Applicants will be requested to provide biometric data to obtain a work permit, including through the IEC working holiday programme.
Providing biometric data includes having your fingerprints and photo taken in a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Further details will be provided when you are requested to attend this centre.
Our office will give you on-going support and assistance throughout the application process to make sure your application is submitted correctly. Go4Less will check your application documents and provide advice on how to submit your application to avoid being delayed or rejected.
Make an appointment for one-to-one meetings in our Dublin office to discuss your application and to have your documentation checked.
Go4less will provide you with information on how to obtain a Police Certificate from the Gardai and from other countries if required. You will also receive an official Go4less letter which will help you to obtain your Police Certificate.
Give your new Canadian number to friends and family before you travel with our free Canadian SIM card.
Our staff will print and scan any application documents you require. We will make sure they are in the correct format and quality for your visa application.
Canadian immigration requires that you must have and maintain insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. Your insurance policy must cover you for health care, hospitalisation and repatriation. Go4less offer a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers these requirements and much more. It also allows you up to 5 visits home for up to 28 days at a time during your 2 year stay. Winter sports cover can be added for €45 extra!
Go4Less have special negotiated air-fares to Canada. We are part of the Club Travel group which is the largest Travel Agent in Ireland. We offer both one-way and return flights. Ask about our "Book Now, Pay Later" offer - this means we can reserve your seats and the balance only has to be paid 6 weeks before you fly!
Note: Prices include taxes and are subject to availability. Book Now, Pay Later subject to availability.
Participation in the Go4less Canada Visa Programme does not guarantee an IEC visa. Go4less do not charge for the Canadian visa, you must pay the participation fee directly to Canadian immigration if you are offered a visa. €79 deposit can be used towards your flights & insurance to Canada. To avail of the €79 deposit offer both flight and insurance must be booked through our office only at the same time, online bookings do not qualify for the offer. Offer must be used within 12 months of deposit payment. Booking flights & insurance with Go4less is optional – it’s your choice.
Yes, to register with Go4Less you must pay a €79 deposit. This deposit can be used toward your flights and insurance if you book both at the same time with an agent through Go4Less. You must pay the IEC application fee when prompted to do so by immigration. The current CIC fees are CAD $250 work permit fee and $85 bio-metric fee.
Yes this may have an effect on your application. All applicants that have an offence may be subject to extra processing and may have to submit extra documentation. Each case is taken individually and timeframes will vary.
Yes, your family can come to Canada with you. However, each of your dependants (spouse/common-law partner/child/children) will have to obtain his/her own status. Please see the scenarios below.
Within the framework of the Canada Visa, the verb "accompany" means "to be dependent on" or "to be reliant on". On the Declaration Form, when you tick that you will not be "accompanied" to Canada, you acknowledge that no individual will be reliant on you. In other words, you declare knowing that no other individual may benefit from a status, visa or permit (i.e. work or study) based on the simple fact of going to Canada with you. In this sense, you cannot be "accompanied" to Canada as each of your dependants is responsible for obtaining his/her own status in Canada. Your dependants can go with you to Canada but each person is responsible for his/her own application and/or his/her own status (please see the explanations below).
Yes, your child may come to Canada with you. However, each of your dependants (spouse/common-law partner/child/children) will have to obtain his/her own status.
NOTE: If you are going to Canada under the IEC initiative, without the other parent, and your child is a minor, you must read the information provided by the Visas and Immigration Service of the Embassy of Canada in the UK carefully, you will have to prove that you are authorized to travel alone with your child.
Yes, you can apply for the International Co-op category when available.
Yes. However, the courses must be part-time and be considered as personal development/growth. The course cannot be part of a university degree. If you are in Canada under the IEC Working Holiday Program, you may enroll in language courses over a short period of time, i.e. less than six months.
No, a machine readable and/or a biometric passport is not required to enter Canada.
Citizens of Northern Ireland who hold a valid Irish passport should apply to the Ireland IEC initiative. Citizens of Northern Ireland who hold a valid U.K. passport should apply to the U.K. IEC scheme.
