About 4.627,000 Canadians identify as Irish or claim partial Irish heritage. Canadians in this category make up 13.43% of the population. Irish people make up the fourth-largest ethnic group in Canada, with a population of around 4 million. After arriving in Quebec, Irish immigrants expanded to western Canada, colonizing new land and providing cheap labor. Different ways have been attributed to the Irish’s impact across Canada. Irish immigrants frequently plan to immigrate to Canada and remain there for a very long time. A high standard of living and safety have attracted many Irish to migrate to Canada from Ireland.
International Mobility
International Mobility is a program that enables Irish citizens to migrate to Canada through the International Experience Program. Under an agreement between Canada and a few other countries, including Ireland, foreign nationals may study and/or work in Canada. Each applicant creates a profile which is then submitted to a number of different programs or “pools” for consideration. Invitations to Apply (ITA) are sent to candidates in several rounds according to their nation/category. At the conclusion of each season, candidates are eliminated from the pool. They must submit an application for the applicable work permit after acquiring an ITA.
A pool of applicants will be formed for the following IEC program and ITAs will be given:
The Working Holiday Program:
Working Holiday Program is available to foreign nationals between 18 and 35 years old. Program participants find temporary work in order to pay for their journey (up to 24 months) to Canada. Participation in this program is limited to one Irish national at a time, and the following requirements must be met:
- It is required that you are an Irish citizen.
- Throughout the entirety of your visit to Canada, you must hold a valid Irish passport.
- In order to cover expenses while in Canada, you must possess a minimum of $2,500 (CAD).
- In order to enter Canada, a person must have health insurance that is valid during their entire stay.
- Inadmissible to Canada must not be present.
- If it is necessary for you to leave the country prior to the end of your permitted stay in Canada. You must possess a round-trip ticket or prove that you have the money to purchase one after you have completed your stay.
- There must be no dependents accompanying the passenger.
- A fee payment must have been made for all applicable fees.
The young professional program:
A young professional program can help post-secondary graduates advance their careers by providing Canadian professional work experience. Before they can be added to the candidate pool, candidates must submit a signed Offer Letter or Contract of Employment. Which is related to their field of competence through education or work experience. And the time spent working in Canada is considered an asset to their professional development. Participants are allowed to participate in this program only once, and the following requirements must be met:
- Candidates must have citizenship in Ireland
- For the duration of your stay in Canada, you need to have a valid Irish passport.
- For the purposes of covering expenses while in Canada, it is necessary to have at least $2,500 (CAD) on hand.
- It may be necessary for the applicant to provide evidence of their health insurance upon entering Canada.
- A Canadian citizen must not be inadmissible to the country.
- Dependents cannot accompany you.
- All applicable fees must be paid.
The international internship programs
Applicants from Ireland can acquire useful international work experience in a field related to their studies through the International Co-op (Internship) Program.
IEC Programs Work Permits
The following paperwork must be provided after an ITA has been received in order to get a work visa. With an open work permit, a foreign national may work for numerous employers in Canada. However, with an employer-specific work permit, they may only work for the organization that is named on the document. In some occupations, a medical examination is required before the application can be processed. (Partners of students or foreign workers frequently apply for these.) The duration of a work permit in Canada cannot exceed the passport’s expiration date.
It is necessary to provide the following documents when applying for a work permit:
- In addition to the IEC application, you must submit the same documentation.
- Secondly, additional background information about the candidate, such as his/her education, work history, etc.
- You must demonstrate financial support, obtain medical exams, obtain health insurance, obtain police certificates, submit your CV/resume, obtain your passport, take digital pictures, and complete an electronic travel authorization form for your family.
The following points should be remembered:
- If a candidate wants to be considered for the Co-op Program. Their profile must mention both the Working Holiday Program and the Co-op Program. Applicants for the Working Holiday Program will only be considered when there are no more openings in the Co-op Program.
- To prepare for the application, candidates are encouraged to become familiar with the cost of living in Canada’s cities and provinces/territories.
- Wages must be determined in accordance with the labor rules of the province or territory where the employment term will take place. Whether or not an internship must be compensated will depend on the labor code of the relevant province or region.
