Im Irish, my wife is Canadian born and bred. We married in Limerick, Ireland 4 years ago and have 2 children.
We are making the big move and I have a few questions hopfully somebody can help me with:
Status of me & children
Status of my ability to work/health/dole/social security number/opening a bank account?
Can I just stroll through customs/immigration when I arrive?
thanks
Unfortunately, no, you are not going to be able to arrive at a Canadian port of entry and just "stroll through customs/immigration". In order for you to be able to live/work in Canada, and have healthcare and all other benefits, your wife needs to first apply to sponsor you for permanent residence. Once that's approved, you can come to Canada. Because she's a Canadian citizen, she can start the
application process from Ireland now. You'll need to get a medical examination done by a
Designated Medical Practitioner, and get criminal clearances from each country you've resided in for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age. You'll also need to provide proof of your legal marriage PLUS documentation demonstrating that yours is a "genuine relationship" (in other words, not one entered into just to facilitate your immigration to Canada) and your wife will have to include proof of her intention to re-settle in Canada.
Most of the info you need is included in the guides available at the application link - plus you can ask any questions here and someone will be able to help you. Your entire application will be sent first to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario where they assess your wife's eligibility to sponsor you. This takes about a month. Then the file will be transferred to the visa office in London where they assess your application and finalize the file. London is currently finalizing spousal applications in 2-8 months. When the application is approved, they will send for your passport and issue you a Confirmation of Permanent Residence that you bring to a Canadian port of entry to "land" as a permanent resident. At that point you're authorized to apply for a Social Insurance Number and apply for healthcare benefits. Up until that time you'll only be authorized to enter Canada as a visitor.
As far as the children: because of her citizenship, any children born to her outside of Canada are still Canadian citizens, but she will need to apply for their
citizenship certificates if she's not already done so.