By Vincent Runyon
The
United States has quite a few links with Ireland. Ireland is a member of the European Union, which is one of the United States' strongest allies. Ties between the countries economically, socially and politically are strong. It makes sense Irish passport holders would want to take advantage of this and go to the United States, be it for tourism, business or education. Still, there are a few hoops to jump through before arriving in America.
Regulations for Tourism
Ireland is part of the Visa Waiver Program with the United States. Citizens of Ireland, along with those of 34 other countries, are allowed to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. For a short trip to the U.S., all that's needed is a valid passport. For any stay longer, a nonimmigrant short-stay visa will be required.
Regulations for Business and Work
The U.S. does let in Irish citizens to work and conduct business. Those who are going to a meeting or conference in the U.S. need only a passport. Anyone who is going to work in the U.S. needs to obtain a visa with the help of a sponsor employer. The nonimmigrant visa will allow for a worker to stay in the country for up to a year. The immigrant visa will allow a worker to stay in the U.S. for as long as the job lasts, provided the visa is renewed whenever it runs out.
Regulations for Study
Those coming to the U.S. to study and planning to be in school for more than 18 hours per week need a student visa. Only a passport could work if the applicant is planning to study for less than that amount of time per week and will be in the country for less than three months. Otherwise, the long process toward the student visa will be necessary. The process includes numerous application forms, proofs of enrollment and an interview with a U.S. consulate official.
About the Author:
Vincent Runyon is a writer working out of Portland, Ore. His work has been featured in "The Oregon Voice" and "Portland Monthly." Runyon received two bachelor's degrees from the University of Oregon. His greatest passions are traveling to new and different places and enjoying a good basketball game. Usually the two are mutually exclusive.
