Since November 14, 2022, a new Canada-Italy youth mobility agreement has entered into force. The announcement was made in a news release from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The agreement, which thus enters its implementation phase, had been signed since December 11, 2020.

Both sides were only waiting for its ratification by their respective parliaments for its effective implementation.  The agreement is intended to further facilitate the movement of young labour between these two countries. According to the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, this agreement will provide young Canadians and Italians with even more opportunities to work abroad.

Young Canadians and Italians between the ages of 18 and 35 will be able to profit from new benefits when they apply for a work permit through the International Experience Canada Program.

They will be able to work abroad for a period of 12 months, renewable once. They will now also be able to apply in all categories of this program. It should be noted that the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program is a youth mobility agreement that Canada has signed with several countries. IEC has three main components:

• Working Holiday Stream: During his stay, the young person has the opportunity to work for any employer through his open work permit;

• International CO-OP Internship: This is primarily open to students to allow them to gain work experience related to the field of study. The work permit is closed and only allows the young person to work for one employer;

• Young professionals: For example, the Young professional stream requires young Italians to have a job offer in Canada before submitting their application for work experience related to their field of study or the profession they already practice. The work permit is also closed and allows working for only one employer during the stay. This stream is particularly interesting for employers who can take advantage of new openings to look for skilled, young and available labour from Italy.

We emphasize once again, our firm specializes in both internal and international recruitment. Entrust us with your recruitment projects, we will come back to you with employees who perfectly meet your needs and requirements.