Canada has quietly expanded its youth mobility programs with two new work permit pathways aimed at young professionals from Taiwan and Portugal. These new options fall under the Young Professionals stream of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, but they operate through government-supported initiatives in each country. For young professionals looking to gain international experience, these pathways offer a structured route to work in Canada while building career-related skills.

The two new initiatives are:

• Taiwanese Global Pathfinder Initiative (TGPI)

• Inov Contacto for Portuguese nationals

Both programs provide employer-specific work permits and are designed to support professional development rather than short-term travel or casual employment.

A Different Approach to Youth Mobility

Most people are familiar with the Working Holiday visa, which allows young travelers to work anywhere in Canada. The Young Professionals stream works differently. It requires a job offer from a Canadian employer, and the position must relate to the applicant’s education or professional experience. The two new pathways follow this same principle but introduce additional support from organizations in Taiwan and Portugal.

Participants will still apply for Canadian work permits through IEC, but the internship placements and financial support are coordinated by institutions in their home country.

Opportunities for Portuguese Youth: Inov Contacto

The Inov Contacto pathway focuses on international internships for Portuguese youth aged 18 to 29. The internships typically last around nine (9) months and are arranged through the Portuguese government’s international business agency, AICEP Portugal.

AICEP selects participating companies and organizes the placements. For participants, the program removes many of the financial barriers that normally come with working abroad. The agency covers key expenses such as travel, insurance, and living costs during the internship. Although the Canadian employers participating in the program have not yet been publicly announced, the goal is to place young Portuguese professionals in companies where they can gain practical international experience.

To qualify for a work permit under this pathway, applicants must secure an internship offer through the program and meet standard immigration requirements, including holding a valid passport, maintaining health insurance, and demonstrating sufficient funds to support themselves when arriving in Canada.

Taiwan’s Global Pathfinder Initiative

Taiwan’s Global Pathfinder Initiative (TGPI) takes a similar approach but is managed by Taiwan’s Youth Development Administration (YDA).

The program is open to Taiwanese citizens between 18 and 30 years old who have studied or worked in fields identified by the YDA as priority areas. While the specific sectors have not yet been publicly released, the program aims to strengthen international collaboration and give Taiwanese youth professional exposure abroad.

Like the Portuguese initiative, the Taiwanese government provides financial assistance to participants. Travel costs, medical insurance, and living expenses are covered, allowing participants to focus on their work placements in Canada. Work permits issued through the TGPI pathway can be valid for up to one year, provided the participant’s passport remains valid for the full duration.

What Applicants Still Need to Prepare

Even with the additional support provided through these programs, applicants must still meet Canada’s immigration requirements.

Participants typically need:

• A valid passport covering the entire stay in Canada

• A job offer or internship agreement from a Canadian employer

• Proof that the role is related to their education or work background

• At least $2,500 CAD available when arriving in Canada

• Health insurance for the full duration of their stay

• A return ticket or funds to purchase one

Participants must also apply without accompanying dependents and meet Canada’s admissibility requirements.

Only One IEC Participation

An important rule for both Taiwanese and Portuguese nationals is that they may only participate in the IEC program once under their bilateral agreements with Canada. This means applicants should carefully choose which stream they apply under, since they cannot return later to participate again.