CANADA-UNITED KINGDOM YOUTH MOBILITY ARRANGEMENT

On July 14, 2023, the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom signed a new Canada-United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement. The arrangement was signed by the Honourable Sean Fraser and her Excellency Susannah Goshko, British High Commissioner to Canada.

Under this arrangement, more Canadian and British youth will benefit from reciprocal work opportunities in each other’s country for a longer period through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme.

This arrangement builds on the existing youth mobility partnerships that began in 2008 and includes several improvements.

• The eligibility age will expand from 18 to 30 to 18 to 35.
• Two new streams—International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals will be added to complement the existing Working Holiday category for UK nationals visiting Canada.
• The total period participants will be able to stay will increase from 2 to 3 years. 

International youth mobility helps young people explore new cultures, languages, and societies, all while developing life skills and improving their job prospects for the future.

Canada and the UK anticipate implementing the new arrangement in 2024.