Canada and Mexico discussing plans for youth work visa program
Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has been on an official visit to Canada this week, discussing various ways to improve and promote cooperation between the two countries with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Among the items discussed is a plan for a youth work exchange program that will likely be similar to Youth Mobility Agreements that Canada already has in place with 19 countries.
The Youth Mobility Agreements, which Canada has signed with countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and France, are mutual agreements that encourage young adults to broaden their international experiences. They enable international participants to easily obtain temporary work permits and gain professional and cultural experience in Canada, and for Canadian participants to do the same in other countries.
Candidates must generally be between the ages of 18 and 35, but agreements with some countries are for applicants between the ages of 18 and 30.
Mexico and Canada are still in the planning stages of such an agreement. However, given that Canada and Mexico mutually benefit from large amounts of tourists and businesspeople travelling between the two countries, it is likely to be a popular option for youth from both countries.
