How long is the WHA valid for? Is there a deadline by which I must use it?

Once an application has been approved, the applicant will receive a WHA document from the Irish Embassy or Consulate which grants authorisation to work and travel in Ireland for up to 12 months.

This 12 month period starts on the date of the applicant’s arrival in Ireland and the applicant must  arrive in Ireland within six months of the date of issue on the WHA. For example, if the WHA was issued on 1 January 2015 it must be presented at an Irish port of entry by 1 June 2015.

If the applicant does not use their WHA to enter Ireland within this six-month period, the authorisation will be void and the applicant must apply again if they still wish to participate in the programme.