- Canadian employers and IEC candidates are responsible for ensuring compliance with labor standards. Also should contact their respective provincial or territorial authorities with questions.
- The Open Work Permit is available to Irish nationals traveling to Canada to study who wish to bring their legal partner or spouse with them during the study permit period. Nevertheless, if he/she is not a national of the Republic of Ireland, he/she may also be required to obtain a visa for the purpose of entering and staying in Canada.
Canada’s permanent residency
Under the CRS, candidates for permanent residence are awarded points based on their education, experience, abilities, and potential contributions to society and the economy if they are granted immigration to Canada. Applicants who meet the criteria for permanent residence receive an ITA.
It may be worthwhile for Irish nationals to apply through one of the following streams:
- Family Class
- Federal Skilled Workers Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trade Program
FSWP – Federal Skilled Workers Program
By allocating points according to qualifications, the CRS stream of Express Entry evaluates candidates based on their age, job offers, and adaptability. Furthermore, their education, funding, and eligibility are taken into consideration. A point system determines whether applicants are likely to succeed in Canada based on their potential. Canadian government officials select ITAs for the best candidates based on applicant rankings.
This stream of the National Occupation Classification will require applicants to demonstrate experience in one or more of the following groups in order to qualify for this stream of the NOC:
- “O” skill type for the managerial position
- “A” skill type for a professional position
- Technical job and a skilled crafts skill type “B”
Quebec has its own process for selecting skilled workers. The process outline below applies only to applicants from provinces other than Quebec who intend to reside there.
Skilled work
In order to be eligible for employment in Canada, an applicant must demonstrate that they have carried out all mandatory duties. And the majority of the principal duties are listed in the lead statement of their NOC description. In order for this experience to count as Canadian experience, the applicant must have held a position that has the same NOC code as the one that the applicant plans to apply for when he/she moves to Canada.
An experience of at least one full year must be obtained through paid employment during the past ten years (not an internship). It is acceptable to work either full-time or part-time according to the number of hours worked.
Language
It is mandatory for a Canadian applicant to obtain a minimum score of 7 on a test that measures the ability to read, write, listen, and speak in either English or French, as part of the CLB. It is necessary for the results of the tests to be current when the application to become a permanent resident. Which is submitted for two years following the date of their results.
Education
In addition to a diploma, degree, or trade apprenticeship certificate obtained from a reputable school, Irish nationals who hold credentials from other nations must present a degree or diploma. One must have an educational credential assessment (ECA) issued by a recognized organization in addition to a secondary or post-secondary diploma or degree from an accredited Canadian institution to be eligible for immigration.
When the candidate has finished their education in Canada, they must present a certificate, diploma, or degree.
Fund proof
Express Entry applicants from Ireland must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support themselves and any family members that may join them in Canada.
Admissibility
As a requirement for applying to the CEC stream, you must have a valid entry permit to the country of Canada. Another way to say it is that you must be deemed healthy and safe before you can immigrate. Irish citizens who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol are ineligible to settle in Canada (drunk driving). Before being given permanent residence in Canada, you must be authorized for criminal rehabilitation if you have a criminal record.
Espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, and prior convictions of crimes are examples of security reasons. While medical reasons (health conditions that pose public safety risks or lead to excessive demand for health and social services). And misrepresentation (such as withholding information related to government decisions) are examples of reasons why admission to Canada is denied.
FSTP – Federal Skilled Trade Program
Express Entry’s CRS stream evaluates candidates based on qualifications, including age, job offers, and adaptability, by allocating points according to their qualifications. In addition to their education and funding evidence, it also considers whether they are admissible. Applicants’ chances of achieving success in Canada are evaluated through the point system. Following the assessment of applicants, the Canadian government selects the top candidates and extends ITAs to them.
Nationals from Ireland who apply through this stream must have experience in one of the professions (Skill Type “B”) listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC):
- Construction, electrical, and industrial trades in Major Group 72
- The major group 73 is devoted to maintenance and equipment operations
- Natural resources, agriculture, and related production jobs belong to Major Group 82
- Supervising, manufacturing, and operating central control systems in the Major Group 92
- Chefs and cooks in Minor Group 632
- Bakers and butchers are members of Minor Group 633
There are specific procedures in Quebec for selecting skilled personnel. This process summary applies only to candidates who want to live somewhere other than Quebec.
