The Irish Immigration Service has confirmed that Canada is the only country whose citizens can stay for two years under the Working Holiday Authorisation scheme, while all other eligible nations are capped at one year. The announcement, published on 18 September 2026, details the 10 countries whose young citizens can apply to live and work in Ireland for an extended period.
Eligible Countries and Standard Stay Duration
According to the Irish Immigration Service, the scheme permits eligible applicants to stay in Ireland for up to one year. Places are limited, and applications are processed through the Department of Foreign Affairs. Anyone already living in Ireland at the time of application is automatically disqualified. Successful applicants must also register with immigration authorities upon arrival.
The 10 countries whose citizens qualify for the programme are Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United States of America. For most of these nations, the maximum authorised stay is 12 months.
Canada's Unique Two-Year Authorisation
Buried within the scheme's conditions is a notable exception that sets Canada apart from the rest. Citizens from Canada benefit from an extended authorisation that effectively doubles their time in Ireland, allowing up to two years rather than the standard one. This distinction makes their access to the scheme considerably more valuable, offering more room to build professional experience, settle into Irish life, and explore opportunities that a single year may not allow.
The authorisation falls under Ireland's broader framework for non-EU nationals seeking to work in the country for more than 90 days. The working holiday route remains one of the more accessible pathways for young people from qualifying nations to gain legitimate entry without requiring a formal employment permit upfront.
Related International Schemes
In a similar report, Legit.ng published that Canada released the age requirement for citizens of 36 countries to qualify for work and travel scheme. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Japan announced its revised Working Holiday Programme and mentioned the eight countries and one region whose citizens can apply for the visa twice in their lifetime. The changes were introduced in stages between December 2024 and February 2026, with South Korea and Taiwan among the latest additions.
For many young people, the update offers a rare chance to return to Japan for a second period of work, travel and cultural experience. However, citizens of countries not on the list, including Nigeria, remain limited by the standard single-entry rule.
