Ireland PSW Visa: Eligible for 1-Year MBA?

Yes, Ireland does offer a post-study work visa option for international students, but there are specific conditions. If you complete an MBA program (or another recognized degree) in Ireland, you may be eligible for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. This visa allows international students to stay in Ireland for a period after completing their studies to search for employment.

Here’s how it works for an MBA graduate:

Eligibility for the Third Level Graduate Scheme:

• Completion of a Recognized Course: Your MBA program must be at least 1 year long (as you mentioned) and should be recognized by the Irish government as a higher education qualification.

• Duration of Stay:

o If you complete an undergraduate or master's degree (e.g., MBA), you may be eligible to stay for up to 24 months (2 years) under the Third Level Graduate Scheme to search for a job.

This means that even if your MBA is completed in one year, you would still be eligible for a 2-year post-study work visa, which gives you the opportunity to search for a job in Ireland after graduation.

Job Search and Work Rights:

• Any Job: You can work full-time in any job during the 24-month period. However, this visa does not require you to work in a job directly related to your field of study.

• Graduate Role Requirement: If you wish to transition to a Critical Skills Employment Permit or another type of work visa after your 2-year stay, the job must meet certain salary and skill requirements, similar to other work visa categories in Ireland.

Pathway to Settling in Ireland:

• The 2-year post-study work visa provides a chance for you to gain work experience, which can be valuable if you want to transition to a long-term employment permit or permanent residency.

• After your two years, if you secure a job that qualifies for an employment permit (such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit or a General Employment Permit), you can potentially apply for a Stamp 4 visa to live and work in Ireland long-term, and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Key Points to Consider:

• Ensure that your MBA program is recognized by Ireland’s Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science.

• The Third Level Graduate Scheme is a great opportunity to start your career in Ireland, but transitioning to a work visa after the two years depends on finding a job that qualifies for a work permit.

In summary, if you complete a one-year MBA program in Ireland, you would generally be eligible for a 2-year post-study work visa to search for a job. This gives you time to find employment, gain experience, and potentially transition to a more permanent work visa in Ireland.