Canada and Finland Ease Youth Mobility Agreement
Canada and Finland have signed a new Youth Mobility Agreement, meaning Finnish and Canadian youth aged 18 to 35 will be able to work and travel in each other's countries.
The agreement came into effect on March 1, 2024. Finnish youth can work and travel in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. The agreement is reciprocal, so Canadian youth will also be able to work and travel in Finland under the IEC.
Agreement Details
- They can enrol in the programme through either the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative or its counterpart in Finland.
- The IEC offers 3 categories: Working Holiday, International Co-op (internship), and Young Professionals, with participants allowed to partake for up to 12 months per category.
Requirements Under The IEC Program
- Hold a valid Finnish passport for the entire duration of stay
- Show proof of at least CAN$2,500 in available funds
- Maintain valid health insurance for the full period in Canada
- Possess a round-trip ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
- Travel without dependants
Bilateral Relations
Canada and Finland have a strong bilateral relationship, rooted in close connections and shared values. In 2022, both nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of their formal diplomatic ties. Now, as they mark 77 years of diplomatic relations, this recent agreement will further enhance their bilateral ties, fostering deeper connections between the 2 countries.
Benefits Of The Agreement For The Youths
- Cultural Exploration: Finnish and Canadian youth can immerse themselves in the other country's culture, language, and society on a reciprocal basis.
- Extended Stay and Work Opportunities: Participants may stay and work in the host country for up to one year, engaging in employment, internships, or holiday experiences while gaining valuable international work exposure.
- Expanded Opportunities: The agreement provides broader opportunities than Finland's existing working holiday agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
- Flexible Residence Permit: You can get a residence permit for up to one year. You may apply multiple times for different reasons, such as a working holiday, a job, or an internship.
- Simple Application Process: Finland’s Immigration Service handles residence permits for Finland. Canadian authorities manage residence permits for Canada. This makes the process clear and organised.
- Career Enhancement: The program provides opportunities to gain professional work experience, which can benefit participants' careers.
Quotes from the officials
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“This is an exciting day for young people in Canada and Finland. The signing of this youth mobility agreement means that it will be easier for Canadian youth to travel and work in Finland. For Finnish youth, this agreement will improve their access to jobs in Canada and provide them with opportunities to experience what our great country has to offer. At the same time, Canadian employers will have a bigger talent pool to find the workers they need”. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu) |
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“The Canada-Finland Youth Mobility Agreement will give youth of every background all across Canada an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthening ties between our two countries. International Experience Canada opens doors for young people to explore, learn, grow, and connect with people from other nations. We are excited to add Finland to the list of countries under the International Experience Canada agreements.”
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