What do I need to think about if I am emigrating?
July 2014 Information Leaflet
What do I need to think about if I am emigrating? Be prepared
Do as much preparation as possible before you go. Check out government and other local websites in your country of destination – many government sites have information for newly arrived immigrants
Buy a return ticket so you can come home if things don’t work out. Remember if you are visiting some countries you may not be admitted without a return ticket
Check out immigrant organisations or Irish organisations in your chosen destination. They will have information for newly arrived immigrants which will include lists of employment agencies and companies
Check online for job vacancies and local rent prices so you‘ll know what to expect
Bring your essential documents
Ensure that you have the correct documentation → Valid passport (machine-readable if going to the USA) → Birth certificate → Appropriate visa if required – i.e. student / work / residence visa
Bring evidence of your qualifications → Certificate / diplomas / degrees → Trades qualifications → References from employers → Drivers licence
Bring an up to date CV
Bring sufficient funds – but don’t carry a lot of cash Make sure you can use your Irish bank cards in your chosen country of destination. Ask your nearest branch before you go Try to use credit cards, ATM cards and travellers cheques rather than cash Bring sufficient funds to support yourself until you find a job and try and have access to money for unplanned or unexpected circumstances
What do I need to think about if I am emigrating? Crosscare Migrant Project – July 2014 www.migrantproject.ie
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Get travel and medical insurance if you can
If you are going to an EU country get a European Health Insurance Card from your local Health Office
Get travel insurance if you are going outside the EU
Have some contacts for where you are going
Bring contact details for family or friends in your country of destination
Get contact details of your nearest immigrant organisation or Irish organisation
Bring any contacts you have on accommodation and jobs
Before you leave, register your contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Citizen’s Register at www.dfa.ie/travel/citizens-registration/
Make sure you have contact details for your nearest Irish Embassy/Consulate in case you need emergency assistance
Don’t travel without…
The appropriate documents. If you don’t have a work permission or the right visa you could be facing a jail sentence or deportation
An entry or work visa if it is required
Medical prescriptions and medical records if you need regular medication or have an existing medical condition
Don’t forget…
Give yourself time to adjust. Things are different than in Ireland and adapting to new systems and ways is an essential part of living in a different country
Try to learn the local language and study the culture
Be confident in your own skills and education
Bring as much ID with you as possible
Leave a copy of your planned itinerary with family or friends in Ireland in case they need to contact you in an emergency
What do I need to think about if I am emigrating? Crosscare Migrant Project – July 2014 www.migrantproject.ie
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If you are considering going abroad and would like some more information, contact us by phone at 01 873 2844 or by email at migrantproject@crosscare.ie. You can also see our website: www.migrantproject.ie
We would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Emigrant Support Program.
What do I need to think about if I am emigrating? Crosscare Migrant Project – July 2014 www.migrantproject.ie
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