Canada granted permanent resident visas to approximately 3,500 Irish immigrants in 2010. Most of the people who are leaving Ireland are skilled workers and recent graduates who cannot find work in their home country. Technical Engineering and Electrical Union is one of the largest trade unions in Ireland. Because of the increasing unemployment rate in Ireland (13.4% last month), the union has been training its members to work overseas. It is estimated that over 60,000 Irish will leave their country in 2011.

Although the failing economy is a serious concern for Ireland, Canada can benefit from the highly skilled immigrants looking for a new country to settle in. Potential Irish immigrants have already overcome the issue of language, which can be a problem for immigrants from countries where English is not the main language. Many are applying for jobs before arriving in Canada, allowing them to apply through various Provincial Nominee Programs. Others who have occupations that are in high demand are applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

The Government of Canada has made an agreement with Ireland to extended the open work permits to 24 months, instead of 12 months, for Irish applicants ages 18 to 35. It is expected that 5,000 of these special work visas will be granted to Irish applicants this year.