New Opportunities for Canadian and British Youth Through Expanded Work Arrangement
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Empowering Youth Through International Work Experiences
The governments of Canada and the United Kingdom have taken a significant step to enhance work opportunities for their youth. This initiative aims to help young Canadians and Brits reach their full potential by working abroad.
On July 14, 2023, in Wallace, Nova Scotia, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside the Right Honourable Robert Jenrick, UK Minister of State for Immigration, announced a new Canada–United Kingdom Youth Mobility Arrangement. This agreement, signed with British High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Susannah Goshko, offers extended and improved work experiences.
Details of the New Youth Mobility Arrangement
Key Enhancements
Under this new arrangement, Canadian and British youth can enjoy extended work opportunities through International Experience Canada (IEC) and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme. The program builds on a partnership that began in 2008 and introduces several improvements:
- Eligibility age range expands from 18-30 to 18-35.
- New streams, including International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals, are added to the existing Working Holiday category for UK nationals visiting Canada.
- The maximum duration of stay increases from 2 to 3 years.
Youth mobility across borders allows young individuals to immerse themselves in new cultures, languages, and societies, developing essential life skills and enhancing their future job prospects. The new arrangement is expected to be implemented in 2024.
What Leaders Are Saying
“The UK is one of the most popular countries for Canadian youth working and travelling abroad. Canada is equally a top destination for UK youth participating in IEC. This new arrangement makes it more accessible for Canadian and British youth to work and travel in each other’s country, while enjoying the benefits of international youth mobility. I encourage youth from both countries to embrace the opportunities this program offers and explore new cultures, learn new skills and gain international experience and perspectives.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“As close Commonwealth partners, the ties between the UK and Canada are historic and deep. We are proud to welcome so many Canadians to the UK under the Youth Mobility scheme, while thousands of Brits have similarly benefited from the opportunity overseas.
“The expansion opens up opportunities for even more young people to make lasting connections, build their skills and use the experience to contribute both to their host country and once they return home.”
– The Right Honourable Robert Jenrick, Minister of State for Immigration
Quick Facts About Youth Mobility
- International Experience Canada (IEC) is a reciprocal program allowing youth to work and travel in each other’s countries. It encompasses three categories: Working Holiday, International Co-op (Internship), and Young Professionals.
- Canada has youth mobility agreements with 37 countries and territories.
- For the 2023 season, Canada is welcoming nearly 90,000 international youth, aiding Canadian employers in addressing labor shortages.
- Since 2008, over 240,000 Canadians have participated in IEC, bringing back invaluable experiences.
- Youth needing assistance in planning their IEC adventure can utilize services from a recognized organization.
- In 2021, Canada had 8.5 million individuals aged 18 to 35, representing nearly a quarter of the population.
Additional Resources
- International Experience Canada
- International Experience Canada program is now open
- Government of Canada allowing more international youth to work and travel
- Work and travel abroad using a recognized organization
Contact Information
Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age range for the new youth mobility arrangement?
The eligibility age has been expanded from 18-30 to 18-35.
What are the new streams introduced in the arrangement?
The new arrangement includes the International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals streams, alongside the existing Working Holiday category.
When will the new arrangement come into effect?
The new Canada–UK Youth Mobility Arrangement is expected to be implemented in 2024.
Explore these new opportunities and broaden your horizons today!
