How to Immigrate to Canada from Ireland – Your Complete Guide for 2022

Many people from across the Globe consider Canada a great immigration option. Here we tell about why Canada could be a destination of choice for Irish citizens and how they may plan the move.

31 Mar 2022, 8:07 pm

11

min read

immigrate to canada from ireland

Canada is emerging as one of the most popular destinations for immigration from various countries, including Ireland. Though both countries are pretty similar in the cost of living, life expectancy – the size of their population and the country’s area is vastly different.

This results in more job opportunities and better options available for talented people. If you want to emmigrate from Ireland to Canada, you need to know your options once you land in this North American country.

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How to Immigrate to Canada from Ireland

There are many ways to obtain Canadian PR for Irish citizens. It could be governed by your skill level and reason for moving.

Let’s have a look at some of the main programs for the most common goals.

Immigrate to Canada as a Worker / Express Entry

Do you have any skills and professional background?

If that is the case, you might want to have a closer look at the programs that are processed under the Express Entry system:

Are you Eligible For a Canadian Work Visa?

Check Now If You are Eligible For One of Canada’s Working Programs or Just Book a Free Consultation Call  with An Immigration Expert

As for the Express Entry system, we tell more about how it works here.

Immigrate to Canada with Your Family

Looking to immigrate to Canada with your family?

If the answer is yes, you should know that if one of the parents or one partner has received a visa, the rest of the family can come along. That’s why as partners you may want to submit 2 applications as you never know who has better chances of receiving the visa.

Also, a student visa is easier to obtain than a working visa, and if one of the family members managed to achieve one, it can help bring the whole family to Canada.

This is the kind of creative solution a Canadian immigration consultant can help you with. That’s also why the best advice we can give you is to consult with an Immigration expert!

Temporary Immigration for Young Adults (18-35yo): IEC / Student Visa

Do you want to “try on” Canadian life before immigration?

Then you might want to explore International Experience Canada (IEC Canada).

This program is ideal for the Irish citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to test the waters in Canada.

If approved for the program, applicants are permitted to live in Canada for up to two years to work, travel, and experience Canadian life. 

This allows the individual to get a feel for what life in Canada would be like without making a full commitment from the start. If they can see themselves living here permanently, they can start the process of moving to Canada from Ireland. 

Immigrate to Canada as a Student

Are you interested in studying in Canada?

Luckily, Canada is very welcoming for those who are looking for higher education.

In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years.

With its reputable educational system and high-ranking universities, Canada is one of the most attractive countries for students from around the world.

To get into Canadian university, students need to get the student visa.

We described the process of becoming a Canadian student here.

Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor

Do you want to get citizenship by investing in Canada’s economy?

If so, then you may learn more about the Investor Visa.

Do you have the skills, talent, and funds to build or establish a business in Canada?

Then Start-up visa could be an option for you. You may learn more about it here.

You may also have a look at our guide that covers business immigration.

Family Sponsorship In Canada

Immigration is faster and easier for those who have relatives in Canada. Possibly, you have someone you want to move your family after you immigrate.

If that is the case, Family Sponsorship options could be perfect for you.

This pathway works in one of two ways – inland or outland. The inland sponsorship is when the individual sponsored is already living in Canada, while the outland sponsorship is for someone currently living outside of Canada.

You may learn about Family Sponsorship here.

Have a Working Holiday in Canada & Immigrate

Working Holiday Visa, What Is It?

Have you ever wondered what life is really like in Canada? Had dreams of working in a ski resort or hiking up the Rocky mountains? Maybe you’re a history buff who wants to be a tour guide at Niagara Falls and meet tons of interesting people.

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows you to do all that and more. The program, geared towards young adults between 18 and 35 years of age, gives you a temporary work permit, allowing you to work and live in Canada for up to two years.

It’s the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the Canadian culture and experience its breathtaking beauty.

The program is fairly exclusive and only available to thirty-some countries with Ireland being one of them!

In previous years, applicants did not need a job offer in hand in order to apply for the program. After being on pause for over a year, due to COVID, the government is accepting WHV applications again.

With one caveat. Applicants must provide proof that they have a valid job offer in hand in order to receive an invitation.

Why Do Irish Citizens Apply for Canadian WHV?

According to the Irish Times, in 2018 the demand for the WHV in Ireland was higher than any of the other countries that have partnered with Canada for the program. This means the competition for the coveted 10,700 visas is high.

While each individual has their own personal and professional reasons for applying to the WHV, some of the more common reasons include:

  • Travelling across Canada and wanting to experience a different culture and environment;
  • Gain and develop valuable professional experience in one of the most developed and leading countries in the world;
  • Increase the chances of becoming a Canadian permanent resident;
  • Something constructive for young adults to do during gap year while they try to decide what they want to do with their life or what career path they want to follow.

Whatever the reasons may be, one of the great things about the WHV program is that it can really help you decide whether you want to call Canada home or keep it in your memories as a wonderful adventure.

