New agreement signed between the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom expanding work opportunities for a longer period of time in each other’s countries.
Minister of immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Sean Fraser and UK Minister of State for immigration Robert Jenrick, declared the authorization of a Youth Mobility Agreement. The new agreement is to be implemented by both countries in 2024.
Under the agreement, The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme and International Experience Canada (IEC) will present more opportunities for British and Canadian youth from shared work opportunities, for an extended time period in each other’s countries.
The proposed agreement extends an existing mobility partnership that initiated in 2008 and comprises enhancements such as the age eligibility expansion from 18 – 30 to 18 – 35.
The addition of young professionals and International Co-op (internship), two new streams to compliment the present Work Holiday category for UK citizens arriving in Canada. The fresh arrangement, will extend the period that applicants will be able to stay from 2 to 3 years.
Sean Fraser commenting on the enhancement’s and encourage youth from both countries to make use of the opportunities presented under the program.
He informed Canada is one of the preferred destinations for youths in UK participating in IEC, equally UK is one of the top destinations for Canadian youth travelling and working abroad. The proposed agreement makes it more available for British and Canadian youth to travel and work in each other’s countries and enjoy the advantages of international youth mobility. Youth from both countries are encouraged to make use of the opportunities presented by the program and learn new skills, explore new cultures and gain perspective and international experience.
Robert Jenrick UK’s minister of state for immigration explains the agreement enhances the opportunities for individuals to make long – lasting influences, furthering their skills and using the knowledge to contribute to their host country and once they return home.
Canada has such an arrangement or agreement with 37 foreign territories and countries. Since 2008, an excess of 240,000 Canadians have joined in IEC, and many returning to Canada with valuable experience to their professional and personal lives.
