Irish Grad Visa Program
Thinking about spending a year in the U.S. after graduation?
The Irish Grad Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for recent Irish university graduates to live and train in the United States for up to 12 months.
It’s a U.S. visa program created just for Irish graduates, giving you the freedom to find a placement once you arrive — or, if you’ve studied hospitality or culinary arts, we can arrange a guaranteed placement before you travel.
Who is this program for?
Irish Citizens
Irish passport holders or legal residents who want to kickstart their careers with U.S. experience on their CV.
Recent Graduates
Graduates from one of the fields listed below who have graduated from a recognized university or college within the past 12 months.
Hospitality Focus
Graduates in hospitality or culinary arts have the additional option of securing a pre-arranged placement before departure (on a J1 Intern/Trainee Visa)
Your Two Options:
Irish Grad Visa
(Flexible Option)
Arrive in the U.S. and secure a placement within 90 days.
Good for grads who want freedom to explore industries and locations.
Fee: $1,500
J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa
(Hospitality/Culinary Positions)
- Guaranteed placement before you travel.
Start earning right away in hospitality or culinary roles.
Fee: $2,500
Eligibility
- Irish passport holder or legal resident
- Graduated from college/university within the past 12 months
- Hospitality/culinary qualification required for J1 Intern/Trainee Visa placement option only.
- Sufficient funds to support initial costs.
How a year in the US boosts your career
Competitive Advantage
U.S. work experience on your CV sets you apart in a competitive job market back home.
Build Global Network
Build a global professional network - U.S. companies, contacts, and mentors - and develop an international perspective.
Personal Growth
Learn to adapt fast, work independently, and grow resilience - qualities employers value.
Skills & Experience
Gain practical skills in your field (marketing, finance, hospitality, tech, etc.) in one of the world’s largest economies.
You can secure intern/trainee positions in any of the following areas:
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
- Arts and Culture
- Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Media and Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- Public Administration and Law
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
We Provide
- Visa Sponsorship and guidance throughout the process.
- Pre-departure advice on required documents, budgeting, what to expect when you arrive, etc.
- US placement search support
- 24/7 support and emergency assistance while you are in the U.S.
- Pre-arranged positions before you depart for hospitality/culinary graduates
Step 1
Check if You Are Eligible
You need to be an Irish passport holder or legal resident who has graduated in the last 12 months.
Decide which track suits you:
Grad Visa: Freedom to find your own position after you arrive.
J1 Trainee Visa: Guaranteed culinary/hospitality placement before you leave.
If you’re unsure which is right for you, we’ll talk you through both options.
Step 2
Apply Online
Complete the simple application form and upload your documents (degree cert, passport, etc.)
We’ll confirm your application and next steps within a few days.
Step 3
Application Review & Follow Up
Our team reviews your documents to make sure everything is in order.
We’ll reach out to confirm details, answer questions, and talk through next steps.
This is your chance to ask anything about the visa, timelines, or life in the U.S.
Step 4
Visa Sponsorship & Preparation
- We are your official visa sponsor and guide you through all related paperwork and embassy appointments.
If you’ve chosen the hospitality/culinary option, we’ll match you with potential U.S. employers and set up interviews.
Step 5
Prepare for Departure
- Book your flights and start planning your move. Austin is a popular starting point, but you’re free to live anywhere in the U.S.
You’ll get pre-departure resources: housing tips, budgeting advice, placement search support, and orientation sessions.
Step 6
Begin Your American Year
- Grad Visa: You have 90 days after arrival to start your position, with support from our resources.
Trainee Visa: Start working in your pre-arranged hospitality/culinary role right away.
We’re here for you throughout your stay – from placement advice to emergency help.
FAQ
No. If you choose the Grad Visa track, you don’t need a placement before you travel. You’ll have up to 90 days after arrival to start a suitable position that is linked to your degree studies, and we’ll provide resources and guidance to help. If you’d rather have something lined up in advance, hospitality and culinary graduates can choose the J1 Intern/Trainee Visa option, which includes a guaranteed placement before you go.
You must be an Irish passport holder or legal resident who has graduated from a recognized university or college within the past 12 months. Graduates from all fields can apply for the Grad Visa; the J1 Intern/Trainee Visa is available to those with a qualification in hospitality or culinary arts.
Grad Visa participants can look for roles connected to their degree interests, such as marketing, tech, finance, design, or general entry-level professional roles. Hospitality and culinary participants will intern in pre-arranged placements like hotels, resorts, or restaurants.
You’re free to live anywhere in the United States. Austin, Texas, is popular due to its sister city connection with Limerick, but some participants also choose cities like New York, Chicago, or Boston. We provide advice on getting set up and settled in wherever you choose to go.
The visa allows you to live and train in the U.S. for up to 12 months. Plus you have an additional 30 days to travel at the end of this 12 month period before returning home. At the end of your program, you’ll return to Ireland with valuable international experience.
We act as your official visa sponsor, guiding you through the application and preparation process. We provide pre-departure resources, orientation, placement search support (for Grad Visa participants), and ongoing assistance while you’re in the U.S. For hospitality/culinary grads, we can also arrange interviews with US employers, which falls under the J1 Intern/Trainee Visa program rather than the Irish Grad Visa Program.
Irish Grad Visa fee: $1,500
J1 Trainee Visa (hospitality/culinary): $2,500
Additional costs include flights, SEVIS fee, and living expenses until you start earning.
You can apply as soon as you graduate (or shortly before, if you have confirmation of your degree). You must travel to the U.S. within 12 months of your graduation date, so early applications give you more flexibility.
It usually takes a few weeks to process your application and secure your visa sponsorship, though timelines vary depending on how quickly documents are submitted. We’ll keep you updated at every step.
Yes, you’re free to travel within the U.S., and in some cases internationally, during your 12 months (you’ll need to maintain your visa status and return to the U.S. before it expires).
Not necessarily. Employers value your degree, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Many grads secure entry-level or trainee roles relevant to their field.
Most participants secure work within the 90-day window. We provide placement search resources and guidance to support you. If you don’t secure a placement, you won’t be able to remain in the U.S. after the 90 days, but we’ll advise you well in advance so you can make informed decisions.
No — you’ll need to choose your track before applying. If you’re unsure, we can talk you through both options to help you decide which is best.
Ready to take a leap?
Your next adventure starts now…