Use the WHV in Your Immigration Process

The WHV has often used a springboard to jump-start the process of immigrating to Canada.

Canada offers dozens of immigration pathways and programs. Many of these programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program are point-based, with extra points awarded for Canadian job experience or job offers.

The WHV can help boost your profile enormously and fast track your immigration to Canada.

At the start of the start, the federal government unveiled its immigration plans for 2021-2023 and announced its intention of welcoming over 1.2 million newcomers into the country over the next three years. So if you want to become a permanent resident, the time to act is now.

Use the WHV to apply for other programs. For example, in February of this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a historic draw and issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to 27,332 immigration candidates, in one shot!

All the candidates were selected from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. Eligibility requirements for the program are simple; candidates need to have worked in Canada for at least one or more within the last three years.

As you can see, the WHV can really increase and fast track your chances of becoming a permanent resident.

Why Immigrate to Canada? Top Reasons to Move to Canada from Ireland

Though earlier, people immigrated from Ireland to Canada for food, these days, they move for other reasons, including studies, jobs, etc. Some of the top reasons why people wish immigrating to Canada from Ireland include:

Reason 1: Better and High-Paying Jobs

As technology is advancing, it is time to make way for people savvy with technology.

The IT sector is evolving at a considerably faster rate, and people who are well-versed with the changes get excellent opportunities in Canada.

Not only do you get fantastic opportunities to get a high-paying job here, but you can also invest in IT or tech-related business here with ease.

Check out if you are eligible for immigration to Canada within a few minutes:

Reason 2: Finding a Job Is Easier

courtesy of You X Ventures

With an organized system, getting a job for talented and experienced Irishmen is not tricky.

The job boards in Canada help you know about the various vacancies listed by recruiters or employers, which state the requirement and nature of the work.

This makes it easy for people who decide to move to Canada from Ireland to find a job as per their qualifications and experience.

Reason 2: Financial Security

In-Demand Jobs for Immigrants in Canada - finance jobs

People opting for immigration to Canada from Ireland can get handsome salary packages that provide financial security.

This means a lot, especially if you wish to live comfortably in a foreign land.

Most Canadian companies also offer incentives and high salaries, making moving to Canada from Ireland a sensible decision.

Job Options Available in Canada for Irish Citizens 

For people who wish to move to Canada from Ireland, there are many options available. Let’s have a look at the niches most rich in opportunities.

Tech & IT Jobs

Canada is one of the many countries that is setting to expand its information technology base. For this, it is looking for talented people from across the world, including Ireland.

With excellent salaries and incentives and ease of conducting business, you are guaranteed excellent employment opportunities.

Many popular jobs in this sector that people moving to Canada from Ireland can apply for include:

  • Software engineers
  • Business intelligence analysts
  • Developers
  • Technicians
  • IT managers
  • Web developers
  • Consultants
  • Security professionals

You may find more information about tech & IT jobs in Canada here.

Management & Business Development Jobs

This highly skilled job category attracts several immigrants to Canada.

Several people choosing immigration to Canada from Ireland with management qualifications, skills, and experience can work as:

  • IT managers
  • Project managers
  • Marketing specialists in various industries

Moreover, it offers an exceptional opportunity for immigrants to get excellent business training and experience.

You may find more information about managerial jobs in Canada here.

Finance & Accounting Jobs

A country with a growing economy like Canada is always looking for exceptional talents.

This is why there is always a demand for accounting and finance experts moving to Canada from Ireland.

Charted accountants have the opportunity to work as Public Accountants or in private firms after registering themselves. With excellent pay packages, a move to Canada from Ireland is likely to be one of the best decisions ever made.

Engineering Jobs

A country that is growing exponentially requires the help of engineers to build a better nation.

There is a huge demand in Canada for engineers, mechanical, civil, electrical, as well as computer sciences.

They can help in the country’s economic development and assist in various sectors like manufacturing and energy.

If you are an Irishman, skilled and qualified, who is looking for better opportunities and higher standards of living, then Canada is the place to be.

With an easy process for immigration to Canada from Ireland, you can materialize that dream quickly.

Want to learn more about in-demand jobs in Canada?

You may learn more about Canadian in-demand jobs here and about how to get a job in Canada in our specially designed guide.

Recommended Canada Immigration Consultants for Irish Residents

Don’t know where to begin?

Immigration could be challenging. But there are professionals (RCICs) who know everything about available immigration programs and how to come up with a plan that would bring you the desired permanent residency.

The trick is finding the right RCIC or agency for Hong Kong residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.

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Grace

Grace was born in Birmingham, England, and moved to Canada with her family when she was five. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and since then she has been working as a recruitment consultant for 10+ companies. In her spare time, Grace writes about her professional experience with winning job offers for immigrants. She also shares tips about employment that could be useful for both immigrants and local job seekers.

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