Canada Lists 36 Countries Eligible for Youth Work Permits

The Government of Canada has published a list of 36 countries whose citizens can apply for youth work permits through the International Experience Canada (IEC) programme. This programme allows young individuals from eligible countries to live and work in Canada temporarily.

To qualify, a country must have a youth mobility agreement (YMA) with Canada. The list notably excludes any African nations, meaning citizens from countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa cannot participate.

The Canadian government has clarified that the number of times a person can apply for the IEC programme varies by country; some allow only one application, while others permit two applications in different categories. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the specific eligibility conditions for their respective countries before applying.

The announcement has garnered attention from young people globally, particularly those from excluded nations, who are seeking opportunities to work in Canada.