- Published on March 27, 2026
- Bishnu K.
Secure work rights in Ireland with Immigration Stamp 2 permission by enrolling in a full-time NFQ Level 7+ course at a TrustEd Ireland authorized institution. Maintain visa compliance by adhering to the 20/40 hour rule: limit work to 20 hours weekly during term time and 40 hours during approved holidays.
The “TrustEd” and NFQ Requirements
Not every course qualifies you for Stamp 2 work rights. As of 2025, your institution must have TrustEd Ireland authorization to even recruit non-EEA students. Additionally, your course must meet specific academic standards:
It must be full-time and last at least one year.
It must lead to a qualification recognized by the Minister for Education and Skills.
Crucially, it must be ranked at Level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This includes Ordinary Bachelor’s Degrees (Level 7) up through Doctoral Degrees (Level 10).
Strict Study Timetables
Immigration officials also look at your daily schedule. To maintain your work eligibility, you must attend classes between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM for at least 15 hours per week. These classes must run for a minimum of 25 weeks per year.
The 20/40 Hour Rule
Once you have your Stamp 2 permission, you must adhere to strict working hour caps.
Term Time: For the majority of the year, you are limited to working 20 hours per week.
Holidays: You can increase your hours to 40 per week only during two specific windows: the summer months (June 1 to September 30) and the winter break (December 15 to January 15).
By ensuring your course meets the NFQ Level 7+ requirement and sticking to the holiday schedules, you can confidently work in Ireland without jeopardizing your visa status.