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? Crosscare Migrant Project – July 2014

www.migrantproject.ie

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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.