Ireland Work Visa for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens planning to work in Ireland will need an employment permit or another form of work permission, depending on the type of work they intend to undertake.
Although Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ireland, this does not automatically grant them the right to work or live in the country. They must meet the requirements of their chosen employment route and obtain the necessary permission before starting work. Call our lawyers today at +1 844 290 6312 for assistance with your Ireland work visa application.
Page Contents
- Working in Ireland as Canadian
- What Are the Types of Work Visas in Ireland?
- How to Apply for an Ireland Work Visa From Canada
- What Documents Are Required for an Ireland Work Visa?
- What Happens After You Apply for an Ireland Work Visa?
- How much does the Irish Work Visa cost?
- Are there alternative ways to come to Ireland to work?
- How can Total Law help with the Irish work visa?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Working in Ireland as a Canadian
Canadian citizens have several options for working in Ireland, including employment permits and the Working Holiday Authorisation programme.
While Canadian passport holders do not need an Irish entry visa, they must have the appropriate work permit. This may be an employment permit or another form of work authorisation.
Most employment permit routes require a qualifying job offer from an Irish employer, although other work permissions have different eligibility requirements.
Canadian citizens who qualify for Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation can travel and undertake temporary work under the conditions of that programme. The authorisation is separate from the Long Stay D Employment Visa, which applies to visa-required nationals travelling to Ireland for qualifying employment.
What Are the Types of Work Visas in Ireland?
There are several ways for Canadian citizens to work in Ireland. The right option depends on the type of work you intend to do, your qualifications and how long you plan to stay.
Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ireland. However, this does not automatically give them permission to work. Most people moving to Ireland for employment will need an employment permit or another form of work authorisation.
The main options include:
Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for skilled professionals working in occupations that are important to Ireland’s economy.
Applicants must have a qualifying job offer and meet the relevant salary and occupation requirements. This permit can also provide a route to working in Ireland without an employment permit, subject to the applicable conditions.
General Employment Permit
The General Employment Permit covers a wider range of jobs, including occupations that do not qualify for the Critical Skills route.
Applicants must meet the relevant employment and salary requirements. Some employers must also complete a Labour Market Needs Test to show that they have made the required efforts to recruit a suitable worker from Ireland or the European Economic Area.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit
This permit allows eligible employees of international companies to transfer to a related business in Ireland.
It is available to qualifying senior managers, key personnel and trainees. The overseas employer and Irish business must meet the relevant requirements.
Contract for Services Employment Permit
The Contract for Services Employment Permit is intended for employees of overseas companies that have secured qualifying service contracts with Irish organisations.
The employee remains employed by the overseas company while carrying out the contracted work in Ireland.
Internship Employment Permit
This permit allows eligible students studying outside Ireland to undertake paid internships connected to their qualifications.
The internship must meet the relevant educational and employment requirements.
Working Holiday Authorisation
Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 may be eligible for Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation programme.
This allows eligible applicants to travel and undertake temporary work in Ireland for up to 24 months.
It is a separate immigration permission from an employment permit and may suit Canadians who want to experience life in Ireland while working.
Other options may be available for researchers, sports professionals, cultural workers and certain short-term assignments.
Our immigration lawyers can help you understand which route is suitable for your circumstances.
How to Apply for an Ireland Work Visa From Canada
The process of moving to Ireland for work depends on the permission you need.
For most Canadian citizens, the main requirement is to obtain an Irish employment permit rather than apply for an entry visa.
Step 1: Find a Job and Check Your Eligibility
Most employment permit applications require a job offer from an Irish employer.
Before applying, check that the role meets the requirements of the relevant employment permit, including any salary, occupation and employer conditions.
If you are considering a Working Holiday Authorisation or another alternative route, the requirements may be different.
Step 2: Apply for an Employment Permit
Once you have a qualifying job offer, you or your employer can begin the employment permit application.
Applications are submitted through Ireland’s Employment Permits Online system.
Both the employer and prospective employee may need to provide information, upload supporting documents and complete their respective parts of the application.
The relevant application fee must also be paid.
Step 3: Check Whether You Need an Entry Visa
Canadian passport holders do not normally need an Irish entry visa.
However, if you hold a passport from a visa-required country, you may need to apply for a long-stay employment visa after obtaining the necessary employment permit.
Visa applications are made through the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS).
You must complete the online application and submit the supporting documents requested by the Irish immigration authorities.
Step 4: Prepare to Travel to Ireland
Once you have received the necessary work permission, you can make your travel arrangements.
Carry your passport, employment permit or other work authorisation, employment contract and any additional documents relevant to your circumstances.
An immigration officer may ask about your employment, accommodation and plans in Ireland when you arrive.
Step 5: Register Your Immigration Permission
If you intend to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must register your immigration permission after arrival, where required.
Once your registration is approved, you will receive an Irish Residence Permit confirming your permission to remain in the country.
You must continue to meet the conditions attached to your immigration permission, including any restrictions on employment.
What Documents Are Required for an Ireland Work Visa?
The documents you need to work in Ireland will depend on your employment permit, the type of work you intend to undertake and whether you need an entry visa.
Canadian citizens applying for an Irish employment permit should be prepared to provide:
- A valid passport
- A signed employment contract or qualifying job offer
- Details of the Irish employer, job title and proposed salary
- Relevant academic qualifications or professional certificates
- Evidence of previous employment or work experience
- Documents required for the specific employment permit
- Any additional information requested by the Irish authorities
If you need a long-stay employment visa, you may also be asked to provide passport photographs, a signed application summary, an application letter, evidence of sufficient finances and details of previous visa refusals.
Documents issued in another language may need certified translations.
