My Journey from Stamp 1G to Stamp 4 in 2 Years (2026)

My Journey from Stamp 1G to Stamp 4 in Ireland – Full Timeline (2026)

Hi, I’m Priya from India. In September 2024, I arrived in Dublin with a Stamp 1G (student visa). By October 2026, I had my Stamp 4 (Irish residency) — no spouse, no investor visa, just smart planning.

Here’s my exact roadmap — including every document, timeline, and mistake that almost derailed me.

📌 Key Stats:
Total Time: 25 months
Total Cost: €1,800 (visa + legal)
Job: IT Support → Software Developer (Critical Skills Permit)

Phase 1: Student Life (Stamp 1G)

• Sep 2024: Enrolled in MSc Computer Science at TU Dublin (Level 9 NFQ).
• Oct 2024: Registered with GNIB → got Stamp 1G (valid 24 months).
• Rule: Can work 20 hrs/week during term, 40 hrs/week during holidays.

Phase 2: First Job & Critical Skills Permit

• Jun 2025: Landed internship at a Dublin startup (paid €15/hr).
• Aug 2025: Graduated → applied for Job Seeker Visa (Stamp 1G extension) – 6 months.
• Oct 2025: Got full-time offer as Junior Developer (€42,000/year).
• Nov 2025: Employer applied for Critical Skills Employment Permit (eligible occupation list).
• Jan 2026: Permit approved → got Stamp 1.

⚠️ Must-Know: Your job must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List. IT, Engineering, Healthcare = safe.

Phase 3: From Stamp 1 to Stamp 4

• Jan 2026 – Dec 2026: Worked continuously for 12 months on Stamp 1.
• Dec 2026: Applied for Stamp 4 under “General Employment Permit holder after 21 months” route.
• Documents Needed:
  • Passport + current IRP card
  • Payslips + P60 for last 12 months
  • Employment letter confirming role/salary
  • Proof of address (bank statement + utility bill)
• Feb 2027: Approved! Now I can work for any employer, start a business, and access public funds.

3 Lessons That Saved My Residency

1. Choose a Level 9 (Master’s) course – only these give 24-month Stamp 1G.
2. Get a job in a Critical Skills field – avoids General Permit (which doesn’t lead to Stamp 4 easily).
3. Never break work continuity – gaps > 3 months can disqualify you.

💡 Free Resource: Download my “Ireland Visa Timeline Tracker 2026” (Google Sheets) – includes document checklist & renewal alerts. [Your Link]

If I can do it, so can you. Start today — your Irish future is closer than you think.