20,000 New One-Year Visas For The Irish

The new J visas will be available not just to students as the existing three-month J1 visas, but to anyone with a secondary-school education, or a trade.

Speaking in New York in July, Taoiseach Brian Cowen made it clear that action on visas and immigration to the United States would be a priority during his time in office though he argued that the demand by Irish-American groups for an amnesty for Irish illegals was unrealistic, while they accused the Irish Government of failing to put any pressure on its U.S. counterparts.

In related news, the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres warned potential applicants not to deal with unverified online operators, who are illegally charging fees for the work, and then not doing it.

"Irish citizens who are interested in working in the USA in the next couple of years should apply for the lottery as it will give them an opportunity to apply for a 'green card'.

"Winners should consult the Irish centres once they have been notified to ensure that they are eligible and that the application is completed correctly. Instructions and additional information will be available at the department of state site during the application period. This is the only official site, many on-line scammers will offer to take your money and not even request your digital photo," said the lobby group.