Canada/Italy: Bilateral Youth Mobility Program Implemented

Under a new Canada-Italy Youth Mobility Agreement, Canadian and Italian nationals aged 18 to 35 can now travel and work for up to 12 months in each other’s country (and participate twice in the program, for a total of 24 months). The new agreement aims to promote a more comprehensive knowledge of culture, society, and languages through travel experiences, work, and life in the other country for young Italians and Canadians. There are three categories of participation under the program: Working Holiday participants receive a permit of stay that allows working activities; International Co-op (internship) participants can receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain experience in their field of study; and Young Professional participants can receive an employer-specific work permit to gain professional work experience within their field of study or career path. Eligible individuals may apply in Canada through the International Experience Canada Program, and in Italy through the Visa for Italy website and then go through the consular process.