Canada signs new youth mobility agreement with UK
Last updated on July 14, 2023, 4:59 PM EDT (Toronto time)
Today Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick signed a new youth mobility agreement between Canada and the UK.
Through International Experience Canada (IEC) and the UK Mobility scheme for young peoplemore Canadian and British young people will be able to work in each other’s country for a longer period of time.
Canada and the UK plan to have the new deal go into effect in the 2024 IEC season.
The new agreement builds on an existing youth movement partnership that started in 2008 with improvements:
- The age range for those who can increase from 18 to 30 to 18 to 35.
- The current Working Holiday category for UK citizens visiting Canada will be expanded to two new streams: International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals.
- The total length of residence of British nationals will be increased from 2 to 3 years.
International youth movements give young people the opportunity to get to know new countries, languages and societies while improving their life skills and future jobs.
Canada has signed youth movement agreements with 37 countries and foreign territories.
Canada aims to invite nearly 90,000 young people from partner countries and regions for the 2023 season.
So far, 10,845 UK citizens have received an invitation to apply for an open work permit in the Working Holiday category in 2023.
This growth will help Canadian companies find the people they need and reduce the wage gap across the country.
What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?
International Experience Canada (IEC) is a program that allows young people from both Canada and other countries to visit and work in each other’s countries.
There are three categories under IEC:
1. Working Holiday Visa: Working Holiday participants are given an open work pass that allows them to work anywhere in the host country to pay for their travel.
2. International cooperation (internship): Participants in an International Co-op (internship) receive a work permit for specific employers that allows them to gain experience in their field.
3. Young Professionals: Participants in Young Professionals receive an employer-specific work permit that allows them to do professional work in their field of study or career plan.
The post Canada Signs New Youth Mobility Agreement with UK appeared first on Immigration News Canada.
