Canada/Iceland: Bilateral Youth Arrangement Signed

Under a new Canada-Iceland Youth Mobility Arrangement that will come into effect in 2024, Canadian and Icelandic nationals aged 18 to 30 will be able to travel and work for up to 12 months initially in each other’s countries, with the option to participate in the program a second time for an additional 12 months. The arrangement will be available to up to 120 applicants from each country annually. Eligible individuals will be able to apply in Canada through the International Experience Canada Program, and in Iceland through the equivalent (for which the government has not published related details). There will be three categories of participation under the program: Working Holiday participants will receive a permit of stay that allows working activities; International Co-op (internship) participants will receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain experience in their field of study; and Young Professional participants will receive an employer-specific work permit to gain professional work experience within their field of study or career path. With this latest agreement with Iceland, Canada now has youth mobility agreements with 38 countries and territories.