Canada and Portugal Youth Mobility Arrangement Officially Launched
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Introduction to the New Agreement
Ottawa, ON – A significant development has occurred with Portugal becoming the latest participant in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This marks a milestone, offering Portuguese youth the chance to work and explore Canada, while Canadian youth can enjoy similar opportunities in Portugal.
Earlier in the year, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside José Luís Carneiro, Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities Abroad, finalized the bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement. This agreement is now active, opening doors for youth exchanges between the two nations.
Details of the Youth Mobility Arrangement
Participation Opportunities
Under this new agreement, Portuguese citizens can engage with all three IEC programs: working holiday, international co-op, and young professionals, beginning with the 2019 season.
The IEC Program is designed to offer young people invaluable international work experience and the chance to travel abroad. With Portugal’s inclusion, Canada now boasts Youth Mobility Arrangements with 34 countries, enabling Canadian youth to work while traveling, and vice versa.
Benefits of the Program
The International Experience Canada initiative allows young Canadians to broaden their global perspective through travel and work experiences. This arrangement with Portugal enhances cultural exchange, offering a deeper understanding of each other’s languages, cultures, and societies.
“International Experience Canada gives young Canadian citizens the opportunity to broaden their perspective of the world and Canada’s place in it through international travel and work experience. This new arrangement will give Canadian and Portuguese youth the opportunity to broaden their perspective of the world and gain a better understanding of each other’s cultures, languages and societies while working and traveling abroad.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts about the Canada-Portugal Relationship
- Canada and Portugal share a robust relationship built on shared values, vibrant communities, and strong commercial links. Over 480,000 Canadians are of Portuguese descent.
- Around 20,000 Canadians annually benefit from the IEC program, returning with life-altering experiences that enrich their personal and professional lives.
- Work permits under the IEC program vary, with open permits allowing work for any employer, and employer-specific permits limiting work to one employer.
- Foreign youth can participate in three IEC categories:
- Working Holiday: Open work permits allow work anywhere in the host country, aiding travel.
- International Co-op: Employer-specific permits help students gain experience in their study field.
- Young Professionals: Employer-specific permits offer professional experience in one’s career path.
Contact Information
Contacts for media only
Mathieu Genest
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
Explore More
Search related topics:
