Rep. Mike Kelly, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 16th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Mike Kelly, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 16th District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) and Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01), Co-Chairs of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to include Ireland in the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program.
The E-3 program was initiated in 2005 as part of the U.S.-Australia trade agreement, offering 10,500 visas annually to skilled Australian nationals. This has proven to be a successful avenue for qualified Australians to gain valuable professional experience in the United States. However, only about half of these visas have been utilized over the past decade. The proposed legislation would allow qualified Irish workers to access these unused Australian E-3 visas.
E-3 visas are designated for professionals visiting the United States to perform services in “specialty occupations” with a confirmed job from a U.S. employer. As per the agreement with Australia, applicants must possess a university degree or its equivalent as a minimum requirement for entry into the United States. The E-3 visa permits holders to reside in America for two years, with an option for renewal.
Rep. Kelly emphasized the importance of this legislation by stating, “It is deeply important that we continue to reaffirm the strong relationship between our people and countries.” He acknowledged the significant contributions made by generations of Irish Americans, particularly in his home state of Pennsylvania, and stressed on continuing support for this unique relationship.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rep. Neal said, "For the last 100 years, the United States and Ireland have maintained a strong relationship rooted in our shared democratic values." He added that introducing E-3 visas would strengthen this bond further by facilitating movement between both nations.
This legislation has been introduced twice before by Reps. Neal and Kelly during previous Congresses — specifically, the 116th and 117th Congresses. While it passed in the House during the 116th Congress, it did not receive a vote in the Senate.
The full text of the legislation is attached and further information about the bill can be found HERE.
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