Graduate 24 Month Visa

cyclingrules

Hi,

Long time poster looking for some direction here. On an account I had registered previously for some anonymity.

I know someone who is looking to apply for the 24 month graduate visa, but is unsure of the language used. He moved here in 2014, and completed a Masters (NFQ Level 9) from a recognised university, ending in 2015. This was 1 year on Stamp 2 I believe.

2015 to 2016, worked here under the Graduate Visa Programme. Was called a stamp 2 at the time I think.

2016 to 2017, completed a second (NFQ Level 9) masters, and now wants to work in Ireland. Has been offered a 2 year contract for employment, based on the following being applicable - here is the confusion.

Does "higher" level imply that the latest degree completed must be higher than the NFQ level completed previously. In this case it was Level 9, and another Level 9.

Below in quotes are the conditions that must be met, from here: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Student%20Pathway

1.
Must have been notified in writing by the relevant awarding body or institution on or after 1 January 2017 that they have achieved the award for which they had enrolled as a student. OK.

2.
Must hold a current Stamp 2 student immigration permission and an up-to-date immigration registration card, and must apply within six months of being notified by the relevant awarding body or institution that they have achieved the award for which they had enrolled as a student. OK

3.
Must not have already exceeded the seven-year limit on their permission as a non-EEA national student in the State. OK

4.
May, if having previously benefitted from the Third Level Graduate Programme at a level 8 award or above, on achievement of a higher level award, e.g. level 9 or above, re-enter the Third Level Graduate Programme, subject to the overall limit of eight years. How does he interpret this? The level is the same, but can still be considered a "higher level" since it's a level 9?

5.
A graduate will not be permitted to access the Programme on more than two separate occasions, subject to 4) above. OK.

6.
Must, in line with the obligation on any non-EEA national seeking to renew their permission to be in the State, comply with the laws of the State. Such persons are expected to be of good character and not to have come to the adverse attention of the authorities in any way. OK.

7.
Must present evidence of the final award being attained by way of a parchment or, in circumstances where the graduation ceremony is yet to take place, an official letter for the awarding body / institution confirming that the award has been achieved. OK.

8.
An award granted by a recognised Irish awarding body i.e.
The seven Irish universities; i.e. Trinity College, UCD, DCU, Maynooth University, UCC, NUIG and the University of Limerick
Dublin Institute of Technology
Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
Institutes of Technology
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) OK.

However, from this page:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Introduction%20of%20new%20Stamp%20for%20students%20availing%20of%20the%20Third%20Level%20Graduate%20Programme%20%E2%80%93%20Stamp%201G

The Third Level Graduate Programme may only be availed of once.

How does this compare to point 4) above?

Obviously will be getting in contact with INIS / GNIB as soon as possible, but any information here in the meantime would be very useful.

Thank you.