Complete Checklist: Documents Needed Before Moving to Canada from Cork

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Irish emigrants, thanks to its strong economy, welcoming immigration policies, and thriving Irish communities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Canada's immigration system is points-based and highly structured, so having your documents properly prepared is essential. This checklist covers everything you need from the notarial and documentation perspective.

Canada and the Apostille Convention

Canada acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention, which came into force for Canada on 11 January 2024. This means Irish public documents apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs are now accepted in Canada — a significant simplification compared to the previous requirement for full consular legalisation.

✅ Immigration and Visa Documents

Canada offers several immigration pathways. The most common for Irish applicants include:

• Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) — nomination by a Canadian province
• International Experience Canada (IEC) — working holiday for ages 18–35
• Family Sponsorship — sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Atlantic Immigration Program — for workers in Atlantic Canada

Core Documents for All Programmes

• Valid passport — check validity extends well beyond your planned arrival
• Birth certificate — long-form, apostilled
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) — apostilled
• Divorce decree (if applicable) — apostilled
• Police clearance certificate — from An Garda Síochána; apostilled
• Medical examination — from an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) designated panel physician
• Passport-sized photographs — Canadian specifications

✅ Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

For Express Entry, your Irish qualifications must be assessed by a designated organisation to confirm Canadian equivalency:

• World Education Services (WES) — the most commonly used for Irish applicants
• Degree certificates — notarised copies
• Official transcripts — sent directly from your Irish university/college to WES
• Professional qualifications — for regulated professions, additional assessments may be required

The ECA process typically takes 4–8 weeks.

✅ Language Testing

• IELTS General Training or CELPIP — for English proficiency
• TEF Canada — if claiming French proficiency (earns additional points)
• Test results are valid for 2 years
• IELTS tests are available in Cork

✅ Employment Documents

• Employment references — detailed letters on company letterhead confirming job title, duties, hours, and dates; notarised
• Employment contract (if you have a Canadian job offer)
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — if applicable, obtained by your Canadian employer
• Professional registration — for regulated professions in Canada (nursing, engineering, medicine, etc.)

✅ Financial Documents

• Proof of funds — bank statements, investment statements; required for Express Entry (amount depends on family size)
• Bank reference letter — notarised, confirming balances and account history
• Tax clearance certificate — from Revenue

✅ Family Documents

• Children's birth certificates — apostilled
• Custody orders (if applicable) — notarised and apostilled
• Consent letter from other parent — if travelling with children and the other parent is not accompanying
• Common-law relationship evidence — statutory declarations, shared address proofs, joint finances

✅ Property and Legal Affairs in Ireland

• Power of Attorney — to manage Irish property, finances, or legal matters; notarised
• Will — review and update
• Property sale/rental arrangements

✅ Healthcare

• Medical records summary — from your GP
• Prescription details — Canadian equivalent medication names
• Vaccination records — for children enrolling in Canadian schools
• Note: Provincial healthcare coverage may have a waiting period (typically 3 months) — arrange interim private insurance

✅ Driving

• Irish driving licence — accepted temporarily in most provinces (60–90 days)
• International Driving Permit — recommended
• Driving record from NDLS — some provinces offer expedited licensing with proof of experience

Timeline: When to Start

• 6–12 months before: Take language tests, apply for ECA, research immigration pathway
• 4–6 months before: Submit Express Entry profile or other application, gather documents
• 2–3 months before: Book notarisation appointment, apply for apostilles, complete medical examination
• 1 month before: Set up Power of Attorney, confirm all documents are ready, arrange finances

How Hugh Phelan Can Help

Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He assists many Irish clients preparing documents for Canadian immigration, including notarising employment references, certifying copies of qualifications, and preparing statutory declarations and Powers of Attorney.

Contact us at 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.