Working holiday authorisation
Eligibility
Any US citizen, over the age of 18, who:
a) is currently in full-time (i.e. not part time or online) post-secondary (i.e. post high school) education, inside or outside the US, leading to an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree, or;
b) is currently in full-time (i.e. not part time or online) post-secondary (i.e. post high school) education, inside or outside the US, leading to certificate/diploma leading to a degree described at a) above, or;
c) has graduated from a programme of study described at a) or b) above within the 12 months prior to receipt of their application by the relevant Consulate/Embassy
may be considered eligible for the programme as long as they meet all other requirements. See “how to apply” tab for further details.
How to apply (US citizens only)
These instructions refer to US participants only.
US citizens wishing to travel to Ireland under the terms of the Agreement may apply for a US Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) directly through the relevant Consulate General or Embassy.
Note: All commercial suppliers of assistance with the application should be treated with due caution. The Embassy and Irish Consulates are not represented by these commercial suppliers and do not vouch for their services.
The application process consists of two stages.
Stage 1:
The applicant must submit the following documentation to the relevant Consulate General or Embassy:
- A completed and signed Application for a working holiday authorisation -WHA
- 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/Embassy, 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 payable by money order or cashier's cheque made out to Consulate General of Ireland. For those applying through the San Francisco Consulate (applications from US citizens resident in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam & the Marianas, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) the fee is $270.
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 General or Embassy:
- Return airline tickets; [see FAQ tab on airline tickets]
- Certificate of medical/travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip (based on dates on tickets) (see FAQ tab on medical insurance)
- The applicant’s original United States passport valid for at least a full year after ticketed date of entry
When the Embassy or Consulate has received and is satisfied with this second stage documentation, the Working Holiday Authorisation (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 Embassy/Consulates cannot be held responsible for documentation lost in transit. If you wish to submit your application in person, please check the visa section of the website of the relevant Consulate General or Embassy (Our Services/Visas) as some restrictions may apply (e.g. appointment times).
On arrival in Ireland
The market for short-term casual work in Ireland is highly competitive and adequately supplied by the large number of school leavers and other young Irish and EU nationals looking for work.
Getting your WHA is not a guarantee of finding work. If you hold a Working Holiday Agreement you are permitted to work from your date of entry to the State once your passport has been endorsed by an Immigration Officer at a Port of Entry confirming the purpose is to “take up employment under a WHA”.
Immigration controls
Even if you have a WHA, you’re still subject to normal immigration controls when you enter Ireland. As a non-EU national, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days. There is a fee of €300 for the issue of a Garda (police) registration card. It is a criminal offence to not register within ninety days. Persons seeking an appointment for the purposes of registration may encounter delays in securing an appointment. Working Holiday Agreement holders may book their appointment before they leave for Ireland.”
WHA holders will also need to obtain a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). Information on how to obtain a PPSN can be found on the Department of Social Protection.
Frequently asked questions
Please read this in conjunction with the information in the “eligibility” and “how to apply” tabs.