Skilled Trades Work
It is required that the applicant demonstrate that, while employed in their line of work, they have fulfilled all of the responsibilities stated in the lead statement of the NOC description for which they are applying, including the majority of the main responsibilities, as well as all mandatory responsibilities. It must have been acquired before becoming qualified to independently practice the trade, and it must have been acquired in the same position the applicant wishes to hold when he or she immigrates to Canada.
Language
A language exam in either English or French is required for Irish applicants applying through this stream, and a minimum score of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark for speaking and listening and a minimum score of 4 on the CLB for reading and writing (CLB) must be obtained. A permanent residency application must be submitted with current results that are valid for two years following the date the results were received.
Education
Irish citizens need not have any special educational requirements to apply to this stream, but there are two ways to improve their standing:
- Canadian secondary and post-secondary institutions can award points for certificates, diplomas, and degrees if the education was obtained there.
- If the Education Credential Assessment (ECA) demonstrates that overseas education is equivalent to one of Canada’s secondary or postsecondary institutions, then points will be awarded.
Assessment of provincial/territorial trades
Almost all trades are governed by bodies that represent their provinces or regions. In the territory or province where they intend to settle, Irish nationals will probably need to research the trade. Depending on the results of this assessment, the Canadian company may have to provide specialized training or experience to the Irish worker.
Funds proof
Irish citizens who wish to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Stream are required to demonstrate their financial ability to support themselves and family members once in Canada. It is waived for anyone who is working legally in Canada and has a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.
Admissibility
An application for the FST stream must be submitted before you are eligible to enter Canada. Another way to put it is that you must be deemed safe and healthy before you can immigrate. Drinking and driving is the most common offense that disqualifies Irish citizens from entering Canada (drunk driving). Prior to being given permanent residence in Canada, you must receive criminal rehabilitation authorization.
CEC – Canadian Experience Class
During the Express Entry application process, this stream assigns CRS points to candidates based on their education, eligibility, experience working in Canada, proficiency in the English/French language, and other characteristics (such as a job offer or adaptability). Points are calculated based on applicants’ chances of succeeding in Canada. According to applicant rankings, the Canadian government extends ITAs to the top candidates.
Skilled Work Experience
The CEC stream requires Irish nationals who wish to apply to work in Canada to demonstrate that they performed all of the necessary duties, as well as the majority of the primary duties when lawfully employed in their profession in Canada. It is required that this experience last at least one year (or an equivalent amount of time as a part-time employee) before applying.
Language
Candidates must achieve the minimum language standards specified in the CLB for the trade or profession they intend to pursue in addition to being able to read, write, speak, listen, and understand English or French. For NOC 0 or A, employment, level 7 education is the minimum need. For NOC B positions, level 5 education is the minimal need. The validity of test findings is two years from the day they are presented with a permanent residency application.
Education
Irish nationals in this stream do not have education requirements per se, but they can improve their ranking by completing either of the following:
- Canadian secondary or post-secondary education certificates, diplomas, and degrees can be used to earn points.
- Points can be achieved by proving, via an ECA, that the education obtained overseas is equivalent to that of a secondary or post-secondary institution in Canada.
Admissibility
If you wish to apply for the CEC program, you must be eligible to enter Canada. Another way of saying this is that you have to be deemed healthy and safe before you can immigrate. Inadmissible to Canada are Irish nationals who have committed DUI. If you have a criminal history and wish to live permanently in Canada, you must have received permission for criminal rehabilitation.
PNP – Provincial Nominee Program
The evaluation stage of the Express Entry application process is dedicated to determining how candidates’ abilities, training, and professional experience could be beneficial to the province or territory. Applicants for permanent residency under the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) must first receive a nomination from the province or territory where they intend to reside.
It is important for Irish nationals to know that depending on the province or territory that they have been nominated in. They must submit one of two applications in order to apply for permanent residency under the PNP. These applications are as follows:
- Online-Based (Express Entry PNP streams)
- Paper Based
Process of online
When the Irish citizen wishes to ask for permanent residency through the Express Entry process through a province or territory that offers the PNP, he or she has two choices:
- Irish citizens who apply through Express Entry contact the provinces and territories to submit their nominations. It is possible to create (or edit) an Express Entry profile if the province or territory submits a nomination.