Canadian passport holders should bear in mind that the long-stay employment visa checklist does not automatically apply to them, as they are normally exempt from the Irish entry visa requirement.
It is important to check the requirements for your particular employment route before submitting an application. Missing or inconsistent documents can delay the process or lead to a refusal.
What Happens After You Apply for an Ireland Work Visa?
After submitting your application, the relevant Irish authority will review your documents and assess whether you meet the requirements.
What happens next depends on whether you have applied for an employment permit, an entry visa or another form of work permission.
If Your Application Is Approved
If your employment permit is approved, you can begin preparing for your move to Ireland, provided you meet any other immigration requirements.
Canadian passport holders do not normally need to apply for a separate employment entry visa.
If you are from a visa-required country, you must obtain the relevant entry visa before travelling.
Having an approved employment permit or visa does not guarantee entry to Ireland. An immigration officer will make the final decision when you arrive.
If you intend to remain in Ireland for more than 90 days, you must also register your immigration permission where required.
If You Are Asked for More Documents
The Irish authorities may request further information before making a decision.
For example, they may ask for additional evidence about your employment, qualifications or employer.
You should respond within the timeframe provided and ensure that any new documents are consistent with the information already submitted.
If Your Application Is Refused
If your application is refused, the decision should explain why it was unsuccessful.
The options available to you will depend on whether the refusal concerns an employment permit or an entry visa.
For a refused long-stay employment visa, you can normally appeal within two months of the date on the refusal letter. There is no fee for submitting this visa appeal.
Employment permit refusals are handled through a separate review process, with different requirements and deadlines.
Depending on the reason for refusal, you may be able to request a review or submit a new application with additional supporting evidence.
Our immigration lawyers can review the refusal decision, explain your options and help you decide what to do next.
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How much does the Ireland Work Visa cost?
The cost of working in Ireland depends on the employment permit or immigration permission you apply for.
For Canadian citizens, the main costs may include:
- Employment permit application fee: This varies depending on the permit category and its duration. Some permit types are exempt from application fees.
- Entry visa fee: The standard Irish visa fee is €60 for a single-entry visa or €100 for a multiple-entry visa. Canadian passport holders do not need an Irish entry visa, so these fees do not apply to them.
- Immigration registration fee: The standard registration fee is €300, although some applicants are exempt.
You should also budget for travel, accommodation and any documents required for your application.
Are there alternative ways to come to Ireland to work from Canada?
The Atypical Working Scheme allows certain non-EEA nationals to undertake specific short-term work in Ireland without obtaining a standard employment permit.
Applicants must obtain approval under the scheme before travelling. Depending on their nationality, they may also need an Irish entry visa. Canadian passport holders are exempt from this visa requirement.
To be eligible for the Atypical Working Scheme, you have to be coming to Ireland to work in one of the following positions:
- A worker providing a specialised skill to an Irish company or academic institution
- A worker coming to work for a company dealing with a skill shortage
- A locum doctor working in the hospital or primary care sector
- A nurse working for the Clinical Adaptation and Assessment Programme/Examination
- A researcher who is not eligible for an employment permit or hosting agreement and wants to spend up to 12 months in Ireland
- A third level student coming to Ireland to undertake short-term employment or internship necessary to their study course.
The Atypical Working Scheme is intended for specific types of employment that fall outside the standard employment permit system. The permitted duration and conditions depend on the work involved.
If you intend to work in Ireland for a longer period, you should check whether you qualify for an employment permit or another immigration permission. Canadian passport holders do not normally need an Irish entry visa, but they must meet the requirements for their intended employment and stay.
How Can We Help Canadians with Ireland Work Visas?
Applying for permission to work in Ireland involves meeting the requirements of your chosen employment route and providing the correct supporting documents.
Our immigration lawyers can help you understand your options and prepare your application.
We can assist with:
- Assessing your eligibility for an Irish employment permit or another work permission
- Explaining the requirements for your chosen employment route
- Reviewing your supporting documents and application
- Advising on immigration registration requirements
- Explaining your options if an application is refused
Whether you have secured a job in Ireland or are still exploring your options, our team can provide advice based on your circumstances.
Planning to work in Ireland from Canada? Call Total Law at +1 844 312 4979 to discuss your plans with an immigration lawyer.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible for the Critical Skills Employment Permit foreign citizens have to be coming to Ireland to work in an occupation that has been deemed highly skilled and that is in a shortage of labour or skills in the Irish labour market. Eligible professions include chemists, engineers, or nurses, amongst others.
In addition to that, non-EEA citizens applying for the Critical Skills Employment Permit have to be earning €40,904 or more if they are coming to work in a profession that has been added to the Critically Skilled Occupations List. If they are coming to work in any other profession, they have to be earning at least €68,911.
If you are thinking of coming to Ireland for business purposes such as negotiating a contract or consulting with Irish partners, you should apply for the Short Stay ‘C’ Business Visa rather than the Work Visa. It allows you to spend up to 90 days in Ireland. Holders of the Business Visa can also work in Ireland for up to 14 days.
Yes, foreign citizens who want to apply for the Irish Work Visa have to hold a job offer at the time of submitting their application. There are certain requirements your job offer in Ireland needs to meet and you need to be able to prove that you will be working for an Irish employer after you arrive. Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for the Irish Work Visa without a job offer and look for employment once in Ireland.
If you meet all the requirements and you are able to provide documents that prove it, obtaining the Irish Work Visa is not difficult. Nevertheless, if you fail to provide sufficient evidence showing that you and your job offer qualify for the Irish Visa, your application might be rejected. Hire one of our experienced immigration lawyers to maximise the chances of a positive outcome.
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