Up to 5,000 Irish people a year could benefit from a surplus visa scheme in the US.
According to the Irish Times moves will get underway in the US Congress this week that may allow Ireland to be allocated surplus visas not taken up under an agreement between America and Australia.
The E3 visa programme is aimed at third-level graduates but individuals could also qualify based on their professional experience.
It's reported that former Irish senator Billy Lawless said on Monday that he had received confirmation from the office of US Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois that he intended to bring forward legislation to allow Ireland to benefit from what is known as the E3 visa programme.
Former Waterford Fine Gael TD John Deasy, head of government affairs with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, said on Monday:
“We believe there will be another attempt to pass an immigration package this year . The re-introduction of the E3 bill by Senator Durbin is the necessary first step in that process. “
“It is very significant that the most senior legislator in the Senate when it comes to immigration is doing this. We hope the Taoiseach can make a similar case to US president Joe Biden when he meets him on Thursday.”
