on to Critical Skills permits and long-term residency.
“Hiring them is risky or complicated.”
→ It’s the exact same process as hiring an Irish candidate.
“They can only work limited hours.”
→Unlike Stamp 2, Stamp 1G allows full-time work.
“It’s easier to wait for locals.”
→But you could be missing out on ready-to-work, highly skilled professionals already in Ireland.
Why Should Employers Care?
Ireland is facing talent shortages across sectors — from pharma to IT to logistics. Meanwhile, a pool of highly qualified, job-ready professionals is sitting untapped.
It’s time we connected the dots.
What You Can Do:
Educate your HR team – Share this info and check out our free Employer’s Guide to Hiring Stamp 1G Talent.
Attend a free webinar – We bring together immigration solicitors and HR leaders to walk you through hiring steps.
Book a free consult – Let’s help you find your next great hire. No risk, no legal hassle.
About Us
Súileach Solutions | OPRO is an Ireland-based consultancy helping companies unlock international talent already on Irish soil. We provide resources, legal clarity, and talent strategy support to help you hire smart — and inclusively.
Final Thought
If your hiring strategy doesn’t include Stamp 1G graduates, you might be leaving talent — and value — on the table.
Let’s fix that.
This article was written by the team at OPRO experts, based on real insights and experience supporting international graduates and Irish employers.
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