Maple News reports that Canada has introduced two new employer-specific work permit pathways under the International Experience Canada Young Professionals stream, expanding opportunities for youth from Portugal and Taiwan. The routes are designed to facilitate work placements with Canadian employers while participants gain international experience.
The two pathways are: Young Professionals TGPI Program for Taiwanese nationals (ages 18-30) with a 12-month work permit, and Young Professionals Inov Contacto for Portuguese nationals (ages 18-29) with a 24-month permit. Both are employer-specific and sit within the broader IEC Young Professionals framework, subject to the respective eligibility criteria.
Applicants from both countries can also pursue the standard IEC Young Professionals pathway or other IEC streams if they prefer, in addition to these new routes.
It’s important to note that Taiwanese and Portuguese nationals can participate in IEC only once, under their bilateral agreements with Canada.
Inov Contacto (for Portuguese youth) is a new pathway offering nine-month internships with Canadian host companies. The program coordinators select participating companies, with AICEP Portugal covering all internship costs, including return travel, insurance, and living expenses in Canada. AICEP has not publicly disclosed which Canadian companies are taking part.
Analysts say these pathways bolster Canada’s youth-mobility efforts and can help Canadian employers access international talent across Europe and Asia. Maple News will continue covering how these programs evolve and what they mean for young professionals and startups seeking international experience in Canada.