CN Tower
There’s good news for those of you who were thinking of moving to Canada but missed out on getting a Canadian working holiday permit in 2012 as the 5,350 places were quickly snapped up.
It has been announced that by 2014 the number of permits will double to over 10,000 and instead of it being a one year permit, you’ll be allowed to stay for two years.
Hopefully this blog post might be of some use to you. From tips on how important it is to wear the same colour socks without any holes to how best to find a job, there’s something for everyone!
I lived in Toronto for two years so the blog mainly focuses on that city. I enjoyed it and made lots of friends including many Irish. Some are still there while others came home as it just wasn’t for them. Moving countries, even if it is just for a short time, can be very stressful and difficult so hopefully these links will be helpful.
There are many positives:
- Canada is a wonderful giant country and there are distinct seasons – snow in the winter so you can go skiing and sun in the summer.
- Generally speaking Canadians are friendly, low key, direct and speak English so it’s easy enough for us to fit in. However, French is spoken in Quebec.
- Yes, there are jobs. However, the jobs might not be exactly what you’re looking for.
- The economy is in fairly good nick as the banks seem to have their act together – well, so far anyway and there isn’t constant talk and feeling of doom and gloom. People are quite positive.
- Healthcare is free – well, your taxes cover it if you know what I mean.
- Volunteering is really popular.
- In Toronto, there’s always something going on – festivals etc.
- Canada embraces diversity and different cultures and as a result you can get any kind of food there.
- You can also get cheap all inclusive holidays to Cuba or the Dominican Republic and the flights are only three hours.
Toronto City Beach
For me, there are also negatives:
- Canada is expensive.
- There’s no Pennys or Ryanair for cheap flights.
- Chocolate just isn’t the same and Lidl/Aldi haven’t reached there yet.
- Again, yes, there are jobs. However, the jobs might not be exactly what you’re looking for and can be difficult to get.
- You can’t beat the Irish humour – although you’ll find enough Irish there to keep your needs met 😉
- There’s an ocean between your family and friends so that can be difficult and being home sick is not nice. Unless you’re making lots of money, flying home for every occasion isn’t going to happen.
- Mobile phone tariffs are ridiculous – most operators charge for incoming calls and setting up your voicemail. The good news is that a friend of mine has told me that there are new operators offering lower rates e.g. Wind, Mobilicity, Public Mobile, Branson’s Virgin, and Koodo. Thank you Bill! 🙂 You’ll also notice that you’ll get calls for different people who used to have your new number as they recycle phone numbers.
- Prices in Toronto for property are going through the roof and it feels like Canadians, who are buying at the moment, will be in the same predicament as many Irish who bought during the boom years with massive negative equity.
Dundas Square
Useful Links
The Irish Canadian Immigration Centre – this centre opened earlier this year to help and give information to Irish people arriving in Canada.
Moving2Canada.com website – this website provides objective information about moving to Canada and has information on different cities – not just Toronto.
Irish Alien – this is a website for Canada’s Irish community.
Irish Connections Magazine – it’s a general magazine for the Irish community.
Jobs
The Irish Canadian Immigration Centre and the Ireland – Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto have been very helpful to new arrivals. They have held a number of welcome nights, immigration info sessions and also organised ski trips. Keep an eye out for when these are happening as they are a great way of meeting new people and networking. I was at one of the welcome nights last year and a number of recruiters were there. Here is a list we received afterwards of the recruiters that attended the night thanks to both organisations.
Recruitment Agencies
moving2canada.com/jobs – Ian and Ruairi who are behind this website have been placing Irish guys in construction for 2-3 months now as some companies have decided that their website would be a good source. While they get people from all sectors, they are focusing on construction professionals and trades.
Decisioning Solutions
Robert Half Recruiting
Chad Management
Profile Consultants
Knightsbridge
Hays Recruitment
Dean Group
Other
Irish jobs website
CITCO
Flynn Construction
Deloitte
Ontario Government
Getting set-up
Social Insurance Number (SIN) – you will need this nine-digit number to work in Canada.
Ontario health card – you’ll need this for access to free health care – it can be a bit of a nightmare if you don’t have all the proper documentation with you when you visit your local office!
