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Millions of residents born in and outside of Canada are of Irish descent and add to Canada’s wealth of diversity. With so many immigrants woven into the fabric of this society, it’s no wonder that it’s known as one of the most accepting countries in the world when it comes to life in Canada for foreign nationals, according to the World Happiness Report for 2018.
The Irish diaspora is well-represented in Canada where different cultures are celebrated for what they bring to national identity. You can even celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Canada where it’s a holiday in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. So if you’re looking to move to Canada but you’re afraid to leave home behind, there’s no need to be concerned. There are many ways to immigrate (keeping in mind that the government aims to introduce over a million internationals into the workforce by 2021) and there is plenty or support for Irish descendants.
Irish Life in Canada
There are many aspects to daily life in Canada that make it feel like Ireland is just around the corner, including Irish pubs, traditional snacks and outlandish Celtic celebrations that turn entire towns into a parade or festival ground. Below are some of the reminders of home that you’re guaranteed to enjoy during life in Canada.
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day tends to be celebrated in an unofficial capacity all over the world but it’s only a recognized public holiday in certain places, one of them being the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The biggest parade for this day, however, happens in Montreal, Québec.
Expect tons of festivities on the day as expats, locals and visitors gather together to celebrate the day. Canada is filled with small towns that are made up of cobbled streets, reminiscent of Dublin or Belfast. You can either settle in for the evening at an Irish-style pub or don green from head to toe in the town square.
Celtic Festivals
The provinces listed below each have various Celtic festivals (so many that not even all of them are listed!) and make an effort to cherish Irish culture with immigrant roots dating back centuries in certain areas of Canada.
| Celtic Festivals in Canada’s Provinces | |
|---|---|
| Alberta |
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| British Columbia |
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| Manitoba |
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| New Brunswick |
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| Newfoundland & Labrador |
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| Nova Scotia |
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| Ontario |
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| Prince Edward Island |
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| Québec |
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Support Programs
There is an abundance of support offered to Irish immigrants and descendants in Canada. These are aimed at helping you settle in when you first arrive, find a job or simply make you feel at home after you’ve been living in Canada for a while.
Helpful Programs:
- Ireland Canada Business Association
- Ireland Canada University Foundation
- Ireland Fund of Canada
You will find the Irish embassy in the province of Ottawa where you can clarify any immigration questions or find groups to connect with that are also recent immigrants relocating from Ireland.
Immigrating
International Experience Class (IEC)
If you’re a young professional looking for a way to experience what life in Canada is like but you’re not ready to commit to applying for permanent residence, the International Experience Class is ideal for you.
| IEC Pathways | |
|---|---|
| Working Holiday Visa | For candidates who want to obtain an open work permit, work for more than one employer, stay in more than one location and earn money for travel. |
| Young Professionals | For candidates who have a job offer and want to gain international experience in their field. |
| International Co-op Internship | For candidates who are registered at a post-secondary institution, have a job offer in their field and want to gain experience through an internship arrangement. |
Eligibility:
- Need to be a citizen from one of the countries associated with the Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada
- Need a valid passport
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 depending on your country)
- Have $2, 500 to cover initial expenses
- Health insurance for the duration of the stay in Canada
- Admissible in Canada
- Round-trip air tickets
- Not accompanied by dependents
- Appropriate fees paid
Newfoundland & Labrador PNP
This province is made up of the mainland, Labrador and the island of Newfoundland. Together they form one of the four Atlantic provinces that are lesser known than the other territories such as Ontario. Something that this province is known for though, is its Irish population.
The following table outlines different ways to immigrate directly to Newfoundland and Labrador through the Provincial Nominee Program. This method of immigration allows provinces to list criteria specific to their provincial workforce and community in order to fill them more precisely.
| Newfoundland & Labrador PNP Categories | |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker Category | For candidates who have job offers and are already in the Express Entry pool. |
| Skilled Worker Category | For skilled candidates who have a job offer from an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador. |
| International Graduate Category | For candidates who are recent graduates of a recognized post-secondary institution who are working on a post-graduate work permit. Applicants must also have a job offer in their field of study. |
| International Entrepreneur Category | For candidates who want to create, co-manage or purchase a business in the province. Applicants must be operating their business on a temporary work permit for a year prior to applying. |
| International Graduate Entrepreneur Category | For candidates who have attended a recognized post-secondary institution in the province and want to start, co-own or run a business. |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot | For candidates who have a job offer from a designated employer in the province and meet an in-demand occupation listed by the Atlantic provinces. |
The Process (Non-EE):
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a PN.
- Create a profile through the province, meet the criteria on their specific points grid system and, if successful, achieve a nomination.
- Following this, you will be issued with an ITA for permanent residence.
The Process (EE):
- Create an online Express Entry profile where you’ll be asked questions based on the criteria listed.
- Choose the option of ‘Interested in Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador’ or ‘All Provinces and Territories’.
- Wait for a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province.
- Create another profile through the province and select a pathway.
- Meet the criteria and score high enough on their specific points grid system to achieve a nomination.
- From here (if you have a high enough CRS score) you are issued with an ITA for permanent residence.
How Can We Help?
We have Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who offer you expert advice on the different policies stated by the federal government and help you choose the correct program to suit your profile. These professionals have all been through the immigration process themselves and provide a service to gather all your documents and improve your chances of achieving a successful ITA. Make a stressful process that much easier by using an RCIC.
Sign up to start your move to Canada. There has never been a better time to start the immigration process to the land where diversity is welcome and different cultures exist simultaneously. Those moving from Ireland can rest assured that they will always have a piece of home with them while enjoying the best that Canada has to offer.
