Recent graduates
Recent graduates, including those on Stamp 1G, with a job offer in a Critical Skills occupation
What you get
- A check of your award date, degree relevance and the role's occupation code
- A timing plan so you apply while you still qualify for the graduate rate
- Preparation and submission of the application on Employment Permits Online
About this service
Critical Skills Graduate
New from 1 March 2026: if your relevant qualification was awarded in the 12 months before you apply, you can qualify for a Critical Skills Employment Permit at a lower salary of €36,848 a year instead of €40,904, for occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List. It gives recent graduates the fastest route to Stamp 4, with no Labour Market Needs Test and immediate family reunification. The graduate threshold is a real advantage for new graduates and their employers, but it depends on timing, so we plan the application to be submitted while the lower rate still applies.
€1538
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
6
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Employers
Employers hiring recent graduates into Critical Skills roles
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Occupation
An occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List
02
Recent degree
A relevant degree or higher, awarded in the 12 months before the application
03
Salary
A salary of at least €36,848 a year for a 39-hour week
04
Job offer
A job offer of at least 2 years
05
Employer
The employer is registered with Revenue and trading, and at least 50% of its staff are EEA nationals
Our promise
What's included
Critical Skills Graduate
€1538
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 6 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We confirm you qualify for the graduate threshold.
- 2Step 2
You send the documents, and we check and prepare the application.
- 3Step 3
We submit the application within your 12-month window.
- 4Step 4
We track it and respond to any DETE queries.
- Step 5
Once approved, we guide you on registration and your family's options.
Good to know
Our fee
€1,538 VAT included. No LMNT is needed.
Government fee
€1,000. 90% is refunded if refused.
Processing time
DETE, October 2026: about 1 week for Critical Skills applications.
Don't apply late
The 12 months run from the date your qualification was awarded, so don't leave the application late.
Permit fee
Your employer can't deduct or recover the €1,000 government fee from you.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
The Critical Skills graduate threshold is a lower salary requirement for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, introduced on 1 March 2026. If your relevant qualification was awarded in the 12 months before the application, the minimum salary for an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List is €36,848 a year instead of €40,904. It's aimed at new graduates entering skilled professions, where starting salaries can be below the standard threshold. The other Critical Skills requirements still apply: the role must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List, the degree must be relevant, the job offer must be for at least 2 years and the employer must meet the normal rules. Because the window runs from the date the qualification was awarded, timing matters. Graduates who qualify get the full Critical Skills benefits, including immediate family reunification and the route to Stamp 4 after 21 months.
The standard Critical Skills threshold of €40,904 then applies, or a General Employment Permit may fit.
Yes. The graduate rate gives you the same Critical Skills benefits, including Stamp 4 after 21 months of employment.
Yes. Spouses and de facto partners can join straight away and get Stamp 1G, which allows them to work.
No. The €36,848 rate applies to occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List. Other roles need the €68,911 Critical Skills threshold or a General Employment Permit.
Yes. Many graduates apply from Stamp 1G, and some from Stamp 2 once their results are confirmed. We'll check your timing.
Ready when you are
Get started with Critical Skills Graduate
€1538
€1538
Critical Skills Graduate