Q.  I was made redundant a few months ago. I’m having no luck finding work here so I’m considering going abroad to look for work. I’d like to go to an English-speaking country. What are my options?

20.06.10

You can travel freely to work in the UK. Irish emigrants looking for work in an English-speaking country other than the UK often look at Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. You need a visa to work in all these countries.
Types of Australian visa include those for professionals and skilled workers and those sponsored by employers. There is also a working holiday visa for young adults, aged 18 to 30, that allows them to live and work in Australia for a year.

If you want to go to live and work in Canada there are different visas for immigrants such as skilled workers and family sponsorship. The eligibility criteria for skilled workers are based on their qualifications and experience. There is also a working holiday programmes which allow students and people aged under 35 to live and work in Canada for a year.
The skilled migrant visa is the most usual way of getting permission to work in New Zealand. These visas are granted according to a points system based on your qualifications and skills. The working holiday visa scheme allows young adults aged 18 to 30 to live and work in New Zealand for a year.

If you want to move to the USA to work you will need an immigrant visa. There are different types of immigrant visas. Most are based on sponsorship by a family member or a prospective employer.
If you are travelling outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you are strongly advised to seek specific holiday or health insurance before you travel. Moving abroad is a big step so you should research carefully. You will find more information on what to consider at the Crosscare Migrant project website - click here .

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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