In a statement made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of IRCC, Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament for Willowdale, announced on May 23rd, 2023, that a new Youth Mobility Agreement had been signed.
When young people from both nations apply for international jobs and travel opportunities in each other’s countries through International Experience Canada (IEC). As well as its South Korean equivalent, they will have more possibilities.
In addition to the changes from the 1995 agreement, the revised document consists of:
- A new eligibility age of 18-35 will replace the current 18-30 age range.
- In addition to the existing category of Working Holidays, two new streams will be added: International Co-op (Internships) and Young Professionals.
- In addition, most youth will have the option to participate twice – once for a period of 12 months and again for a period of 24 months each time.
The Canadian government is expecting the new agreement to come into effect in 2024. Canada and South Korea will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. And I am thrilled that the two nations have inked a new youth mobility agreement. Having international experience and viewpoints is particularly important in today’s global economy. To encourage Canadian and foreign youth to work and travel in each other’s countries. The Canadian government continues to support and develop reciprocal agreements. According to Sean Fraser.
International Experience Canada – What is it?
Getting to live and travel in another country is possible with the IEC. It is a reciprocal program between Canada and other countries. A youth mobility agreement has been signed between Canada and 36 nations and territories.
Under the IEC, there is no requirement to conduct a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
A total of three categories are included in the program:
- The Working Holiday program provides participants with an unrestricted work visa that allows them to work almost anywhere in the host country to support their travel expenses.
- International Co-op (Internship) participants acquire a work visa that is specific to their company. It enables them to gain specialized experience related to their subject of study.
- Young Professionals program participants receive a work permit that is customized for their workplace so they can gain professional experience that is pertinent to their academic pursuits or career objectives.
To qualify for the IEC, the following conditions must be satisfied:
- Residency and citizenship in a country that has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada or a territory that has one.
- Work permits will not extend beyond the validity of a passport during their stay in Canada.
- A citizen of any country with an upper age limit (depending on their citizenship country) should be between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five when they apply.
- Maintain at least $2,500 CAN upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
- Obtain health insurance for the entire stay and provide proof at the Canadian entry point.
- Meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada.
- The ability to leave Canada at the end of the pre-approved stay by having a return ticket in your possession or the money to buy one.
- Travel alone without dependents.
- Fulfill the required fee payments.
ITAs are used to communicate with the IEC in terms of Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply (EI/ITA). Qualifications for the IEC are outlined in the profile, but applicants cannot apply until they have an ITA.
