The government of Canada has launched the 2023 version of the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program to encourage young foreign nationals to move to Canada and help employers fill labor gaps, including in the tourism industry. Under the program, starting January 9, 2023, nationals from 36 eligible countries with youth mobility arrangements with Canada between the ages of 18 to 35 (depending on the country) will be able to apply to travel and work in Canada for an initial two years. Canada will accept up to 90,000 applications under the program, a 20% increase from past years. There will be three categories of participation under the program: Working Holiday participants will be able to receive an open work permit that will allow them to work anywhere in Canada to support their travel and stay; International Co-op (internship) participants will be able to receive an employer-specific work permit that will allow students to gain experience in their field of study; and Young Professional participants will be able to receive an employer-specific work permit to gain professional work experience within their field of study or career path. The initiative follows the recent implementation of the Canada/Italy bilateral youth mobility program with the same aim.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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