The J1 Visa programme has been suspended for 60 days.

USIT, which oversees the J1 process in Ireland, expects to know more early next week after it speaks to US authorities.

Last year 3,000 people here took part in the J1 programme, which allows third-level students to work in the US legally for up to four months.

The news comes after President Trump declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency.

The US Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs says the decision will be reviewed after the suspension, with a possible 30 day extension.

Lorna Fitzpatrick, President of Union of Students in Ireland, said the situation is a concern.

She said: "Our advice would be to contact their provider, and to also check out the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

"The main thing is to follow the advice of the HSE and the Government in relation to all aspects of this.

"It is a concerning situation, but we don't want to panic people."