Accommodation
Canadiana Backpackers Inn – There are a few hostels in Toronto – some with a better reputation than others – I stayed in this hostel when I first arrived in Toronto and really liked it. It’s homely and full of Irish.
Craigslist – good website to find rental accommodation or cheap furniture – most houses and apartments are unfurnished so you end up having to buy beds, tables, chairs etc. Utilities are normally included so you don’t pay extra for electricity, gas and water. TV and Internet are usually extra. A lot of places don’t have washing machines and dryer in them and so you’ll notice there are lots of launderettes around. It’s much handier if you get a place where there is a washer/dryer.
Solas – Solas.ca is the Canadian version of daft from John P Kelly and two other Irish guys. Great idea lads!
Sports
Toronto Sport and Social Club – this is a great club where you can sign up on your own to a team or create a team yourself to be part of a league. They have lots of sports and different events going on. I met lots of great people mainly Canadians playing ball hockey – I miss it!
GAA in Toronto – Ireland’s loss has been Toronto’s gain in terms of GAA.
Immigration
Canadian Immigration – this website has details on extending permits and visas.
International Experience Canada (IEC) – the programme is now full for 2012.
Globex International Group
Fast Track Immigration Services Canada
UK Canada immigration – if you are applying for permanent residency the documents will ultimately end up here as this is where it is processed.
General info and tips
*Make sure your socks match and have no holes – as when you’re going into someone’s house it is normal to leave your shoes at the door! It actually makes sense so you don’t drag snow, sleet and salt into the house. Thanks John for pointing that out. It’d be handy here too not to be dragging in muck from the rain only we’ve been told if we walk around with only socks on we’ll get pneumonia! Invest in some slippers.
*Canadians like to heat their houses really well during winter (since it does sometimes get to -40 degrees in Winter) so at the beginning it feels like you are living in a furnace.
*Legal drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec; 19 elsewhere – Toronto, Ontario.
*Your skin may break out in spots or spots may appear in places you’ve never had them before – happened to me & a friend there.
*Double dipping is frowned upon – yes I didn’t know what it was either. Dipping a piece of bread, you’ve already taken a bite from, into a plate/bowl that everyone is dipping into is considered rude! e.g balsamic vinegar.
*ATMs do a lot more in Toronto than they do here – you can deposit a cheque through them and even pay bills.
*They don’t use the words queue (line up), footpath (walkway or pavement), half past the hour (e.g. 7:30), rubbish (garbage) etc.
*In Ontario you can only buy alcohol in the LCBO and Beer Store. You can’t get it in general shops or supermarkets.
*The price is not what you pay, then tax is added and in pubs and restaurants you tip.
*Most bars, if not all, serve food so there’s a culture of eating and drinking so normally the bill comes at the end and everyone splits it or pays for what they had as opposed to going to a bar and buying a round of drinks. Clubs are different.
*Public transport is the same price whatever distance you go – one stop or 10 stops.
*Toilets have more water!
*Opening doors can be confusing with the handles 😉
*Canadians love their ice hockey – thanks JonJo.
Best of luck with the move and enjoy your time there!
Check out my New York – Top Tips blog post
Greetings from Ontario, Canada!
Been here since 1965 and so have a fair idea of what any prospective immigrants from Ireland may face.
Sadly, Canada has changed A LOT in the past (almost) fifty years, and it’s really not all for the better.
I won’t go into details here as everything is a matter of opinion.
What I will very very strongly advise anyone born in Ireland anticipating moving here, DON’T cut your ties or sell your home (if you own one) withouth making a visit here first.
Sure the fare is expensive – and Aer Lingus still refuse to serve Canada, but you’ll do yourself and your family a great service.
In some major cities, Toronto especially, the visible minority is actually the former white majority, so don’t expect to “feel” at home in Toronto or Vancouver.
Housing in all major cities is evtremely expensive.
DO NOT look at costs or prices here in terms of “Euro equivalent” – you need to look at costs in terms of how much income you can hope to earn.
Public transport as you know it in Ireland (or the UK) is almost non-existent, except within and around the major cities. Just last week the Ontario Government cancelled one long distance train service from Toronto to Moosonee – because it was too expensive.
So folks, by all means emigrate to Canada, but PLEASE do check ALL the facts; it’s no bed of roses here!
Thanks Bryan – some very valid points!
