US-Ireland work exchange program extended for another 5 Years

Source: Schengen Visa Info

The Irish authorities have announced that the country has signed a statement of intent with the US to extend the US-Ireland Working Holiday/Intern Work and Travel Programme for another five years.

The statement of intent between the two countries was signed by the Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke, and the Ambassador of the US to Ireland, H.E. Claire Cronin on January 27, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

The Intern Work and Travel program permits all Irish citizens who are students or recent graduates to spend up to a year living as well as working in the US. Similarly, eligible persons in the US are allowed to do the same – live and work for up to a year in Ireland.

This specific programme was first established in 2008 and since then all eligible permanent residents of the two countries have been able to take advantage of it. Regarding its extension, it has been highlighted that a formal exchange of diplomatic notes extending the programme will take place next week in Washington, D.C.

Commenting on the move, Minister Burke said that the programme offers the opportunity to recent graduates and students to experience a different life and at the same time pointed out that the programme allows Ireland and the US to strengthen people-to-people links.

“Ireland and the US enjoy a long-standing warm and mutually beneficial relationship, and the working holiday/Intern Work & Travel programme allows us to further strengthen our close people-to-people links,” the statement of Minister Burke reads.

In addition, Minister Burke encouraged everyone to take part in the programme, as according to him, all participants will be able to create connections as well as experiences that will last them a lifetime.

“Overseas experiences create memories and connections that can last a lifetime. I encourage all those eligible, especially our young people, to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange,” Minister Burke added.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs stressed that the strategy of Ireland for the United States and Canada for the 2019-2025 period, commits to making it easier to travel, live, and work in Ireland.

The same stressed that the government will continue to cooperate with the US government to increase participation in the programme and to further consolidate the connection between the two countries.

Eligible citizens of the US applying for the programme must submit a completed and signed Application for a working holiday authorisation and a copy of their US passport. In addition, they must also submit two recent passport-sized photographs, a CV, proof of being a student or a recent graduate, an original bank statement, and the relevant non-refundable fee.