Working holiday authorisation
Live and work in Ireland for up to 12 months
The Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) Programme allows eligible US citizens to live and work in Ireland for a period of up to twelve months. This programme reflects not only the close historical and cultural ties between Ireland and the US, but also the vibrancy of the modern transatlantic relationship.
What is the Working Holiday Authorisation Programme?
Ireland and the US have a reciprocal agreement under which eligible participants can work in each other’s countries for a period of up to twelve months.
As US citizens do not require a visa to enter Ireland, this programme is not based on a visa, but instead on a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA).
Participants are issued a certificate, which allows them to work in Ireland without the need for a work permit.
Who is eligible to apply?
The WHA Programme is open to any US citizen over the age of 18 who:
- Is in full-time post-high school education, enrolled in a program which will ultimately lead to an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree, or;
- Has graduated from such a program within the past twelve months (applicants are eligible if their application is received by the Consulate within twelve months of the date of the conferral of their degree, or the date on their diploma, whichever is earlier).
Where can I work?
The WHA does not impose any restrictions on the type of work in which participants can engage, provided that it is in line with Irish law.
Students and graduates from the culinary and hospitality sectors can apply through a special pilot programme, supported by Cork County Council and the Irish Hotels Federation.
Further information on this pilot programme is available here.
Do I need to have a job lined up before applying?
No. It’s not necessary to have confirmed employment in Ireland before applying for a WHA or before travelling to Ireland.
How can I apply?
Interested candidates can apply for a WHA directly through the Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago. The application form, along with a list of required supporting documentation can be found below:
Applications can be submitted by mail to chicagowha@dfa.ie or in person.
The WHA application fee is currently $270, plus $15 return postage ($285.00). The fee can be sent in the form of a cashier’s check or money order (no personal checks) payable to “Consulate General of Ireland”. Our address: 1 E Wacker Drive (Suite 1820), Chicago, IL 60601.
A full list of frequently asked questions, including further information on the application process is available below.
Application process
The application process consists of two stages.
Stage 1:
The applicant must submit the following documentation to the Consulate:
- A completed and signed WHA application;
- A photocopy of the applicant’s United States passport valid for at least a full year after ticketed date of entry;
- 2 recent identical passport-sized photographs with applicant’s name on the reverse;
- Current CV/résumé (with at least 2 references);
- Evidence that the applicant is currently in full-time post-secondary education, or has graduated within the 12 months prior to receipt of their application (see Eligibility tab) e.g. diploma, or if a degree or diploma has not yet been conferred, applicants can submit another form of proof such as their official transcripts or a letter from their university, to show that they graduated within the 12 months prior to receipt of their application by the Consulate, or that they are still studying. In all cases original documents should be provided. These will be returned to you.
- Original bank statement showing that you have access to at least €1,500;
- The relevant non-refundable fee (see below) payable by money order, cashier's cheque or bank draft made out to the Consulate only. Please note that the postage costs are based on the average postage costs for the region covered by each office.
- Once the Consulate has received and is satisfied with the documentation above, the application will be approved in principle and the applicant notified. The application then proceeds to stage 2.
Stage 2:
The applicant must then submit the following documentation to the relevant Consulate:
- Return airline tickets
- Certificate of medical/travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip (based on dates on tickets)
- The applicant’s original US passport valid for at least a full year after ticketed date of entry
When the Consulate has received and is satisfied with this second stage documentation, the WHA will be issued.
You may submit your application documentation to us by post (mail) or in person. If you wish to submit your application by post/mail, we strongly recommend that you use registered (certified) mail or a reputable courier company. The Consulate cannot be held responsible for documentation lost in transit. If you wish to submit your application in person, please contact chicagowha@dfa.ie to schedule an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Please read this in conjunction with the information in the “eligibility” and “how to apply” tabs.
This advice refers to US participants only, Irish citizens who wish to avail of the provisions of the Working Holiday Agreement to travel to the US should consult the websites of the US Embassy in Dublin and/or the US Department of State.
What type of “post secondary education” must I be engaged in / have graduated from in order to be eligible for the programme?
I am studying for / have recently graduated with a professional qualification, am I eligible to participate in the programme?
I am a US citizen currently studying outside the US, am I eligible to participate in the programme?
I am in high school, or recently graduated from high school. Am I eligible to participate in the programme?
Graduated but not currently in full-time education
How is the date of graduation defined?
Internship / professional training (in the USA or overseas)
Is there an age limit for participation?
Do I need to have confirmed employment when I apply for a WHA?
Are there any limitations on the type of employment I can take up?
How long is the WHA valid for? Is there a deadline by which I must use it?
Can I extend the 12 month duration of my WHA?
Forwarding WHA while on visa or visa waiver programme
Do I need to have confirmed employment when I apply for a WHA?
Are there any limitations on the type of employment I can take up?
I would like to undertake a full time degree programme lasting more than 90 days in Ireland, can I avail of the WHA to do this?
How long is the Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) valid for? Is there a deadline by which I must use it?
Can I extend the 12-month duration of my Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA)?
I am already in Ireland / I am in a hurry to get to Ireland, can I enter Ireland under the Visa Waiver Programme or on a visa and have my Working Holiday Authorisation forwarded to me in Ireland? Can I change my immigration status after entering Ireland?
May I avail of the Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) programme more than once?
Forwarding WHA while on visa or visa waiver programme
If I am granted a WHA do I also need to apply for a visa / employment permit / other document?
Why do I need to show evidence of health insurance?
What type of medical insurance is required?
I plan on travelling in Europe before/after my stay in Ireland – do I have to have return airline tickets directly from US to/from Ireland?
It is not possible to purchase a return flight ticket as my intended return date is too far away
Information for Irish applicants
Irish citizens who wish to avail of the provisions of the Working Holiday Agreement to travel to the US should consult the websites of the US Embassy in Dublin and/or the US Department of State for more information about the Intern Work and Travel Pilot Program with Ireland (a.k.a. Intern work/travel: Irish).