Hi Aisling,
I liked your blog. Lots of good information. I have been living in Toronto for over 2 years also. It’s not easy to get started here. It takes a while to adjust and find your way. This is coming from someone that has travelled a good bit.
If I had the chance to do it all over again I would not get the holiday visa. If you are really committed to coming over here and getting a decent job then get a work permit or start the process to get permanent residence. The holiday visa is a waste of time if you want to get professional work. I know this because I have been through it. I had 3 years work experience and an IT degree. I found it impossible to get a job. I struck it lucky in the end but only because I found a way to become a contractor. Plus I married a Canadian so that helped too.
The trouble with holiday visa is the length of time. I have been in interviews where I have been put on the spot about my visa. Employers will not hire you for a permanent contact with a 1 year visa. Also another downside is the possibility to extend visa stay. The holiday visa only gives you a fixed term and no possible extension
Don’t get any illusions that your company will sponsor you either. Unless you got a really nice employer or your skill is in high demand they will not go through the paperwork.
Any way my point is don’t believe the hype there are jobs here but not the ones that you may have spent years of study for. The professional market is very competitive and unless you have a unique skill you will find it hard to get in the door.
I wish you the best of Luck. You are going to need it
Patrick
Thanks Patrick. Totally true – it’s not as easy as just packing the bags and off you go. Some people have more luck than others will visas and jobs. The more people know about the reality (the good and the bad) the better. Cheers.
“Generally speaking Canadians are friendly, low key and speak English so it’s easy for us to fit in.” … Have you completly overlooked the provice of Quebec? No overly anglo friendly.
“Healthcare is free – your taxes cover it.” – Well if you’re paying for it in your taxes, IT IS NOT FREE!!!
Canada is a vast ans sparcely populated country. The jobs on offer in Oreland are for the most case ones they can’t get Canadians to take even at the point of a gun! Who wants to live in the frozen tundra for 6 months a year?
Do you research and make sure you know what you are getting yourself into! Canada is a high cost of living place… but then again, so is Ireland!
Good points Michael. Pity you had to make them in such an aggressive tone. Thanks.
Get over it Sister.
All
I have been living in Vancouver 4 years had my first child and married to a Canadian
I can not stress the following points enough and they are the general consensus amongst the Irish I have spoken to, bear in mind I am 40 so my age is a factor and my points are Vancouver related only,
VANCOUVER COST OF 2 CHICKENS $23 NUTS!
1. Vancouver is the most boring city I have ever lived in with no exception
2. They glorify the mountains, view and the sea. Mountains are amazing, the views are incredible, but the sea is disgusting the amount of oil and crap in the water is worst that the liffey due to all the oil tankers parked in the bay.
3.Vancouver people are the most literal people around, so sarcasm does not fit well nor does a decent sense of humor
4. They do not mix work colleagues with other friends, so if you are expecting co workers to invite you out for a few beers with there own mates, sorry it wont happen
5. The bars are crap, you can forget about going for a few beers on a friday after work not a big thing here
6. EVERYONE smokes pot it’s loosely enforced by the police, but drinking is frowned upon, the following examples,
90% of all off licenses are run by the government and they don’t sell cold beer, so forget buying a cold one on a hot day. You can buy them in private stores but its expensive and there are not many
You cant buy more than 2 beers at a time. My 2 older brothers came over and we went to a hockey game, went to buy 3 beers, it was refused and I had to take the 2 then go back and get the other 1
7. The Canadian friendliness is a myth outside of there customer service.
8. Finally this is only in Vancouver, I have been to Edmonton and Calgary where there the people are the most friendliest people I have ever met and who would bowl you over with there hospitality and I am moving there
All in all Vancouver due to the non interaction within this multicultural city has caused it to be very unfriendly and would not recommend it.
Thanks Michael – I had heard Vancouver was even more expensive than Toronto. I remember dairy products being ridiculously expensive as well – buying cheese was a treat! Cheers.
well i live in Edmonton Michael and it is great here people are very friendly here and yes it is hard to break into the workforce, they prefer to hire Canadians which is sad because once to break into that circle life changes for the good, beer in bars is quite expensive but you can buy more than 3 beers in the beer stores here in Edmonton i also found that Canadians dont like lippy people so it you cant take criticism you should not be here cause if you are doing your job wrong they will certainly tell you straight away, they dont care how we do it Ireland so get used to how they do it.
