Stamp 1H in Ireland –
A Complete Guide

Stamp 1H is a specific immigration permission in Ireland granted to qualified doctors who wish to work in the country under the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme or Supervised Division of the Medical Council of Ireland.

If you’re looking for information on Stamp 1A, you can explore it here.

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089 9882413

info@expertconsultants.ie

stamp 1h

What is Stamp 1H?

Stamp 1H is a specific immigration permission in Ireland granted to qualified doctors who wish to work in the country under the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme or Supervised Division of the Medical Council of Ireland. It allows non-EEA medical professionals to gain practical experience and transition into full medical practice in Ireland.  

This stamp plays a crucial role in addressing the demand for healthcare professionals and provides a structured pathway for internationally trained doctors to integrate into the Irish healthcare system. Understanding the conditions of Stamp 1H is essential for medical professionals aiming to build a career in Ireland. 

Who is Eligible for Stamp 1H? 

Stamp 1H is issued to non-EEA doctors who fall under one of the following categories:

1. Doctors Under the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme

  • You must have received a decision letter from the Irish Medical Council stating that you are required to complete a clinical adaptation and assessment period before full registration.
  • You must be placed in an approved Irish healthcare institution for this adaptation period.
  • You are allowed to work only within the assigned clinical training program. 

2. Doctors in the Supervised Division of the Irish Medical Council

  • You must have been granted a position in the Supervised Division of the Medical Council of Ireland.
  • You must work only in an approved hospital or healthcare facility under specific supervision.
  • You are not allowed to engage in independent medical practice outside of the approved program.

Rights and Restrictions Under Stamp 1H

What You Can Do

Work in Ireland’s healthcare system under an approved supervised placement.  
Gain clinical experience and complete required assessments for full medical registration.  
Apply for a Stamp 1 renewal or a different employment-based permission upon successful completion of the program. 

What You Cannot Do

Work outside of the designated hospital or medical institution.  
Engage in private practice or self-employment.  
Apply for Stamp 4 directly from Stamp 1H (further immigration steps are required).  
Stay in Ireland after the program without transitioning to another valid immigration status.  

How to Apply for Stamp 1H? 

1

Obtain a Decision from the Irish Medical Council

  •  Apply for registration with the Irish Medical Council.
  • Receive an official decision letter stating that you are eligible for the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme or the Supervised Division.
  • Secure a confirmed placement in an approved healthcare institution. 

2

Gather Required Documents 

  • Valid passport.
  • Irish Medical Council decision letter confirming eligibility.
  • Official placement confirmation letter from the healthcare institution.
  • Proof of private medical insurance.
  • Any additional documents requested by immigration authorities.  

3

Submit Application to Immigration Authorities

  • If you are already in Ireland, you must register for Stamp 1H at your local immigration office.
  • If you are outside Ireland, you must apply for a long-stay D visa before traveling.
  • Upon approval, you will receive Stamp 1H permission, allowing you to work in the designated healthcare institution. 

1

Obtain a Decision from the Irish Medical Council

  •  Apply for registration with the Irish Medical Council.
  • Receive an official decision letter stating that you are eligible for the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme or the Supervised Division.
  • Secure a confirmed placement in an approved healthcare institution. 

2

Gather Required Documents 

  • Valid passport.
  • Irish Medical Council decision letter confirming eligibility.
  • Official placement confirmation letter from the healthcare institution.
  • Proof of private medical insurance.
  • Any additional documents requested by immigration authorities.  

3

Submit Application to Immigration Authorities

  • If you are already in Ireland, you must register for Stamp 1H at your local immigration office.
  • If you are outside Ireland, you must apply for a long-stay D visa before traveling.
  • Upon approval, you will receive Stamp 1H permission, allowing you to work in the designated healthcare institution. 

Renewing Stamp 1

Stamp 1H is typically granted for a limited period based on the duration of your clinical adaptation or supervised practice. If an extension is required, you must:

  • Submit an updated letter from the Irish Medical Council or your employer.
  • Show continued validity of your medical placement.
  • Provide updated medical insurance and financial proof.
  • Apply before your current permission expires.  

Common Reasons for Stamp 1H Rejections & How to Avoid Them?

  • Failure to secure a placement
    Ensure you have a confirmed hospital placement before applying.
  • Incomplete application documents
    Double-check all required documents to prevent delays.
  • Expired immigration permission
    Apply for Stamp 1H before your current permission expires.
  • Insufficient medical insurance coverage
    Make sure your insurance meets immigration requirements. 

What Happens After Stamp 1H?

Once you successfully complete the required assessment or supervised period, you may transition to a full employment permit in Ireland. Common options include:  

  • Stamp 1 (General or Critical Skills Employment Permit):
    If you secure a full-time medical position in Ireland, you can apply for an employment permit and transition to Stamp 1.
  • Stamp 4 (Long-Term Residency):
    After working under a valid employment permit for the required number of years, you may qualify for Stamp 4, which allows full residency and work rights.
  • Alternative Visa Options:
    If you do not secure a work permit, you may need to return to your home country or explore other immigration routes.  

Stamp 1H is an essential immigration permission for international doctors seeking to work in Ireland’s healthcare system. It provides a structured pathway to full medical registration, allowing qualified professionals to contribute to Ireland’s medical sector while gaining valuable experience.  

Since this stamp is time-sensitive and linked to medical council decisions, applicants must prepare in advance, secure an approved placement, and ensure all documents are in order. Upon successful completion, transitioning to an employment permit will be the next crucial step for long-term career prospects in Ireland.