Canada and UK announce signing of a new Youth Mobility Agreement which will enter in force 2024. Signing of this agreement means that the governments of Canada and the UK are dedicated to giving young people in their countries the employment opportunities they need to realize their full potential. The agreement makes a number of enhancements to the two nations’ current youth mobility pact:
- an increase in the eligible age range to 18–35
- two new streams added for British people coming to Canada
- an extension of the visa’s validity to three years
The Canadian youth mobility pact, which was first introduced in 2008, intends to encourage reciprocal employment possibilities in each nation. Signed by Minister Fraser and Her Excellency Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner to Canada, the youth mobility pact will allow the young individuals who go abroad to learn about the different cultures, languages, and communities while also gaining life skills and enhancing their employment opportunities. With 37 nations, Canada has agreements governing youth movement. Canada will provide IEC to about 90,000 young people worldwide in 2023. IEC is one strategy the Canadian government is using to address the workforce shortages in the nation. Additionally, since 2008, more than 240,000 Canadians have engaged in IEC.
What is an IEC?
Youth can travel and work in Canada for up to two years through International Experience Canada (IEC). Three separate employment and travel opportunities are available:
- Working holiday – The type of Canadian work visa you receive for Working Holiday is an open work permit, which permits you to work in Canada for nearly any company (with few restrictions). For some positions, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before beginning employment.
- Young Professionals – You receive an employer-specific work permit if you fall under the Young Professionals category. Your Canadian employer is required to adhere to all labour regulations, including minimum wage standards, in the province or territory where you want to work.
- International Co-op (Internship) – You will receive an employer-specific work visa if you fall under the international co-op (internship) category. Your proposed internship in Canada must be closely related to your area of study.
Citizens or partner countries can apply for one of the mentioned categories, and for the rest of them which are not they can apply to IEC through a recognized organization.
What does Canada’s program for international mobility entail?
Employers may recruit temporary foreign workers under the Canadian government’s International Mobility Program without first requesting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Workers who enter Canada in accordance with trade agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) or the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) are eligible for the International Mobility Program (IMP).
