Canada Entry Hub 2026
Ireland 🇮🇪 Canada 🇨🇦
Ireland to Canada visa guide
Ireland to Canada visa guide Official 2026 guidelines for Irish citizens. Navigating the mandatory eTA, 2026 IEC Working Holiday rounds, and updated study permit financial requirements.| Travel Path | Stay Limit | Requirement | 2026 Key Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism (eTA) | 6 Months | Irish Passport | CAD $7 |
| Working Holiday (IEC) | 24 Months | Ages 18-35 | CAD $350 (Total Fees) |
| Study Permit | Course Length | PAL + GIC | CAD $22,895 (Savings) |
1. Tourism & Social Visits Visa-Exempt
Irish citizens do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada for up to 6 months.
- eTA Mandate: You MUST obtain an **Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)** before boarding your flight. It costs **CAD $7**.
- Validity: Approved eTAs are electronically linked to your passport and are valid for up to **5 years** or until your passport expires.
- Dual Citizens: If you are a dual Irish-Canadian citizen, you MUST enter Canada on a **valid Canadian passport**. You cannot apply for an eTA on an Irish passport.
- ArriveCAN app: You can submit your customs declaration 72 hours before arrival via the ArriveCAN app to speed up entry at major airports.
2. Working Holiday (IEC) Pool System
The 2026 IEC season for Irish citizens is officially open with a generous quota.
- 2026 Quota: Ireland has a quota of **2,735 spots** for the 2026 Working Holiday season.
- Eligibility: Open to Irish citizens aged **18 to 35**. You can participate up to **3 times** in total across different categories.
- Invitations: The first round of invitations for 2026 began the week of **January 19, 2026**.
- Stay Duration: The Working Holiday visa for Irish citizens allows you to stay and work for up to **24 months**.
3. Studying in Canada Higher Funds
Canada has significantly increased the financial requirements for all study permit applicants in 2026.
- New Fund Threshold: As of 2026, you must show at least **CAD $22,895** for living expenses (excluding tuition and travel).
- PAL Requirement: Most applicants now need a **Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)** from the province where they intend to study.
- Work Rights: Students are limited to working **24 hours per week** off-campus during academic sessions in 2026.
4. Border Security & Customs Mandatory
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces strict regulations on goods and currency.
- Currency: You must declare any cash or monetary instruments exceeding **CAD $10,000** upon arrival.
- Banned Items: Bringing meat, dairy, or certain plants from Ireland is strictly prohibited and can lead to instant fines.
- Biometrics: You must attend a biometrics appointment (photo and fingerprints) if applying for a work or study permit.
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).