Changes to J1 visa rules mean that fewer people will apply for the visa in future, warn the Union of Students in Ireland.
Rule changes to the visa programme mean that students will have to have been offered a job before they leave Ireland in order to get in to the US.
US sponsoring bodies managing the majority of those taking part have made plans to introduce a requirement for applicants to pre-arrange jobs.
This change will affect all students from countries in the Visa Waiver Programme, including Ireland.
The US embassy has confirmed to Newstalk.com that the changes are not applicable to the 12 month, or graduate, visa, which is open to Irish students who have recently graduated from third level education.
USI President Kevin Donoghue says the measures might not be in place to allow all those who want to do a J1 to secure a job beforehand, and this will mean a reduced number of successful applications for the visa.
“Potentially the infrastructure isn’t there for people who are looking for work to get so
“We would be worried that there wouldn’t be as many people able to avail of the J1 programme next year as in previous years as a result of the new measure,” he said.
The J1 programme “allows people to develop” Mr Donoghue added.
“I think it’s very important both for our capacity as young people to be exposed to different culture and it’s good for American society as well to engage with Irish people.”
Over 150,000 Irish people have travelled to the US on a J1 visa since the programme began in 1966.
The US Embassy to Ireland said the pre-placement procedures for J1 students “are already in effect and enjoying success in nearly every country in the world. The preplacement requirement is designed to ensure greater safety and security of participants, greater compliance, and a more rewarding cultural experience in the United States.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has expressed concern at the changes.
He said: "For over 50 years, the J1 experience has been a rite of passage for many young Irish students and has played an important and positive role in strengthening the Ireland-US relationship".
"It was with some concern that I learned of the proposal to require applicants to arrange employment in advance of travel in order to obtain their J1 visas".
"I am concerned that meeting the requirements of the new rules may prove challenging for many students and this may in turn impact on the numbers of students participating in the programme".
Mr Flanagan said he raised his concerns with senior members of the US Administration during his visit there last month.
"I have in recent days also written to Secretary of State Kerry outlining my concerns. I have also been in contact with the US Ambassador in Dublin, Kevin O'Malley, on the matter and appreciate his helpful engagement on the issue" he added.
Mr Flanagan added that his department and the Irish embassy in Washington will closely monitor the impact of these changes - and will remain in close contact with the US State Department.
