Demand for Canada working visas 'like Frozen dolls at Christmas', expert warns
Some 10,000 Canadian working visas for Ireland are to be made available in the first three months of this year, it has been announced.
VisaFirst.com are advising those looking to avail of Canada’s IEC (International Experience Class) Working Holiday Visa programme to be vigilant and prepare now to meet deadlines
Commenting on the much sought-after visa programme Edwina Shanahan, migration expert with www.visafirst.com said: "We likened the demand for last year’s visas programme to Garth Brookes tickets as they were snapped up as soon as they became available and with Canada only growing in popularity for Irish people looking to work abroad.
"We believe this year’s visas will be akin to Frozen dolls at Christmas.
"In addition, there is talk of late that Canadian Immigration will be reducing the number of visas for the working holiday programme in 2016."
Visafirst.com said that that the quota for 2015 will generate the same if not more interest as the 2014 quota for Canadian working holiday visas and they are advising that 2015 applicants prepare all relevant documentation now.
Ms Shanahan warned: "The 2014 Canadian working holiday quota for Irish applicants was issued in two stages, the first quota was filled within 15 minutes and the second quota was filled within a half hour!"
VisaFirst.com say that another important consideration for would-be applicants is that in 2014, applicants who were issued places in the first and second quota roll out, were given up to three months to get documentation ready for the work permit application, including police clearance, references, etc.
As the places filled, this time period was reduced by immigration to two weeks.
However, this year it is estimated that once an applicant has a place on the Canadian working holiday programme, immigration will give applicants just one to two weeks to get required documentation lodged.
If this is not supplied, the applicant they may lose their place.
