Ireland and the U.S. Announce a New J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
On September 24, 2008, the United States and Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a new Intern Work and Travel Pilot Program. The program is set to start either later this year or in early 2009 and it will allow for a Twelve-Month Intern Work and Travel Pilot Program for post-secondary students or for young people within twelve months of graduation. Young people from Ireland will be able to enter the United States for a period of twelve months on a J-1 exchange visitor visa and there will be reciprocal opportunities for young people from the United States to travel to Ireland.
The program will be coordinated by the private sector under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and it will fall under the Intern Category of the Exchange Visitor Program.
As more details are announced about the actual mechanics of applying for the visa, I will post them here.
