The US House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill to add Irish workers to the E-3 visa programme. The bill will now be voted on by the US Senate.

In November 2018, the House of Representatives voted in favour of an E-3 visa deal, but it failed to get voted through in the US Senate.

A total of 10,500 E-3 visas are offered to Australians each year, but fewer than half are taken up. The visas span a two-year period but can be renewed. They allow spouses of visa-holders to work, but not their children.

The initiative now adds Irish workers to those free to access the remaining visas.

In order to qualify, applicants must be employed in a speciality occupation, have a legitimate offer of employment in the US, and possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials.

In turn, the Irish Government will simplify arrangements for US citizens who either wish to  work or retire here.

A total of 10,500 E-3 visas are offered to Australians each year, but fewer than half are taken up. The visas span a two-year period but can be renewed. They allow spouses of visa-holders to work, but not their children.

The initiative now adds Irish workers to those free to access the remaining visas.

Speciality occupation

In order to qualify, applicants must be employed in a speciality occupation, have a legitimate offer of employment in the US, and possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials.

In turn, the Irish Government will simplify arrangements for US citizens who either wish to  work or retire here.