The work permit issued under the Working Holiday category is an 'open' work permit which is valid for any type of job. There are no restrictions on the duration of the contract, the language or the location. There are also no restrictions on the number of employers you work for within the 24 month period. If you wish to work in certain fields- clinical laboratory workers, patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes, teachers of primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children, domestic work, workers who give in-home care to children/elderly/disabled persons, or day nursery workers- you will be required to have a medical examination and submit a medical report as part of your application.
You must hold a valid passport at the time you submit your application. If you have been accepted as a participant and you are preparing to enter Canada through IEC, the validity period of your passport should cover the whole time you plan to stay in Canada. The validity period of your work permit may not extend beyond the validity period of your passport.
No. You must submit a scan of the appropriate pages of your new passport, otherwise your application will be considered incomplete.
Under the working holiday programme you do not need to have a job arranged before you go to Canada.
Police certificates are needed from the Gardai for all applicants. If you have lived abroad you may also need one from that country's police force.
Go4less will provide you with information on how to obtain a Police Certificate from Ireland and from other countries if required. You will also receive an official Go4less letter which will help you to obtain your Police Certificate.
Applicants who wish to work in certain fields of work or who have spent time in certain countries may be asked to complete a medical as part of the application process. Go4less will help guide you through this process.
Go4less offer a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy to those resident in Ireland for the past 6 months which meets the requirements requested by immigration as detailed below. Our 2 year policy is only €299! It stays valid for up to 5 trips home for 4 weeks at a time. You can purchase this insurance with a flight through [email protected] or through our website without a flight booking. Winter sports cover can be added for only €45.
Book Here
Note: To avail of the €79 deposit offer both flights and insurance must be booked through [email protected]
IEC INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
IEC requires you to buy and maintain health-care insurance (covering medical care, hospitalization and repatriation) for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. We recommend that you buy this insurance only after you have received your Letter of Introduction, confirming that your IEC application was successful.
You may be refused entry if you do not have insurance. If your insurance policy is valid for less than 12 months, you may be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance. In this case, you are not eligible to apply for an extension of your work permit at a later date.
To book your flight and insurance please contact 01 435 00032 or [email protected]
To avail of our €79 deposit offer both flights and insurance must be booked through our office on 01 435 00032 or [email protected]
Other durations available on request including for those of you who are using the visa to travel during your summer break from college.
If you decide to book your flight elsewhere you can still purchase our insurance once resident in Ireland for the past 6 months with great online rates through the link below.
Go4Less have special negotiated air-fares to Canada. We are part of the Club Travel group which is the largest Travel Agent in Ireland. We offer both one-way and return flights. Ask about our "Book Now & Pay Later" offer - this means we can reserve your seats and the balance only has to be paid 6 weeks before you fly!
Note: Prices include taxes and are subject to availability.
Please email [email protected] your intended date and destination.
Check out our great rates here for Hostel Accommodation. Please click here to book.
Check out our great rates here for Hotel Accommodation. Please click here to book.
Thank you so much for all your help. Great service and fast response to emails. Made the process so much easier. Will definitely recommend to anybody and everybody! Thanks again!
I appreciate all the help that go4less have done for me throughout the process last year. I've recommended it to everybody that has asked me how I got mine.
Thanks for all your help I will recommend you to all my friends!
Thanks very much for having a look at the documents and going above and beyond with sending on the extra document already filled out! I really appreciate it!
This whole Go4less assistance was a great help yourself of course so cheers for everything Claire. Canada here I come.
Thanks for all your help you have been great. This is a great service and will recommend more people to use it.
Just a quick email to say thanks you for all your help! I received my POE letter today, which only took a day. That's me sorted. I will recommend you guys to anyone who is heading to Canada.
Your service has been and continues to be absolutely fantastic, so helpful and such timely replies. An essential service!
I just wanted to send you an email to thank you for all your help throughout the application for my visa to Canada. I found the seminar you gave in Dublin to be really informative and it was definitely worthwhile making the trip up from Kilkenny for it. I found the service offered by Go4less to be extremely professional, efficient and helpful. It made the whole process so easy for me.
Hi Claire i must say ye have been extremely helpful and efficient, ye have made the process much easier to follow and be prepared well in advance, i look forward to dealing with Go4less in the future pending on my POE, thanks for everything.
Just got the good news so thank you and your team for the help, was a tough process, good to have somebody to help me through it.
