Emigration/ Work permits

Hi Guys,
I am probably putting this in the wrong place but does anyone know the best process to enquire about seeking a work permit for either US, Canada, Oz or Nz.
I haven't a clue where to start and would my age of 31 count against me seeking one.

I know a bit about Canada as I'm probably going there next year. The USIT under 35 programme allows you to travel to canada to work for a year. As the name suggests it is for under 35's. Check out this link:
http://canada.usit.ie/under-35-programme/introduction/
A mate of mine is over there at the moment on this programme. I think you can extend it if you are in a job over there but I'm not certain. The process for a proper working visa is more complex and they only want certain trades. You can find out more about whether you qualify here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
The list of trades that qualify changes. For example, up until July Civil Engineers and construction managers were on the list but they have been removed since.
Hope that is of some help.

I did the Australia thing a few years back , it's a mission. 31 is not a problem as long as you have the skills they are looking for and and don't have 67 kids to support

http://www.immi.gov.au/ is the website and there is a point calculator on there which will list the professions they give preference to.

You're too old for a working holiday visa so I'm talking about proper migration with permanent residence. The thing is unless you're highly skilled in an area they desperately need it will take 18 to 24 months.

Thanks guys will check it out.
I have just completed my final accountancy exams so hopefully i can qualify. Something I should of done years ago but have been thinking about it for over a year now.

endabob how is SA?

Full of South Africans, very visibly so too after the rugger at the weekend.

Oddly Jinxy I too am an accountant, it used to be on the Oz list, not so sure it is any more though

There's a few different options.

If you find an employer willing to do the work, you can get a work permit anywhere.

If you're 31 the casual working holiday visas/authorisations for Australia and New Zeland don't apply. The Canada one is 35, all info is there http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/index.asp

For more info on moving and working full time;
Canada; http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
New Zealand; http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/

Endabob has given the aussie address.

US is harder and the green card lottery is probably the best bet.

Strangely despite the great climate and general tickey-boo lifestyle I enjoy, and the state of Ireland at the moment, I am semi-considering returning home for the first time in 15 years..... Will be home for a couple of weeks this month and give it a bit more consideration but from looking on job web-site there's not a whole lot on offer, especially outside the pale. Friends and family are the primary reason for wanting to return but even their views are mixed, either that or they just don't like me!

got a phonecall last week asking if i was interested in a position in Switzerland. Around the Geneva area and the job is just english language specific.
Have to resit one more accounting exam though it is not until April '11 so a complete emigration is out of the question at the minute.
Prior to my results I did enquire with recruitment specialists in the US and CAN but they advised to get the qualification here first and then apply. I would have a better chance.

Other than this my preference would be canada for some reason. I hope this works out because I've developed a gra for learning languages and I wouldn't be that far away from everyone and Oriel

Jinxy, I'm not sure what Accountancy body/exams your doing but the best thing I ever did was complete my CIMA exams. The difference that has made is night & day, basically I have been able to find work where ever I've been. I was able to get in to Oz because of it, I got a job in Cape Town before moving here because of it.
I 100% recommend getting qualified before you make the leap

Most countries have an FAQ about this on its local embassy's website:
US
Canada
Australia
I don't see an embassy site for New Zealand, but contact this guy and he'll sort you out:
http://static.tvfanatic.com/images/g...ew-zealand.jpg
More seriously, contact details including a phone number here:
http://new-zealand.visahq.com/embassy/Ireland/

My mate applied for this other VISa thing for the states, it used to close in october of every year, i cant remember what it was called, but its definitely worth a look as they take a certain amount every year and only those from certain countries can apply. Its not the green card lottery, it was specific to some areas of work(and gave you a h2 i think), Ill see if i can find it.

Going to be talking to a recent emigrant to London on phantom in a few minutes, listen live on www.phantom.ie