As an Irish passport holder, you can visit Canada as a tourist and stay for up to 6 months without a visa. However, if you intend to stay for longer than 6 months, or if you wish to work or study in Canada, you must apply for the relevant permit.
It is very important to ensure that you comply with Canadian immigration regulations at all times and that you do not allow your visa, work permit or study permit to expire. Regulations are strictly enforced in Canada and if you are found to have over-stayed your visa or to have broken any of the conditions associated it with it, you may be removed from Canada and refused permission to return. In addition, the Canadian/Irish visa waiver agreement and the working holiday arrangements between the two countries depend on compliance. Those, who knowingly break Canadian immigration law, endanger the present arrangements for others.
Please note that the Embassy of Ireland has no role in the processing or issuing of Canadian visas or work permits, and the Canadian authorities do not accept representations on behalf of an individual's application. The information provided below is intended as a guide only and in all cases you are strongly advised to consult the relevant Canadian authorities for definitive information.
There are a number of options available to Irish citizens interested in moving to Canada.
Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 who are habitually resident in Ireland may apply for a 12-month working holiday in Canada under the International Experience Canada program. Some significant changes to this scheme came into effect in January 2011, including the possibility for a person currently participating in the program to apply for a second year. For information on the application process, check the website of the Canadian Embassy to Ireland in Dublin.
If you are interested in working in Canada and you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a temporary work permit. For more information on the application process and to find out if you are eligible to apply, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (cic.gc.ca).
If you hope to make a long-term move to Canada and wish to apply for permanent residence, there are a number of options open to you. Full details of these programs, including the Skilled Worker program, the Canadian Experience Class program, and the Provincial Nominee program, can be found here on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website (
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp). If you wish to study in Canada, you must apply for a Study Permit. Information on the application process can be found here on (
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp) Take Care and Best of Luck....
Answered By: Fak.... - 7/6/2012