Working Holiday Authorisation
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Applications open annually (typically November for the following year). First 400 eligible applications are processed.
- Fee
- Free (no application fee)
- Validity
- 12 months (24 months for Canadian citizens)
- Entry
- Single entry
Ireland has Working Holiday agreements with 10 countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA. Each agreement has different conditions. Canadian citizens may stay up to 24 months. Australian citizens can work a maximum of 6 months with any one employer. Hong Kong citizens can work a maximum of 3 months with any one employer. US citizens must be enrolled in full-time post-secondary education or have graduated within the last 12 months. Japanese citizens aged 18-25 (extendable to 30 if in full-time education/employment). Applications typically open in November for the following year. This is a one-time-only programme; applicants cannot re-apply.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or the USA.
Eligible countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (Republic of), New Zealand, Taiwan, Province of China, United States of America
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Age
Generally 18-30 years old. Exceptions: Argentine, Australian, and Canadian citizens may apply up to age 35. Japanese citizens 18-25 (extendable to 30). US citizens must be 18+ with no upper age limit but must be current students or recent graduates.
Max age: 35; Min age: 18
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Purpose of visit
Must be first-time participant in the Ireland Working Holiday programme. Primary purpose should be a holiday with incidental employment.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
How to apply
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Online application
Complete and submit the WHAA1 application form during the annual application window (typically opens November).
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Document gathering
Gather valid passport, proof of health insurance, proof of funds, and any country-specific documents (e.g., proof of enrollment for US citizens).
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Document submission
Submit application and supporting documents. First 400 eligible applications per year are accepted.
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Processing wait
Wait for authorisation decision. Successful applicants receive a Working Holiday Authorisation letter.
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Visa collection
Travel to Ireland with the authorisation letter. Register with immigration after arrival to obtain IRP card.