Welcome to the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundations (ICLF) Emigrant Support Program

The Beginning

On February 20th 2020 the LA Consul General joined us to launch this initiative. Maricopa County, has seen a dramatic increase in Irish immigrants in the last 15 years because of the attraction of the financial and technology industries in the area. With the increase of immigrants, the Irish Government, with the help of the ICLF, saw the need to provide the region with a support group and network system.

Examples of future program offerings will include opt-in registration to an “Irish in AZ” database for community networking and business connections, a Welcome to AZ guide, Bereavement Support, help to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and getting your Irish passport online through San Francisco CG site.

ICLF Summer Youth Program

The Irish Cultural and Learning Foundations Summer Youth Program is an annual initiative that is supported in large by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs through grants and support. The program is in its third year running as a comprehensive multi week experience including activities such as theatre, Irish sport, music and STEAM. The camp is open to children aged 6-12 and you do not have to be Irish to participate. It is a great way for your children to get a chance to learn about a new culture that is widespread in the Valley. 
If you have any questions please email summercamp@azirish.org

Bereavement Support

We know how difficult it can be when you get the call that someone has passed away in Ireland or here in Arizona. The ICLF ESP committee has gift-cards available that can be used to off-set costs. If you, or another member of the Irish community has experienced the death of an immediate family member and could use financial assistance please submit your request here IRLtoAZ@azirish.org

If you are in need of pastoral support please email us at IRLtoAZ@azirish.org and we will connect you with Fr. K. McCaffrey and/or Mount Claret Retreat Center.

“Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis”

Are you new to Arizona? Check out a few helpful resources we offer below.

Relocity (relocation advisors)

Mission – “Relocity maximizes talent well-being by connecting people to new communities through personalized experiences driven by intuitive mobile technology, local experts, and flexible service offerings.”

If you are new to the Phoenix are you may want to consider using Relocity for all you relocation needs. To the left of the screen you will see their one page flyer.

The recommend a minimum of 5 hours for a single person and 8 for a family with kids (domestic), if international, the recommended is 8 hours for a single and 12 for families with kids when setting up times.

When speaking to your representative for the first time be sure to mention you heard about Relocity though the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation.
Val Allemand is our contact and you may email her at val@relocity.com and expect a response back in 24 hours if during the business week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Click HERE for a document of helpful links to webpages including the Passport Office in San Francisco, the Department of Foreign Affairs and more.

Updates/News

12/2/2022 – “Moving to Ireland: How this family’s dream of becoming Irish residents came true” – Irish Central article

7/6/2022 – Passport expirations;
The Irish Immigration Pastoral Center are urging all passport holders to check their passport expiration date TODAY.
Approximately 45% of Irish adult renewal applications are processed within one to two days, while first-time applications and child applications are currently taking approximately 30 working days for processing. Additional time for mailing of issued passports to the US is required.
Routine US passport renewals and first-time applications are currently taking 8 to 11 weeks with expedited renewals (costs an extra $60), taking 5 to 7 weeks. Urgent travel appointments are currently extremely limited. Please pay particular attention to children’s passports as they are only issued for 3 or 5 years, depending on the age of the child.

3/7/2022 – Ireland Travel update;
All COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed for travel to Ireland. Visitors no longer need to complete and/or provide the following –
A completed passenger locator form
Evidence of having been fully vaccinated
Evidence of recovery from COVID-19
Evidence of a negative/not-detected result from a RT-PCR/Antigen test on arrival

1/4/2022 – ESP News;
The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D., launched the ‘Back for Business’ program along with a call for applicants for this free initiative to help returned emigrants start and develop businesses in #Ireland. In its 5th year, the Back for Business developmental program is funded from the Government’s Emigrant Support Program, and was established to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among emigrants returning to live in Ireland. The call is open for applications and will run from the end of February to June 2022. Up to 50 people will be offered places with no charge for those selected to participate and the closing date for applications is Tuesday, February 15th, 2022.
For more information please click HERE

10/19/2021 – TRAVEL UPDATE; Starting Nov. 8, the United States will admit fully vaccinated foreign air travelers from the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland Greece, Britain, Ireland as well as China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.  Learn More.