Thanks Aisling. I’m heading to Vancouver next week… although slightly worried now given the comments above
Good luck with the move – you’ll only know yourself how you feel when you’re there. Some people love it, others don’t. It’s an adventure!
how can talk about Canada and not mention that they live and breath hockey (ice hockey to us) and if you don’t take an interest in the game you will be a social outcast !! Also, Canadians use the word “eh” at the end of many sentences. I lived in Canada for 3 years, it is a great country with very warm and welcoming people – but boy are the winters cold
So true – Ice hockey all the way! Thks
What an interesting topic!
OK, now let me see if I can offer some helpful insight from a personal perspective.
I was born in Dublin in ’41 and lived there until moving to London in ’58 where I worked until 1965.
After so many years in the UK and seeing no prospects down the road I started seeking a future abroad – do I choose Australia or Canada? Well Oz has upside-down seasons, a lot of heat and bugs year ’round. Canada is cooler and much much greener, heat and bugs in summer, and tons of snow and sloppy slush in winter.
So, with little real knowledge and experience, I chose Canada.
Now, 47 years later I can say it really was a good choice – then!
It’s a truly wonderful country, but would I move here now in today’s political climate, knowing what I do now, not very likely at all!
If you live here long enough to become a senior citizen (OAP in Ireland) you will face some very tough situations indeed.
Many working families in big cities need two incomes to exist. Some familes actually depend on food banks to supplement what groceries they can afford each month.
Transportation within most big citizes is “not bad” although it is generally pathetically slow. Anyone from Dublin who is used to just getting on the bus or tram to “go into town” – forget that idea because it just won’t happen in Toronto! To get into town from the suburbs can often involve a lengthy slow bus ride plus one or two subway trains.
But now, as a 71 year old retiree, I’ve moved far north of Toronto and life in the country is wonderful compared to the south. Sure distances are great. I must drive 175km (each way) for daily radiation treatment – but would Ireland ever be any different; who knows!
So folks, if you are thinking of coming to Canada, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Everyone’s situation is and will be different. If you can possibly afford to make an evaluation trip here as was suggested in another post then please do so.
Canada IS and can be wonderful, but it’s not going to be paradise for everyone.
Hi All,
I thought, for the benefit of people considering a move to greener pastures, I share my experience with you.
I moved to Toronto in the month of January 2011. It was incredibly cold at the time of arrival. (Something like -35C if i remember correctly.)
So to start with my points of Toronto, the positives are as follows:
I arrived in Toronto on the 13th of January and had a job by the 2nd of Feb. This happened because of one reason only.. An attendance of the Irish commerce night, for new arrivals. I got chatting to an Irish guy in recruitment, and he helped both myself and my sister out. (I have no degree, and at the time, little work experience).
Toronto is quite a lively city to live in. There is always something to do, such as NBA (I bought a raptors v bulls ticket for $12) MLB, MLS etc. Sporting events such as the NBA are quite cheap to attend, unlike hockey 😉
You are a lot closer to home than you would be if you were living in Australia.
There is a nice congregation of Irish settling in Toronto these days, which helps with those off days, when you just want to have a bit of craic.
On the contrary, the negatives for Toronto are quite extensive, so please bear with me…:
People in Toronto are, in my humble opinion, quite rude and obnoxious, not just to us Irish, but almost everyone. I do find on a social setting, the Torontonians to be very clicky while I was there. The reason I do not mention Canadians as a whole is because my Canadian girlfriend shares my points and whole heartedly agrees with me. Her opinion is that the further west you travel, the nicer they become. (She is from northern B.C.)
The chances of getting work are pretty poor… let me give you a first hand example away from me: My sister has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, complimented with 2 science degrees etc. For the 4 months that she put up with the complete disregard Canadians had for her experience, she worked as a receptionist on $14 per hour………………………
Rent is really expensive for what you get. I paid $600 downtown in the city, and the place was a complete dump.
Mobile phones are a rip off. Incoming calls and voicemails are charged for. Sickening really… As I think of it, a word of advice…keep your financials safe and secure. I left Canada in January, for Australia, and I got a call from a friend which told me that there was 7 phone bills from different phone companies. It was ID theft. What is so scary is that the person opened these accounts with my c card, and HAD my Pin number….. Its been 8 months, and I am STILL arguing with the bureaucratic credit rating agencies, to clear my name. Some might say, typical north America…..
