Should legislation currently under consideration by the US House of Representatives be approved, Ireland stands to gain up to 5,000 US visas. This proposition has been tabled by Republican Congressman Richard Neal and Democrat Congressman Mike Kelly, who jointly chair the Friends of Ireland Caucus and advocate for the expansion of the E-3 program to Ireland.
Originally established in 2005 as a facet of the US-Australia trade agreement, the E-3 program annually allots 10,500 visas to skilled Australian citizens. However, only half of the available visas have been utilised over the past ten years. The congressmen propose that unused Australian E-3 visas be made available to eligible Irish applicants. Past attempts to pass the bill in 2018 and 2022 were unsuccessful.
E-3 visas are designated for professionals who aim to provide services in “specialty occupations” in the US with a confirmed job offer from a US employer. Applicants are required to hold a university degree or its equivalent as the baseline for entry into the US. The visa permits the holder to reside in the US for a span of two years, with a possible renewal option.
Congressman Neal noted the enduring strong relationship between Ireland and the US over the past century, underpinned by mutual democratic values. According to him, providing E-3 visas, in combination with reciprocal procedures, would propel the United States and Ireland’s bond, enabling the overdue exchange of citizens between the two countries. He further highlighted the historical economic ties, shared commitment to global freedom and rules-based international order that the two nations had supported over the last century. He believed the legislation reinforced these ties, creating vast opportunities for both the US and Ireland.
On the other hand, Congressman Kelly expressed his hopes for the continuation of the deeply rooted Irish-American link through the visa scheme. Kelly reiterated the importance of acknowledging their shared history and continuing to foster their unique bond.
Previous instances of similar legislation introduced by Congressman Neal and Congressman Kelly include its appearance in the 116th and 117th Congresses. Whilst the Bill was passed by the House during the 116th Congress, the Senate did not vote on it.
For the new Irish E-3 visa Bill to become law, it must receive approval from both the House and the Senate. Afterwards, it will be sent to President Joe Biden to sign off. Given the President’s Irish lineage, it is unlikely he would pose any obstacle in its ratification.