Canada and UK Sign Youth Mobility Arrangement to Boost Work Opportunities for Young People

Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration in Canada, and Robert Jenrick, the Minister responsible for UK Immigration, signed an exciting new agreement called the Youth Mobility Arrangement. This agreement is all about giving more opportunities to young people from Canada and the UK.

With the help of programs like International Experience Canada (IEC) and the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK, young Canadians and young British people will now be able to work in each other’s countries for longer periods. This means they can gain valuable work experience and learn about different cultures while exploring new opportunities abroad. It’s a great way for young people to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

The implementation of this new agreement between Canada and the UK is scheduled for the upcoming 2024 season of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

Changes in Youth Mobility Agreement Between Canada and UK

The new agreement signifies a significant advancement in the youth movement partnership between Canada and the UK, which was initially forged in 2008. This latest development introduces notable improvements:

• The age limit will be broadened from 18 to 30 years to a more inclusive range of 18 to 35 years.
• The existing Working Holiday category, catering to UK citizens visiting Canada, will be expanded to incorporate two additional streams: International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals.
• British nationals will now have the opportunity to extend their stay from 2 years to an extended duration of 3 years, offering a longer-term experience and engagement in Canada.

The international youth movement presents a valuable opportunity for young individuals to explore unfamiliar countries, languages, and societies, all while enhancing their life skills and broadening their prospects for future employment.

Canada has established youth movement agreements with an impressive count of 37 countries and foreign territories. As part of its ambitious goals for the 2023 season, Canada aims to invite nearly 90,000 young individuals from its partner nations and regions.

As an encouraging sign of progress, a substantial number of 10,845 invitations have already been extended to British citizens, inviting them to apply for an open work permit under the Working Holiday category for the year 2023. This significant growth in international youth participation holds great potential in addressing labor shortages and reducing wage disparities across various regions in Canada. By providing Canadian businesses with a diverse pool of talented individuals, this initiative facilitates the acquisition of much-needed skills and fosters a more balanced labor market throughout the country.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers an incredible opportunity for young individuals from both Canada and other countries to travel and work in each other’s nations. The program splits into three major categories to accommodate various job experiences:

1. Working Holiday Visa: Participants in the Working Holiday category are granted an open work permit, which allows them to seek employment in various sectors and locations within the host country. This flexible work pass enables them to earn income to support their travel and living expenses during their stay.
2. International Co-op (Internship): Participants in the International Co-op category receive a work permit specifically tied to selected employers. This permit enables them to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field of study or area of interest through internships or cooperative work placements. It provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings and enhance professional skills.
3. Young Professionals: Participants in the Young Professionals category obtain an employer-specific work permit, allowing them to engage in professional work directly related to their field of study or career aspirations. This category is designed to provide young professionals with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their chosen field, contributing to their personal and career development.

These three categories of the IEC program cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of young individuals, offering them the chance to explore new countries, cultures, and work environments while enhancing their skills and broadening their career prospects.