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Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Agreement with Iceland

youth mobility agreement

On August 4, 2023, the Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Agreement with Iceland, allowing Canadian and Icelandic youth aged 18 to 30 to work and travel in each other’s country for up to 12 months. 

The governments of Canada and Iceland will implement the new arrangement in 2024 after meeting all requirements. The new arrangement strengthens the ties between the two countries while providing Canadian youth with more international travel and work options. 

It also helps develop life skills, improves future job prospects, and invests in the potential of their youth, leading to a stronger, more interconnected global community.

A large number of Icelandic immigrants and their descendants outside of Iceland reside in Canada. 101,990 people with Icelandic ancestry live in Canada, according to the 2021 Census. 

Up to 120 youths per year from Canada and Iceland will be able to work and visit each other’s countries according to the agreement between the two nations.  

Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated:

“Youth mobility arrangements are all about assisting our youth—their goals, interests, and potential to impact the globe.” With this wonderful arrangement in place, we are opening the way for them to connect, develop, and grow alongside one another, forming friendships and creating lifelong memories. In addition to providing Canadian employers with a larger and more diversified talent pool, together we are creating a world where our youth can get essential life skills and experiences.”

The Honourable Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Iceland stated:

“We are signing a youth mobility agreement with Canada here in Manitoba, and Iceland is extremely happy to do so. Youth from Iceland and Canada will have the chance to work and travel in each other’s countries due to this arrangement, discovering different cultures while also advancing their life skills and professional chances.”

 

What is the youth mobility agreement?

More than 38 countries and territories have bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada. Foreign youth between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for a temporary work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which enables them to travel and work in Canada.

IEC can support you in achieving your goals, whether you wish to take a gap year before beginning postsecondary education, complete a co-op or internship abroad, or get international job experience after graduation.

Since 2008, almost 240,000 Canadians have taken part in the IEC Program, and many of them have returned to their home country with life-changing experiences that have enriched both their personal and professional lives.

A recognized organization (RO) is an option for young people who require assistance in arranging their IEC experience. Typically, ROs are youth service groups that provide funding for employment and travel. They may be educational, for-profit, or non-profit. 

 

What is International Experience Canada (IEC)?

A program called International Experience Canada (IEC) enables young people to work and travel for up to two years in Canada due to reciprocal agreements with other countries. Benefits include:

  • You can work for any Canadian employer with an open work permit.
  • There is no need for an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
  • a random draw system for the approval of IEC work permits.

For IEC Draws in 2023: Click here!

International Experience Canada (IEC) offers these three categories;

Working Holiday: This program, which enables people to work for any employer in Canada, is a great option for those who want to make money while traveling the country.

Young professionals: This program is intended for those who want to advance their professional development. It provides the chance to obtain priceless experience working abroad in your profession or area of study.

International Co-op (Internship): This program, which is specifically intended for students, enables applicants to get useful experience working abroad in an area that is connected to their field of study.

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Want to know more details about the Canadian Government announced a new Youth Mobility Arrangement with Iceland you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.

 

Tel: (416) 604-2669 

Email: info@immigrationmatters.info

 

Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to best serve your needs.

 

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