Hi go4less.ie family, My name is Raju, I had big dream to go Canada and work there, today dream come true that all of credit go to go4less.ie.
I have to say, your service has been really good. I have a few friends with other companies and I’m definitely the one getting the best and most concise info, will recommend in future.
I would like to say that I found you to be extremely friendly, helpful and professional on the phone this morning and for that I thank you.
I found the service great and would definitely recommend it to friends.
This Job database will also show jobs in all the major cities and towns in Canada, such as
The Go4Less Job database is constantly updated with different job types. Example of jobs:
Go4less can provide you with everything you will require for your Canada working holiday.
You will find everything from negotiated low cost flight options, visa processing assistance, a tailored travel insurance policy that meets IEC requirements, jobs board and much more!
For many years Canada has been rated as the number one destination for immigrants and it has remained in pole position to this day. Known for its majestic landscape, its amazingly rich history and cultural heritage, it’s no wonder why Canada is a major draw for so many Irish workers.
The most popular Canadian destinations for young people are Toronto and Vancouver but with the relatively high cost of living and the increasingly competitive employment markets in both cities, workers are now choosing to move to smaller cities in Canada’s Western Provinces.
The Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are where the Irish will find some of the best opportunities around, particularly for skilled tradesmen such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Over the last few years, due to the rich natural resources located here, these Provinces have witnessed a major rise in the number of Irish arriving to work in the Regina and Saskatoon mines or the Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Calgary oil fields.
Irish workers who have experience in the construction and engineering sector are almost guaranteed employment as Canada is facing a huge shortage of construction and engineering professionals with experience. Canadian companies tend to hire Irish workers as they have quality people skills, a good work ethic and a good technical ability.
Click here to view a map of Canada.
The social scene in Canada for Irish immigrants is only getting stronger. Many Canadian cities have witnessed a staggering number of GAA Clubs springing up left, right and centre, which is giving a sense of home for the large numbers of Irish who are arriving each year. See the destination guides for more information in each area.
If you need any consular assistance when you are in Canada, it’s a good idea to have the contact details of the Irish Embassy on hand.
Irish Embassy,
Suite 1105,
130 Albert Street,
Ottawa K1P 5G4, Ontario.
Canada.
[email protected]
Canada has always been a strong economy with a steady banking system. It has not been hit as badly with recession as other countries in recent years. Canada’s unemployment rate is currently just 7% which half the rate of Ireland. This is one of the main draws for workers who will find much more employment opportunities on Canada’s shores.
Canada is a diverse and dramatic landscape with activities to suit any style of adventurer. From the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia to the Great Lakes of Ontario, it’s a wonderland of activities on land and water.
Flights to Toronto can be as little as 6.5 hours direct so visiting Ireland is not too stressful. There are daily flights to Canada with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Air Canada and others. Go4less can offer you our best flight rates by emailing [email protected]
Each year, more than 180,000 foreign workers enter Canada to work temporarily as well as more permanently. Canada has a long-standing history of welcoming other nationalities to their country. Some Canadian cities claim that up to half of their populations are non-natives! Due to the influx of Irish immigrants the Irish communities are flourishing, many cities now have their own GAA teams!
The distance from between Canada’s coastlines is 9,306 km which means the weather can vary greatly from region to region.
Winter in Toronto can be as mild as in Dublin, whereas Winnipeg can be snowed under. In Victoria, British Columbia golf courses can remain open year-round!
In many parts winters can be a lot colder than even the chilliest of Irish winter days. This will take a bit of getting used to but once you get the right equipment you will start to think nothing of a -10 day. Canadians tend to layer their winter clothing, winter jackets over sweaters and shirts. Hats, gloves, snow boots and heavy socks are all essential.
Homes are usually heated centrally and heating costs can be high due to the volume of use needed to maintain a comfortable temperature when it’s freezing outside. Consider this additional cost if you are renting, although in some cases heading may be offered as part of the rental cost. Check with your landlord before signing a lease.
Summer weather in Canada also varies greatly across the country with hot and humid weather in the central and eastern cities like Toronto and Montreal. Summer on the West coast is usually more moderate, less humid and they experience cooler evenings. The Northern regions have cooler summers but are generally comfortable and sunny. Canada is a great place to get out-doors in the Summer months with hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, water sports and camping being extremely popular right across Canada.
Please check the "Online Jobs data-base" tab which is available to you on your personalised Go4Less account for a list of Employers who are hiring for 2014.
Here are just a few suggestions for finding employment in Canada:
Walk-In Method: If you think you would like to work at a particular job, ask to speak to the manager to see if they are hiring. This method works best in retail businesses and the service industry. Be mindful not to call in at the company’s busiest times.
Employment Agencies: These can be good option for participants with office experience looking for temporary work but some also offer longer contracts. The agency is responsible for all aspects of your employment.
Networking: Many jobs are not publicly posted, ask people that you know or meet about possible job positions or contacts that they might have.
Classified Ads: Local newspapers usually have a job section in their classified ads.
Internet: Go4less provide an online jobs board with employers advertising for jobs available now.
Canada is presently seeing a high demand in the areas of agriculture, accounting, aerospace, biotechnology, mining, food services and construction to name just a few. Go4less offer an online jobs board where you can find the perfect job for you!
A good resume is essential when starting your job search. Canadian employers are very particular about how a résumé is laid out and the typical Irish CV will need to be edited to fit their expectations. Normally, a resume in Canada is no more than two pages in length. You should target the résumé towards the position for which you are applying and focus on areas that are related to the job. Online applications are becoming more commonplace and need just as much attention.
Finding housing can often be as much of a challenge as finding a job. If you are headed for a large city you will find more different options available, from online and newspaper classifieds to roommate search agencies. If you are in a smaller town you may have considerably fewer options.
A good place to start is to start your research on the Internet before you leave and stay in a youth hostel or hotel/motel when you first arrive until you can view and secure suitable housing. If you arrive armed with addresses and phone numbers of housing options you will be half way to finding your accommodation.
We would not advise to pay for housing without seeing it first. There are some scams out there that try to lure newcomers in so if it sounds too good to be true be very cautious.
The majority of Canadian rentals will come unfurnished and you will need to provide your own furniture. Craigslist can be a great source of cheap second-hand furnishings and electrical items.
In Canada it is a common occurrence to leave unwanted furniture items out on the street. It is then free to be picked up by any passer-bys. Source the wealthier areas for better quality of discarded furniture!
The following tips may help:
Check the destination guides for more information specific to each area.
The cost of living in Canada is generally more expensive than Ireland. When you start to work the rate of your wages should make up for the difference but initially you will need your savings to see you through to your first pay-check. The IEC requirements are the equivalent of $2500 but it is wise to bring more in case you do not find work immediately.
Below you can see a sample of the average cost of some day to day items:
Milk (regular), 1 litre 2.00 C$
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 2.94 C$
Rice (1kg) 3.00 C$
Eggs (12) 3.00 C$
Local Cheese (250g) 3.00 C$
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 12.00 C$
Potato (1kg) 1.64 C$
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 15.00 C$
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 12.00 C$
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 60.00 C$
Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar 8.00 C$
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) 5.50 C$
Cappuccino (regular) 3.50 C$
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) 1.99 C$
Water (0.33 litre bottle) 1.50 C$
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 3.00 C$
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 126.00 C$
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 4.25 C$
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 1.79 C$
Gasoline (1 litre) 1.30 C$
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 23,000.00 C$
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 178.02 C$
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.29 C$
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 50.00 C$
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 55.00 C$
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 13.00 C$
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 58.50 C$
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 45.00 C$
1 Pair of Nike Shoes 105.00 C$
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes 100.00 C$
A Social Insurance Number is required to work in Canada in order for you to pay tax and get paid. This is the first thing you should apply for when you arrive in Canada. You apply for this through your nearest Service Canada office; please see your Go4less account for full details and the application form.
Tax deductions from wages vary in each province but are generally slightly higher than Irish rates, they will reduce your pay by 25-35 per cent.
Deductions include:
Each year you will need to file a tax return. Most Canadians will use a specialist to file their return for them.
When you make a purchase for goods or services in Canada, you will be charged two types of sales tax:
These sales taxes are not shown in the advertised retail price in stores so you will need to factor this into the cost of purchases. Sales taxes are added at the register.