Working Holiday Programme
Live and Work in Ireland
Ireland's Working Holiday agreement with Canada has offered Irish and Canadian young people between the ages of 18 and 35 the exciting opportunity to experience living and working abroad since 2003. Please note that Working Holiday Visas take between four to six weeks to process.
- About the programme
- How to participate
- Fees
- Irish applicants
About the programme
About the Working Holiday and Internship Programme
Ireland’s Working Holiday agreement with Canada offers an exciting opportunity for young Canadians to experience living and working in Ireland. The Programme gives Canadian youth the chance to progress their career ambitions, connecting with leading global companies located in Ireland. The programme also fits in with many work experience commitments as part of University curriculums.
Ireland, the only English speaking country in the Eurozone, offers the warmest of welcomes to students from all over the world - 35,000 international students from 161 countries enjoy Ireland's vibrant culture each year. The friendliness and hospitality for which the Irish people are renowned contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to the way of life in Ireland which, together with Canada, is one of the friendliest and safest countries in the world.
Ireland offers two visas under the Programme, which are open to Canadian youth living both in and outside Canada:
The Working Holiday Authorisation, valid for two years, is open to Canadian citizens aged 18-35. This open work visa allows young Canadians to travel and work in Ireland, or to progress their chosen careers through employment in Ireland that is related to their degree and/or professional experience.
The International Co-op Internship Authorisation, valid for one year, is for students who intend to complete a paid work placement or internship in Ireland. It is open to Canadian citizens aged 18-35 who are registered students at post-secondary institutions.
Eligible applicants may participate in both theInternational Co-op Internship category and the Working Holiday category, in any order. Applicants may participate in each category once only.
How to participate
How to participate
Applications for the Programme are processed by the Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa, and are accepted either directly to the Embassy (Working Holiday Authorisation,International Co-op Internship Authorisation or through SWAP Working Holidays). Passports must be valid for 30 months from the date of entry into Ireland.
Qualifying applicants are issued with an Authorisation which they must carry with them when they travel to Ireland and produce upon request. The Authorisation is activated by arrival of the holder in Ireland. The Authorisation must be activated within twelve months of issue or it will lapse. The holder is subject to normal border immigration controls upon arrival in Ireland.
Within one month of arrival in Ireland, holders of Authorisations must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and will be issued with a Registration Card on payment of the appropriate fee; the current fee is €300 (this is subject to change).
Together, the Authorisation and GNIB Registration Card allow a participant to seek employment in Ireland without the need for a work permit.
There is no maximum period on the time spent with any one employer within the validity of the Authorisation.
It is not possible to extend the period of validity of an Authorisation. However, eligible applicants may participate in both theInternational Co-op Internship category and the Working Holiday category, in any order and any time frame within the age limits. Applicants may participate in each category once only. In the case of a successful application to a second category while in Ireland, the applicant should leave Ireland on the expiration of their current Authorisation and re-enter on the new Authorisation. They should then re-register with GNIB.
Canadian citizens living both in and outside Canada are eligible to apply. Canadian applicants living outside Canada should enclose a certified copy of their passport.
Fees
Fees
Fee payable by:
Canadian bank draft, money order, or certified cheque:
payable to Embassy of Ireland in Canadian Dollars. Euro not accepted.
Credit card: please include the name on card, card number, and expiry date.
Debit cards are not accepted.
Working Holiday: $150
Student Cooperation: $100
Please also include return fee:
For registered post - $15
For courier service - $60
International Courier Service - Confirmed based on destination
Irish applicants
Irish applicants
Irish citizens interested in the programmes should consult the website for International Experience Canada.