- When the Irish national create an Express Entry profile, he or she indicates which provinces and territories they or want to live in. And request nomination there. In order to process an application for Express Entry. The applicant contacts the province or territory that sent the “Notification of Interest,” then submits an application and waits for an electronic nomination.
Paper Based Process
The Irish national’s application must pass through a non-Express Entry stream. In order to be considered for permanent residence if the province or territory in which the nomination is made requires a paper-based copy of the application.
When applying for permanent residence in a province or territory that requires the submission of a paper application, the following procedure should be followed:
- In order to apply for permanent residency, you must submit a paper application.
- Complete the medical examination and submit it.
- Check with the police and submit the results.
- Applicants can pay their application fees online.
Hints and Tips
- Applications submitted on paper and not through Express Entry take longer to process than applications submitted through Express Entry.
- The province/territories in which you wish to reside require you to meet the eligibility requirements.
- A permanent residency application must be submitted to Immigration and Refugee Canada (IRCC) electronically if you receive an ITA.
- Basically, if you want to immigrate, you have to be healthy and safe. It is possible for applicants to be denied admission to Canada for security reasons medical reasons, misrepresentation, or the presence of an inadmissible family member.
- A refusal of an application based on misrepresentation could result in the applicant being declared inadmissible for up to five years and potentially barred from applying for resident status again.
Bringing a spouse or common-law partner from Ireland to Canada
The Family Class immigration program encourages families to reconnect. In Canada, people who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians are eligible to sponsor their relatives for permanent residency.
Families or in-Canada relatives may sponsor these relatives:
- Spouse of an Irish national
- Dependents of Irish Common-Law Partners or Conjugal Partners
- Dependent Irish Children – and their Families
Which sponsorship option is better—the Family Class (Abroad) or the In-Canada Class?
Those who wish to sponsor distant relatives have their own immigration programs. And are different from those who desire to sponsor other relatives such as parents or grandparents, children that have been adopted, orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.
Sponsorship Requirements
The following criteria must be met if one wishes to sponsor a foreign national from Ireland under the Family Sponsorship category:
- The age of majority is 18 years or older
- In Canada as a permanent resident or citizen or in the country but intending on returning home as a Canadian citizen
- A person who is not in prison, bankrupt, or subject to a removal order
- Social assistance is not being received (unless disability benefits are being received)
- Provides basic needs for sponsored individuals
Sponsorship requirements for Irish citizens
Irish citizens must show that all requirements have been satisfied in order to be eligible for sponsorship under the Family Class. Forms, documents, and additional information, including medical tests and biometrics, must be completed. Also submitted by the person or people being sponsored.
Below are additional requirements for different types of family applications.
The following requirements must be met in order to sponsor an Irish national and submit a petition for permanent residence on their behalf:
- Age requirement of at least 18 years.
- Legally married to the sponsor.
In order for an Irish national and his/her common-law partner to qualify for sponsorship and permanent residence, the common-law partner must fulfill the following requirements (regardless of her or his gender):
- A minimum age of 18 is required
- The sponsor is not legally married to you
- 12 consecutive months living with a sponsor
- Verify the existence of a common-law relationship
It is important to note that in order to qualify for sponsorship and permanent residence in the United States, an Irish national must meet the following requirements, regardless of their gender):
- You must be 18 or older
- Neither married nor in a common-law relationship with the sponsor
- A minimum of one year of relationship with the sponsor
- Does not reside in Canada
- Due to significant legal and immigration reasons, they cannot live with or marry their sponsor in their country of residence
- Providing evidence—such as refusals to spend extended amounts of time in each other’s country—that the couple could not coexist.
Permanent residence (PR) status can be sponsored in two ways:
Inland sponsorship
The sponsoring Irish national may submit a sponsorship application if he or she is a guest, student, or worker in Canada with a valid temporary resident status. The program is referred to as In-Land Sponsorship.
Process steps are as follows:
- All sponsorship forms (for sponsors and sponsored Irish citizens) must be obtained and completed.
