Philip is a member of the ‘Irish Invasion’ the hostel is experiencing with more than 50 citizens of Ireland currently in residence. He is here on a working/holiday visa – almost.
Almost? Well, yes actually.
You see, he’s been here a month but not working as of yet because Canadian Immigration would not stamp his visa into his Irish Passport.
Why not, you ask?
Because Philip doesn’t have an address or even any close relatives in Ireland.
He’s from west Belfast, which is a part of the six counties of Ulster that comprise NORTHERN IRELAND. Which is still a part of the United Kingdom.
But Eire or Ireland (a.k.a. “the Free State”) the sovereign portion of the Emerald Isles, claims domain over Ulster. It’s residents are therefore entitiled to Irish Citizenship.
Philip arrived with his Irish Passport and was told he needed a “permanent” address to have a working visa.
So Philip got his British Passport and now must “leave” Canada to get his working/visa stamped on re-entry.
He just left for Niagara Falls, a mere 80 miles down the road, to walk across the bridge to the U.S.A. then walk back to Canada to get his working/holiday visa stamp!
Enjoy the Falls Phil!