Work and travel in
Ireland
How to
apply
Who can apply?
To work in Ireland under the Working Holiday and Internship Programme, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen
- be 18-35 years old (inclusive), and
- have a valid Canadian passport
Other requirements may apply, check Ireland’s website for more details.
What type of work visa do I need?
You need to apply for one of two types of visas.
Working Holiday Authorisation
Young Canadians who want to travel to Ireland and work temporarily to help finance their trip.
International Co-op/Internship Authorisation
Registered students at a post-secondary institution who want to complete a paid work placement or internship in Ireland.
Do I need a formal job or internship offer?
Yes, you need a job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer if you apply to the International Co-op or Internship Authorisation.
No, you don’t need one if you apply for to the Working Holiday Authorisation.
How long can I stay and work?
You can stay and work in Ireland for up to 36 months.
Applicants can participate in each category once.
- Up to 24 months under the Working Holiday Authorisation
- Up to 12 months under the International Co-op Internship Authorisation
Start your
Adventure
About Ireland
Explore the warm welcoming island of Ireland and discover the beautiful coastal scenery, culture, charming towns and rich history. Take a trip to visit County Donegal, recently named the ‘Coolest Place on the Planet’ by National Geographic, where you can visit the Slieve League Cliffs, which are among the highest cliffs in Europe. Immerse yourself in Ireland by taking the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest coastal driving route in the world with 2,500km of the most captivating coastal scenery. Take a walk through time and visit Ireland’s Ancient East where you can see, hear, touch and feel the imprints of 5,000 years of European history.
Ireland has two official languages- Irish (Gaeilge) and English. Known as the land of ‘saints and scholars’, there is a thriving cultural and literary scene.
Ireland has a highly-skilled, educated and multicultural population. It has a growing economy that is one of the most competitive in the world and offers new employment opportunities in a range of sectors. The unemployment rate is only 6.3%, 3 points below the Eurozone average of 9.1%.
Plan your trip
The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to and working in a foreign country.
Before you leave, remember to register as a Canadian abroad to receive notifications in case of an emergency while you are abroad or of a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Recognized Organizations
Need help planning? One of IEC’s recognized organizations might be able to help you find a job, transportation, and provide travel advice.
Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.
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