Working holiday visa opportunities for Irish citizens

Posted on December 13, 2023 | Last Updated on January 11, 2024

Ever dreamt of packing your bags, embracing the unknown, and embarking on a working holiday adventure that would transform your life?

For many young workers in Ireland, the prospect of undertaking a working holiday abroad is a gateway to not just a change of scenery, and immerse in diverse cultures, but a transformative journey that transcends the ordinary.

Thanks to a network of working holiday visa agreements, Irish travelers have the opportunity to explore some of the most exciting destinations on earth and gain invaluable life experiences while earning money to support their time abroad.

In this article, we will explore the captivating working holiday visa opportunities tailored for Irish citizens, and fill you in on what you need to do to secure your visa.

What is a working holiday?

A working holiday is a unique travel arrangement that allows individuals to visit a foreign country for an extended period, typically ranging from a few months to a year, while also engaging in temporary employment during their stay.

This type of visa program aims to promote cultural exchange and provide an opportunity for travelers to experience a new culture, gain work experience, and financially support their travels.

Working holiday visas usually come with specific eligibility criteria, such as age limits and nationality requirements.

Requirements can differ by country, but in general, these programs are for young adults aged 18 to 30 or 35. To qualify, you typically need private health insurance and must show that you have enough money to support yourself.

Popular destinations for working holiday programs include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and various European countries.

Usually, when they get to the country, participants can easily find part-time or short-term jobs and also have the option to study. The main reason for the visit should be to be on a holiday, with work or study as additional activities.

If the main focus is on working or studying, it’s better to explore other visa options.

These programs are an excellent way for young people to explore the world, gain work experience, and broaden their horizons.

What are the working holiday visa options for Irish citizens?

The working holiday visa for Irish citizens is designed to offer unique opportunities for work and travel experiences in various destinations.

Individuals from Ireland have the opportunity to apply for working holiday visas in several countries around the world.

However, visa regulations can change, so it’s crucial to check with the relevant embassy or a visa expert like Visa First for the most up-to-date information.

It’s important to highlight that the application process and requirements for the USA differ significantly from those of other countries.

Additionally, Irish citizens do not require a working holiday agreement to reside and work within the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.

Our visa experts can guide you from start-to-finish, making the process easy, saving you time and stress, and increasing your chances of a successful visa application.

What is Australia Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417?

The Australia Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 is a temporary visa that allows young people from eligible countries to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months.

The 417 visa is designed for people who want to experience Australian culture, meet new people, and earn money while traveling.

You can experience sunny adventures during your working holiday in Australia—where your office could be a beach, and kangaroos might be your neighbors!

How long can I stay in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417?

With the Australian Working Holiday visa, individuals holding the 417 visa have the flexibility to engage in either full-time, part-time, casual, paid, or voluntary work as per their preference.

However, there is typically a six month limitation on the duration of employment with a single employer.
In certain situations, individuals with a 417 visa can work with a single employer for longer than six months.

This exception applies if the visa holder is employed as an au pair or works in specific industries in Northern Australia, including aged and disability care, agriculture, construction, mining, tourism, and hospitality.

Notably, there is no limit on the issuance of Working Holiday visas, and the number of granted visas has significantly increased.

Initially, this option was exclusively available to those engaged in seasonal agricultural work in regional Australia for at least three months.

The second Working Holiday visa for Australia extends for an additional 12 months.

Although the initial six-month restriction on working with a single employer resets in the second year, there is the possibility of returning to the same employer from the previous year for another six months.

If you feel ready for your Australia working holiday, apply for your 417 visa today!

What is the age limit for Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417?

The Australia Working Holiday visa allows individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for certain countries) to experience their initial extended holiday in Australia and engage in employment to support their journey financially.

The age limit for the Australia Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 for Irish citizens is 35. However, you must apply before your 36th birthday to be eligible.

There are a few exceptions to this rule.

Irish citizens who have already held a Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 can apply for a second or third 417 visa if they have completed a specified number of days of work in certain designated industries. The age limit for second and third visas is 30.

Read more about the
Australian Working Holiday Visa here.

What are the application requirements for Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417?

To be eligible for Australia 417 visa, you must:

• Have a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction
• Be between 18 to 30 years old (or 35 for specific countries)
• Apply online from outside Australia
• Not be accompanied by dependent children or family members
• Have not previously entered Australia on neither a subclass 417 visa nor 462 visa. If you’ve been on a subclass 417 visa before, check out details for the second Working Holiday visa.

Our visa specialists are ready to assist you from start-to-finish, making the process hassle-free, saving you time and stress, and boosting your chances of success.

How long does it take to get your Australia Working Holiday 417 Visa?

The processing time for the Australian 417 visa in 80% of the cases is 24 hours.

However, this timeframe may vary during peak season and it depends on the immigration authorities.

How much does it cost to get a Working Holiday Visa for Australia?

The current application fee for 417 visa with a visa agent like Visa First is €499 (including the cost of the Australian Immigration Authorities).

