Irish influx to Canada, more to come

It is estimated that around 10,000 Irishmen and women have relocated to Canada in the past two years, with the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Loyola Hearn, quoting much higher numbers possible in the near future.

Irish workers are being sought by Canada to fill positions in its booming industries, such as fisheries, mining and oil.

They are largely arriving in Canada with holiday work visas, which fall under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, of which all 5,000 were used this year. Next year, there will be 5,350 available.

According to Hearn, Canada has surpassed the United States, and is now second only to Australia, as a destination of Irish immigration.

Work experience in Canada can eventually help the visitor to gain permanent residency status through one of its experience class or PNP programs.