When Recruiters Ask for Stamp 4 or EU Passport Only: What International Applicants in Ireland Should Know

If you're an international professional job hunting in Ireland, you've probably received a frustrating message from recruiters:

"Only candidates with Stamp 4 or EU citizenship will be considered."

You're not alone. This filter has become increasingly common in job ads and recruiter emails. At OPRO, we work with candidates facing this barrier daily—and we want to help you understand why it happens, what it really means, and what you can do next.

🚫 Why Do Recruiters Say “Stamp 4 or EU Passport Only”?

1. Work Permit Sponsorship is Limited Many companies don’t have the resources or time to sponsor work permits unless the role is on Ireland’s Critical Skills list. Even when a company qualifies, they often prefer a quicker, low-risk hire.

2. Immediate Hiring Needs Stamp 4 or EU citizens can start working immediately. For companies under pressure to fill a role fast, this matters.

3. Compliance and HR Simplicity Hiring a non-EU candidate means additional paperwork, reporting to immigration authorities, and legal responsibilities. Many recruiters and HR teams avoid this complexity unless it’s mandated by business needs.

4. Limited Recruiter Knowledge Unfortunately, not all recruiters understand the range of visas or how sponsorship works. Some exclude candidates out of habit or fear of complications.

   
   

🧭 What Can You Do About It?

✅ Know Your Rights and Options

• If you’re on a Stamp 1G (graduate visa), let them know you have full-time work rights for up to 2 years.

• If you’re eligible for a Critical Skills Permit, you can apply with employer support.

  
  

✅ Tailor Your Application Strategically

• Add a line in your CV or cover letter stating:

  “Eligible to work full-time under Stamp 1G. No sponsorship required.”

• If you’ve applied for a work permit or are in process, say it clearly.

  
  

✅ Network and Engage Directly

• Many jobs are filled via referrals. Build your Irish network via LinkedIn and industry events.

• Ask former classmates, colleagues, or community groups to refer you directly to hiring managers.

  
  

✅ Stay Resilient and Apply in Volume

• Receiving “no Stamp 4” responses is common. Focus on roles that are open to sponsorship or contracts where eligibility is flexible.

• International professionals in Ireland often apply to 50–80 roles before securing the right opportunity.

  
  

✅ Track Critical Skills Occupations List

• Roles in Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Process Engineering, and Supply Chain are often eligible for sponsorship. (See the official list)

  
  

💡 How OPRO Helps

At OPRO, we specialize in helping international applicants:

• Rebuild their CVs and LinkedIn to show visa eligibility clearly and professionally.

• Identify employers that do sponsor or hire under Stamp 1G or General Permits.

• Prepare strong interview answers that reduce visa-related bias.

• Negotiate offers and guide employers through the permit process.

  
  

We don’t just give you information—we walk with you through the whole process.

✊ Final Words

Being an international applicant in Ireland is not easy—but it is possible.

You bring value, diversity, and global skills that many companies need. The key is to stay informed, be strategic, and surround yourself with the right support.

If recruiters don’t understand your visa—teach them. If companies hesitate—show them your value. If one door closes—knock on five more.

OPRO is here to help you open those doors.

Start your next step today: www.orientacionprofesional.net

Written by OPRO's team of career specialists in Ireland. We support professionals from around the world to enter the Irish job market in pharma, medical device, IT, and engineering sectors.