Canada Visa For Irish Citizens

If you have been looking at the various options that allow you travel to Canada then you may have heard of applying for the Canadian Visitor Visa. If so, it is important that you know that getting a Canada visa is not that difficult, but it is not just a walk in the park either. This is because of the fact that the process of getting your visa approved is quite demanding and tedious. First of all, you need to fill out an application form, submit your documents and get them approved from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office in Ireland . Once all these formalities are over, you will be able to get yourself familiarized with how things work at the immigration office and how much time do things take at hand.

Applying for a Canada visa if you’re Irish is easier than you think. In fact, according to Canadian immigration data, around 20% of Irish people who apply for a visa to Canada from 2010-2016 received it. This number is higher than the average individual national acceptance rate; this means that Irish citizens have a greater chance of receiving a visa to Canada than any other nationality in the world.

Canada Visa For Irish Citizens

Moving to Canada from Ireland as a Student

There are two paths for Irish nationals to move to Canada as a student. Either via a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) or through the one of the International Experience Canada programs, namely the International Co-op (Internship) Program.

While Irish citizens are exempt from requiring a Visa to enter and stay in Canada, they do require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be purchased online, before arriving at the border. However, an Irish national between the ages 14 to 79, wanting to study in Canada for longer than 6 months, a Study Permit (with biometric data) will be required. A Study Permit is usually valid for the length of the study program, plus an extra 90 days, to allow students to apply for an extension or to prepare to leave Canada.

Studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

To be eligible to study at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, Irish applicants must meet the following requirement:

– must be enrolled at a DLI in Canada;

– must prove possession of enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses for self and any family members who will accompany student to Canada and return transportation for self family members who accompany student to Canada;

– must be willing to obey Canadian laws;

– must not have criminal record;

– must be able to provide a police certificate (if required);

– must be in good health and get a medical exam (if required); and

– must be able to prove to an officer the willingness to leave at the end of the allowed study term in Canada.

To apply for a Study Permit the following documents are required in English or French, along with a certified translation if the original is not in either language:

1) Proof of Acceptance – the school must provide a Letter of Acceptance (hard copy or electronic) that is submitted with the Study Permit application.

2) Proof of Identity – a Passport or Travel Document needs to be provided (electronic copy of the information page) for each person joining the student in Canada, as well as 2 photos of each person with their name and Date of Birth on the back.

3) Proof of Financial Support – evidence must be provided for financial independence for the Student and those accompanying, while in Canada studying.

4) Letter of Explanation – a letter, providing an outline of why Canada is the country of choice for the study program, must be submitted as well as demonstration that the applicant understands his / her responsibilities while in Canada.

5) A Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – this document, which the school can assist with, is required if the applicant wishes to study in Québec.

6) A Custodian Declaration is required if the student is a minor (under 18 years of age).

If an Irish national is applying for an extension of Study Permit they may or may not need to provide updated biometrics information. If biometrics have previously been submitted the data may still be valid. Check the status tool at: https://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/extapp/termsAndConditions?&lang=en

* Biometrics need to be provided at Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide at an Application Support Centers (ASCs) in the United States and its territories or at a designated Service Canada Office (SCOs). Appointments need to be made at a location near the applicant and fees paid before the appointment. Applicants have 90 days from the date of the letter to submit their biometrics. 

NOTE: A few days before the appointment, applicants should check if the respective office is open in case of extenuating circumstances.

The following Office Specific documents are also needed, when applying from Ireland:

1) Proof of current employment or studies – a letter on letterhead from the employer or school, outlining either the position/salary or the program of study.

2) Evidence of previous study or travel – evidence of completion of previous related studies or international studies/travel.

3) Proof of income and funds – evidence to show financial resources (i.e. income, assets, funds, etc.) and those of any individual providing financial assistance.

4) Family Information Form IMM5707.

5) Copy of Current Immigration Form – if renewing a permit then a copy of the current ETA, Study/Work Permit and/or Permanent Residence Permit need to be provided.

6) Evidence for purpose of studies – outline of CV or resume to show why studies in Canada are sought.

7) Schedule 1 (IMM5257B) will need to be completed if any of the background questions on the Application were answered with “yes”.

Further details are available at: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=IE#applications

Helpful Hints

! If an Irish national who is coming to work in Canada has a legal partner/spouse who they would like to bring with them for the term of the work/study permit, this person is eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit. However, if this person is not an Irish National he/she may also need a Visa to enter and stay in Canada.