New arrangement expands work opportunities for Canadian and British youth

The government has announced the signing of a new Canada-United Kingdom Youth Mobility Arrangement. The agreement was signed by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser and Her Excellency Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner to Canada.

Under this arrangement, more Canadian and UK youth will benefit from reciprocal work opportunities in each other’s countries for a longer period of time through International Experience Canada (IEC) and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme.

The new arrangement builds on an existing youth mobility partnership that began in 2008 and includes a number of improvements:

• The eligibility age will expand from 18–30 to 18–35.
• Two new streams—International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals—will be added to complement the existing Working Holiday category for UK nationals visiting Canada.
• The total duration that participants will be able to stay will increase from 2 to 3 years

International youth mobility helps young people explore new cultures, languages and societies, all while developing life skills and improving their job prospects for the future. Canada and the UK anticipate implementing the new arrangement in 2024.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said:

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 more Canadian and British youth to work and travel in each other’s country, while enjoying the many 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 Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, Minister of State for Immigration said:

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.