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CANADA – Updates to Youth Mobility, Ukrainian Refugees
July 24, 2023
Recently, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Right Honourable Robert Jenrick, UK Minister of State for Immigration, announced the signing of a new Canada–United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement. The arrangement was signed by Minister 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 of time through International Experience Canada (IEC) and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme.
The new arrangement builds on an existing youth mobility partnership that began in 2008 and includes a number of 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 that participants will be able to stay will increase from two to three years.
“The UK is one of the most popular countries for Canadian youth working and travelling abroad. Canada is equally a top destination for UK youth participating in IEC. This new arrangement makes it more accessible for Canadian and British youth to work and travel in each other’s country, while enjoying the benefits of international youth mobility. I encourage youth from both countries to embrace the opportunities this program offers and explore new cultures, learn new skills and gain international experience and perspectives.”
Canada launches pathway to reunite families and support Ukrainians
Canada’s additional support for Ukraine was confirmed at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, as the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new pathway for Ukrainians to help keep families together.
Beginning on 23 October, 2023, this new pathway will provide permanent residence to those who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion and want to stay in Canada. To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be in Canada with temporary resident status and have one or more family members in Canada. Those who are eligible include Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings and children or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. More detailed information will be made available closer to the launch of the program in October.
Ukrainians holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the temporary special measures. Following the end of overseas applications under CUAET on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada, under pre-existing immigration measures.
Once in Canada, temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, all of which will be prioritized. They will also have access to settlement services, such as language training and employment services. These measures will help them thrive in communities across the country.
The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, as well as settlement service providers and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians.
Newland Chase Insights
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
