Canada and Italy’s New Youth Mobility Agreement
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Announcement of the Agreement
Canada and Italy have recently signed a new bilateral youth mobility agreement. The agreement was formalized by Marco E. L. Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Luigi Di Maio, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Enhanced Opportunities for Youth
December 11, 2020—Ottawa—This agreement aims to enhance job market access for Canadian and Italian youth aged 18 to 35. They will be able to work and travel for up to 12 months, with the possibility to participate twice for a total of 24 months. The new streams, International Co-op and Young Professionals, will provide valuable professional work experience.
Canada and Italy have a strong history of youth mobility collaboration, with their first agreement signed in 2006. The latest agreement will be enacted after ratification in both countries.
The International Experience Canada (IEC) Program plays a vital role in offering young people the chance to gain international work experience and travel. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as travel restrictions, this agreement with Italy will pave the way for future opportunities as circumstances improve. Currently, only youth with valid job offers can enter Canada through the IEC Program.
Voices from the Leaders
“I’m very pleased that we were able to reach this agreement with Italy, which will provide both Canadian and Italian youth with even more opportunities to live, travel and work abroad once it is safe to do so. We live in an increasingly interconnected world where innovation often comes from those who have travelled widely, who have an appreciation for other cultures, and whose eyes have been opened to new ideas, insights and ways of doing things. This contributes to strengthening ties between Canada and Italy, and the diversity and economic strength of our 2 countries.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“This Agreement, aimed at strengthening the exchange of experience and knowledge between Italian and Canadian citizens and at creating new opportunities for vocational training responds to a deeply felt need by today’s youth. I am certain that it will help further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations between Italy and Canada.”
– His Excellency Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic
“Canada and Italy have long enjoyed deep cultural ties. The International Experience Canada Youth Mobility Agreement will allow the next generation of Canadians and Italians alike to gain a better understanding of our cultures, languages and history. This agreement symbolizes yet another linkage between our 2 countries.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Essential Information
- Over 1.5 million Canadians are of Italian descent, constituting one of the largest Italian communities outside Italy.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) supports youth mobility through reciprocal bilateral arrangements, promoting travel and work opportunities between Canada and partner countries.
- Canada maintains youth mobility agreements with 36 countries and territories.
- Since 2008, more than 200,000 Canadians have participated in the IEC Program, gaining transformative experiences abroad.
- The IEC Program features three participation categories:
- Working Holiday: Open work permits for travel support.
- International Co-op: Employer-specific permits for students to gain field-specific experience.
- Young Professionals: Employer-specific permits for professional work experience in one’s field of study or career path.
- Note: Media can access photos from the signing ceremony here.
Associated Links
Contact Information
Follow IEC:
Alexander Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
