On May 23rd, 2023, Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament for Willowdale, announced a significant development on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. A fresh Canada-South Korea Youth Mobility Arrangement has been inked, paving the way for enriched international work and travel possibilities for youth from both nations through the International Experience Canada (IEC) or its South Korean counterpart.
Advancements in the New Arrangement:
- Age eligibility extended from 18-30 to 18-35.
- Inclusion of two new streams: International Co-op (Internship) and Young Professionals.
- Most participants can engage twice, each time for up to 24 months.
Expected to be operational in 2024, this initiative is particularly relevant as Canada and South Korea commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Sean Fraser emphasized the importance of international experience in today’s global economy and the Canadian government’s commitment to fostering reciprocal opportunities for youth.
Understanding the International Experience Canada (IEC):
The IEC fosters bilateral work and travel opportunities for Canadian and international youth. This program has yielded 36 agreements with various countries and territories.
Key Program Categories:
Working Holiday: Provides an open work permit for employment across the host nation.
International Co-op (Internship): Offers an employer-specific work permit to acquire targeted experience in the participant’s field of study.
Young Professionals: Grants an employer-specific work permit for focused professional experience aligned with their career path.
Eligibility Criteria:
Citizenship or residency in countries with bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangements.
- Valid passport for the stay’s duration.
- Age between 18 and 30 or 35, dependent on citizenship.
- Adequate funds ($2,500 CAN) upon arrival.
- Mandatory health insurance during the stay.
- Admissibility to Canada.
- Proof of return travel or resources to procure a departure ticket.
- Independent travel, no dependents.
- Payment of required fees.
The IEC functions on an Expression of Interest/Invitation to Apply model, necessitating an ITA before application submission.