- Process each and every application for sponsorship, paying attention to the processing costs for both the sponsor and the recipients of the sponsorship. Fees for the Right of Permanent Residence, Biometrics, as well as fees for Third Parties (Medical Exams & Police Certificates) will also need to be paid.
- In accordance with the Instruction Guide, you must submit your application to the address provided.
- IRCC may request additional documentation.
- To determine whether you are eligible for PR status, you must attend an interview with IRCC.
Outland sponsorship
Several family sponsorship requests are submitted by Irish nationals who did not reside in Canada. While the sponsorship application is being reviewed, the sponsored individual may be allowed to enter and exit Canada. IRCC representatives retain final authority on this matter. Irish nationals can still apply through this route even if they live in Canada already.
A person who is sponsored must submit an Out-Land application to the visa office in Ireland, their country of origin, or where they have been legally residing for a period of one year or more.
- You must obtain and fill out the sponsorship application package, which includes all forms you need (both for the sponsor and for the Irish citizen being sponsored). To meet the application’s requirements, you may need records or documentation from other countries where you lived, studied, or worked. Record/document types include, for example, birth certificates, civil documents, passports, identification cards, etc.
- Fees must be paid for all required application components, including the sponsorship fee, the charge for permanent residence, the biometric fee, and any third-party fees.
- If the applicant is an Irish citizen now living in another country or in another region, send the application to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in that country.
- Any additional paperwork needs to be sent to the VAC. This may involve submitting further paperwork or records to finish the application. Which includes biometric data (fingerprints and pictures), and passing a medical examination.
Biometrics
Permanent residency applications require fingerprints and a photo from all Irish citizens.
Medical Exam
A medical examination is a requirement of the application procedure for an Irish national seeking permanent resident status in Canada. When the application is reviewed by IRCC, applicants will be notified when the exam is scheduled.
Police clearance
An Irish police certificate is required of all Irish nationals who wish to become permanent residents of Canada and are sponsored for immigration.
Hints and Tips
- Family reunification can be achieved within a year by processing spousal sponsorship applications as quickly as possible. Depending on where the sponsor comes from, other applications may differ.
- Applicants who made false statements on their application could be declared inadmissible and prohibited from applying for resident status for five years if their application is refused.
- Legal spouses and partners of Irish nationals traveling to Canada to work are eligible to apply for Open Work Permits, and they may accompany their spouse or partner during the entire duration of the permit.
Moving to Canada as a Student from Ireland
Studying in Canada is possible in one of two ways for Irish nationals. In order to gain a degree, students have the option of attending a DLI or participating in International Experience Canada’s International Cooperative (Internship) Program.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required before crossing the border in order for Irish nationals to enter or remain in Canada. For Irish persons between the ages of 14 and 79, a Study Permit (including biometric data) will be required if they wish to study in Canada for more than six months.
Taking classes at a designated learning institution
Applicants to Canadian Designated Learning Institutions must fulfill the following requirements:
- A Canadian DLI enrollment must be required.
- The student must demonstrate sufficient money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for himself or herself and any family members who accompany him to Canada.
- A willingness to obey the laws of Canada is required.
- No criminal record is required.
- Police clearance (if needed) is required.
When submitting the following documents with a study permit application, it is necessary to submit a certified translation if the original is not either in English or French:
- Study Permit applicants must submit either a physical copy or an electronic copy of the school’s Letter of Acceptance.
- To prove the identity of each person accompanying the student to Canada, an original passport or other travel documents with a copy of the information page showing the individual’s name. As well date of birth must be presented (an electronic copy of the information sheet is acceptable).
- Students and guests must show proof of financial independence while studying in Canada.
- Applicants must also submit evidence that they are aware of their obligations. While in Canada in the form of a letter explaining why they selected Canada for the study program.
- When an applicant wishes to study in Québec, he or she must obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Québec (CAQ) in order to do so. Depending on the school’s needs, the CAQ can be provided.
- Students under 18 must submit a Custodian Declaration.
When applying for an extension of a study permit, Irish citizens may or may not have to provide updated biometric data. It is still possible for biometrics to be accurate if they have already been provided.
