NPZ Immigration Law Blog

December 11, 2020, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, signed a new bilateral youth mobility agreement between Canada and Italy.

This new agreement will improve labour market access for Canadian and Italian youth between 18 and 35 years old by allowing them to work and travel for 12 months; candidates can participate twice for a total of 24 months. Youth will also be able to gain professional work experience with the addition of 2 streams: International Co-op and Young Professionals.

Canada and Italy are longstanding youth mobility partners, having first signed a youth mobility arrangement in 2006. The new agreement will be implemented following ratification in Canada and in Italy.

The International Experience Canada (IEC) Program facilitates the process for young people to gain valuable international work experience and travel abroad. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, this agreement with Italy will open up new opportunities for future work and travel once conditions permit. At this time, only youth with current and valid job offers can travel to Canada under the IEC Program.

At NPZ, our U.S. and Canadian lawyers seek to assist clients with regard to employment and family immigration issues. If you or your friends or family should have any questions about any aspect of the Canadian Immigration Law, please feel free to contact us at info@visaserve.com or you can call our offices at 201-670-0006 (ext. 104). We look forward to being able to assist you.