Today, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, along with UK Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick, announced the signing of a new agreement called the Canada–United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement. Canada and the UK have come together, opening doors for youth to gain international work experience.
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More Opportunities for Youth
Building on a partnership that began in 2008, Canada and the UK have decided to take things to the next level. The new agreement aims to:
- Provide more work opportunities to young people aged 18-35, up from the previous age limit of 18-30.
- Introduce two new streams, International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals, in addition to the existing Working Holiday category.
- Extend the maximum duration for a stay from 2 to 3 years.
Benefits for Young Individuals
This opportunity allows young people to immerse themselves in a new culture, enhance their language skills, and gain valuable life skills. Additionally, it can significantly improve job prospects for the future. In 2023, nearly 90,000 young people from partner countries and regions will be invited to participate.
What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?
International Experience Canada (IEC) is an initiative that facilitates youth to work and travel in Canada for up to two years under reciprocal agreements with other countries. The perks include:
- An open work permit allows you to work for any Canadian employer.
- No requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- A randomized draw system for the approval of IEC work permits.
Discover the IEC Programs
IEC comprises three programs, each tailored to cater to the unique needs of potential applicants:
- Working Holiday Visa: Perfect for those wanting to earn while exploring Canada, it allows individuals to work for any Canadian employer.
- Young Professionals: Ideal for career growth, it offers international work experience in your profession or field of study.
- International Co-op (Internship): Exclusively designed for students, it enables candidates to gain international work experience related to their academic field.
International Experience Canada | IEC Program
Impact on the Economy
The arrangement not only benefits the youth but also addresses labor shortages in Canada. In fact, in 2023, 10,845 British citizens have already received invitations to apply for an open work permit under the Working Holiday category.
When Will This Take Effect?
The new agreement is expected to be implemented in 2024, promising a brighter future for Canadian and British youth and stronger ties between the two nations.
With this arrangement, Canada now has 38 similar agreements, reflecting its commitment to promote global relationships and providing its youth with life-changing opportunities.
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The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since 2008, more than 240,000 Canadians have participated in the IEC, and the number is growing. As of 2021, there were 8.5 million people aged 18-35 in Canada, making this agreement even more significant.
This new agreement between Canada and the UK is a monumental step towards empowering youth, filling labour gaps, and strengthening international relationships.
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