Trainee Accountant Permission (Stamp
1A)

Stamp 1A is the Irish immigration permission for non-EEA graduates training as accountants. It allows them to work full time in a paid training contract with an accountancy practice or business while they complete the exams of a recognised accountancy body, such as Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), CPA Ireland or ACCA. To qualify, the trainee needs a third-level degree in any discipline, full registration with the accountancy body before arriving or starting, and a full-time, paid training contract with a registered practice or business; accounting technician training isn't eligible. The permission is renewed every year, and each renewal depends on progress: a progression report from the training supervisor and exam results in line with the body's rules, for example ACCA trainees at Applied level sitting at least four exams and passing at least two a year. Stamp 1A can last up to 4 years, plus a 6-month extension, and graduates who studied in Ireland are also subject to an overall 8-year limit. Trainees can't change employer or work for anyone else, except in very exceptional circumstances agreed with ISD. Once qualified, they need an employment permit to stay and work.

Insufficient progress can lead to refusal of your renewal. Talk to us early if you're behind, so we can look at your options.

Yes, if you're an Irish graduate, but that time counts towards your 8-year limit, and you can't use Stamp 1G once Stamp 1A training has started.

You'll need an employment permit to stay and work. The 6-month extension is designed to give you time for this.

You must tell ISD and apply for a work permit if you want to keep living and working in Ireland.

Only in very exceptional circumstances agreed with ISD. Stamp 1A is tied to your training contract and employer.