Canada extends number of Irish visas to 10,000 in time for jobs expo

Ireland’s allocation of working visas for Canada is to be increased by 60% to 10,000 for 2014.

The extra allocation was confirmed by Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, in advance of the Working Abroad Expo taking place on March 22-23 in the RDS in Dublin, and on March 26 at the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork.

The 10,000 IEC Visas (International Experience Class Visas) are available to 18-35 year olds.

Stephen McLarnon of WorkingAbroad.net which is organising the expo, said the increase would be greatly welcomed by thousands of young people looking for work.

“This is great news for the thousands who have been waiting for the release of this new visa allocation, especially since the 2013 allocation were snapped up in 48 hours — The IEC visa is by far the ‘best-in-its-class’ visa, especially when compared to similar programmes in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

Mr McLarnon also said the Canadian visa had advantages to those offered by Australia and New Zealand.

“Not only can Irish people live and work for up to two years with the same employer, but applicants can be up to 35 years of age and be accompanied by dependents — three components to the IEC that neither Australia or New Zealand offer,” he said.

The popularity of the IEC visa has increased dramatically since 2009 when Ireland had an allocation of just 2,500, rising to 4,229 in 2010, 5,000 in 2011 and now 10,000 for this year.

“Ireland is the envy of other countries with no other country getting this level of allocation. Our nearest neighbour the UK only gets 6,350 IEC visas per annum. The ease in which people can apply for this visa and almost immediately start working in Canada, is perfect for those job seekers attending the dedicated ‘Canada Expo’,” said Mr McLarnon.

The expo will also have options available to the over 35s, as it will also host employers with arranged work permits (LMO’s) and permanent residency programmes in Saskatchewan..

* Jobseekers can pre-register to secure their place on www.workingabroad.net/Canada-expo.Tickets are €10.