Beer is expensive.. A pint will set you back over $7, Not including the tip of $1 you pay….. Food is expensive…..
My advice???
If you haven’t already, go and apply for your Australian visa, get over here, and have the time of your life. People are great, money is great, weather is great. seems like a no brainer to me really. But i guess like me, some people might want to give Canada a go before………………Save your money guys.
I’m looking to move to canada working holiday visa. Would like some info 😉
i am a Dublin man. I have lived in Canada for quiet a few years..I went back to Ireland a few years back…Long story short .Back to Canada i couldent get soon enough..Canada is the best Country on this or any other Planet…Ireland / Europe is going nowhere fast.(.Austrailia.in the middle of nowhere.).Canada is the country of the future and when it gets a pipeline to Vancouver from Alberta…Well…If you can get to Canada ..GET HERE!….At least you will have a secure and happy future.
Consider the Prairies, particularly Alberta. The Economy is booming and people are friendlier.
I grew up in Dublin, I have lived in other countries over the past 10 years and Canada has been the toughest one to crack. I moved to BC in 2010 and am in the process of becoming a permanent resident. It is only now that I am starting to believe I made the right decision in moving away from my family, friends and a relatively good job. A job is not hard to find here, if you are willing to work you will find work. Finding more than ‘just a job’ can be challenging and frustrating. I have come to accept that I have to work to work, not for my career!
Living here has made me feel like I am starting over again at 30 years of age, I had to learn how mobile phones work, how banking is done, how to set up medical insurance (not free in BC, pro-rated on household income), how taxes are paid (not always fully through your job), how to get a drivers licence (having driven for 10 years already).. it goes on.. Connecting with people and creating friendships has been a bit of a challenge, although Canadians are friendly and laid back in general, they can be a little distant and their sense of humour is more literal.
The great thing about living here is the work/life balance, I work close to home so I have no commute and there is every activity under the sun available to me. I also like living in a mostly safe community, walking home at night isn’t daunting and I have made great friends here, become more involved in my community and can see why this is an amazing place to live.
There have been many times over the past couple of years that I have thought about going home but I think I have gotten so far in the process of learning to live here that I would find it difficult to settle back at home!
Although it has been a bit of a journey for me, the experience is different for everyone, try and find out as much as you can about where you plan to move to. Be prepared to feel like you are banging your head against a brick wall sometimes. Don’t think you are coming to an instant ‘better life’ compared to what you have at home, it is different.. plain and simple different.
I hope this helps!
Hi Aisling,
I am thinking of applying for a one year working visa to Toronto next year and found your blog very helpful. I am excited about moving and experiencing another country and it’s culture however I am a little disheartened by other comments. I have a BA in Business Studies and two years banking experience and was hoping to continue with banking however reading the comments above I’m afraid this will be more difficult than I thought.
It is just my friend and I that will be travelling to Canada, therefore we were thinking of sharing an apartment with other Irish as this may be a good opportunity to meet new people, I was just wondering if you know any webites that advertise this or if this is common?
Can you please advise of the nightlife in Toronto?
Thanks,
Vicky
Hi Vicky, Glad to hear you’re excited about the move. Yeah jobs are a bit tricky – not to get one but the one you actually want. When I stayed in the Canadiana Hostel there were lots of Irish who moved into together and there are notice boards there which might help. Also in the SWAP office there are noticeboards with accommodation and jobs. Not sure what the story is with SWAP now. There are lots of places to go out so it depends what you’re into. I lived in the Annex and the Victory Cafe bar on Markham Street was nice in the summer to sit outside. The Madison or Maddie as it’s known is packed at the weekends – two big old houses together which have been converted to bars on different floors. Hemingsway Australian bar in Yorkville is good for after work drinks. Panorama is a gorgeous bar to bring visitors to as it’s got a great view of the city and the CN Tower at night. There are a few Irish bars – PJ O’Briens was my favourite. If you’re into clubbing there’s the Entertainment district. There’s lots of other places but that’s all I can think of at the moment. Hope that helps – good luck with the move! 🙂