What is the Canada Working Holiday Visa?

If you were thinking of a working holiday in Canada, then the Canada Working Holiday Visa (IEC) is for you! This is a temporary visa that allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada for up to 12 or 24 months.

The Working Holiday Visa Canada is designed for people who want to experience Canadian culture, meet new people, and earn money while traveling.

The Canada Working Holiday program is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative, which includes various categories such as Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.

Our visa experts can assist you throughout the whole process, save you time and stress and boost your chances of a successful application.

How long can I stay on a Canadian Working Holiday Visa?

Working holiday visa holders in Canada can stay for up to 24 months. This means that you can enjoy all that Canada has to offer for an extended period, from exploring its vast landscapes and vibrant cities to immersing yourself in its unique culture and meeting people from all over the world.

To extend your stay in Canada beyond the initial 24-month period, you may be eligible for an additional 12-month extension.

This extension is available to working holiday visa holders who meet certain criteria, such as having completed a specified number of days of work in a designated occupation.

What is the age limit for Canadian Working Holiday Visa?

The age limit for a Working holiday visa for Canada is within the age range of 18 to 30 (with some countries having limits of 29 or 35).

Additionally, you must be from a country that has established an agreement with Canada.

What are the application requirements for the Canadian Working Holiday visa?

To apply for the Canadian work and travel program, you will need to meet the following requirements for the visa:

• Be at least 18 years old when applying.
• Be a citizen of a country with a reciprocal youth mobility agreement with Canada.
• Hold a valid passport that will be valid for at least six months after the end of your proposed stay in Canada.
• Provide proof of means of financial support for your entire stay in Canada. This typically includes having enough funds to cover your travel expenses, accommodation, food, and other basic necessities. (C$2,500)
• Have either a return ticket or enough money to buy one.
• If you plan to work in health services, primary or secondary school, teaching, or childcare, be ready for extra medical check-ups.
• Commit to maintaining medical, comprehensive hospitalization, and liability insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
• If you’re from Europe, Africa, or the Middle East, submit biometrics such as fingerprints and a photo.
• Submit a completed IEC application form.
• Pay the applicable fees.

In addition to these general requirements, you may also need to meet specific requirements depending on your country of origin. For example, some countries require applicants to provide proof of English or French language proficiency.

What is the processing time for a Canada Working Holiday visa?

The processing time for a Canada Working Holiday visa is 60 days, on average.

Applying with the help of a visa expert like Visa First for a Canada Working Holiday visa can increase your chances of success.
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How much does it cost to get a Working Holiday visa for Canada?

The initial stage of the Canadian IEC visa has a starting cost of €50 with Visa First.

Apply for your Working Holiday Visa Canada

What is the New Zealand Working Holiday visa?

The New Zealand Working Holiday visa (WHM) is a temporary visa that allows young people from eligible countries to travel and work in New Zealand for a specified period.

How long can I stay on a New Zealand Working Holiday visa?

You can travel and work in New Zealand for a maximum of 12 months. However, if you are from Canada, you have the opportunity to travel and work for up to 23 months, and for up to 36 months if you are from the United Kingdom.

What is the age limit for a New Zealand Working holiday visa?

The age limit for a New Zealand Working Holiday visa is 18 to 30 (or 35 in select countries) at the time of applying. This means that you must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35) on the date you submit your visa application.

However, you must apply before your 36th birthday (or 40th birthday for citizens of Argentina, Chile, and Czech Republic) to be eligible.

The age limit for Irish citizens is 18 to 30.

Read also:
Top things to do in New Zealand

What are the application requirements for the Working Holiday visa New Zealand?

You are eligible to apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa if:

The starting cost for the NZ Working Holiday visa with our visa experts’ assistance is €380 (including the cost of the Immigration authorities).

Our team of visa experts manages the process, saves you time, and ensures your visa application is a breeze.

What is the processing time for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

The processing time for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa can vary based on several factors, including the volume of applications and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Typically, it takes up to 20 working days for the application to be processed but the timeframe depends on the immigration authorities.

Apply for NZ Working Holiday Visa

Other working holiday destinations for Irish citizens

Ireland has also established working holiday arrangements with the following countries:

• Argentina
• Chile
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Taiwan
• United States of America

Embarking on a working holiday adventure can be a daunting process, but our team of experienced visa experts can simplify the journey.

At Visa First, we understand the intricacies of working holiday visa processes and are committed to making the journey smoother for Irish citizens.

With 20 years of experience in visas and immigration, we’re the trusted name in the industry. Each year, we help organize more than 10,000 visas for our clients, and we take pride in the trust they have in us.

We’ll meticulously guide you through the intricate visa application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and that your application is error-free.

Let us take care of the complex documentation and time-consuming procedures, while you focus on planning your exciting journey.

Our visa professionals will save you time, alleviate stress, and increase your chances of securing the visa that opens doors to a world of possibilities.

Apply For Your Working Holiday Visa

*Reviewed by a visa expert.