The governments of Canada and the United Kingdom are committed to providing Canadian and British youth with work opportunities that will empower them to achieve their full potential.

“The UK is one of the most popular countries for Canadian youth working and travelling abroad. Canada is equally a top destination for UK youth participating in IEC. This new arrangement makes it more accessible for Canadian and British youth to work and travel in each other’s country, while enjoying the benefits of international youth mobility. I encourage youth from both countries to embrace the opportunities this program offers and explore new cultures, learn new skills and gain international experience and perspectives.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“As close Commonwealth partners, the ties between the UK and Canada are historic and deep. We are proud to welcome so many Canadians to the UK under the Youth Mobility scheme, while thousands of Brits have similarly benefited from the opportunity overseas.

“The expansion opens up opportunities for even more young people to make lasting connections, build their skills and use the experience to contribute both to their host country and once they return home.”

– The Right Honourable Robert Jenrick, Minister of State for Immigration

• International Experience Canada (IEC) is a reciprocal program that allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s country. The program has three categories:

  • Working Holiday participants receive an open work permit that allows them to work anywhere in the host country to support their travels.
  • International Co-op (internship) participants receive an employer-specific work permit that allows students to gain targeted experience in their field of study.
  • Young Professional participants receive an employer-specific work permit to gain targeted, professional work experience that is within their field of study or career path.

• Canada has signed youth mobility agreements or arrangements with 37 countries and foreign territories.

• For the 2023 season, Canada is extending this opportunity to nearly 90,000 international youth from partner countries and territories. This expansion will help Canadian employers find the workers they need to ease labour shortages across the country.

• More than 240,000 Canadians have participated in IEC since 2008, and many have returned to Canada with life-changing experiences valuable to both their personal and professional lives.

• Youth who need help planning their IEC experience may consider using a recognized organization, which are typically youth service organizations that offer work and travel support. They can be non-profit, for profit or educational, and may charge fees for their services.

• There were 8.5 million people between the ages of 18 and 35 in Canada in 2021, accounting for nearly one in four Canadians.

Associated links

• International Experience Canada
• International Experience Canada program is now open to welcome international youth to Canada
• Government of Canada allowing more international youth to work and travel in Canada
• Work and travel abroad using a recognized organization

Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca