Canada launches new work permit options for Portuguese and Taiwanese youth
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced two new employer-specific work permit pathways under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. The initiatives apply to youth from Portugal and Taiwan through the Young Professionals stream.
The new options, introduced under bilateral youth mobility agreements, are designed to expand international work and training opportunities for young professionals from both partner countries.
Eligible participants will gain access to facilitated work permits for employment aligned with their professional development goals.
- Two new IEC Young Professionals pathways launched for Portugal and Taiwan
- Open to Portuguese nationals aged 18–29 and Taiwanese nationals aged 18–30
- Employer-specific work permits valid for up to 24 months (Portugal) and 12 months (Taiwan)
- Participants must meet eligibility, funding, and insurance requirements
- Each participant can take part in the IEC program only once
- Programs administered in partnership with AICEP Portugal and Taiwan’s Youth Development Administration
Overview of the new pathways
The new initiatives are titled the Young Professionals Inov Contacto pathway for Portuguese citizens and the Young Professionals Taiwanese Global Pathfinder Initiative (TGPI) for Taiwanese nationals. Both fall under the Young Professionals category of the IEC program and are designed to support youth in obtaining qualified work experience in Canada.
These pathways allow participants to secure employer-specific work permits that correspond to internships or professional roles in their field of study or experience.
Young Professionals Inov Contacto (Portugal)
The Inov Contacto program enables Portuguese participants aged 18 to 29 to complete structured international internships in Canada. The internships are arranged by AICEP Portugal, which covers travel, insurance, and living costs for participants.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a valid Portuguese passport, a signed job offer related to their area of expertise, and proof of at least $2,500 in funds. Health insurance for the duration of their stay is mandatory, and participants must possess a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one. Dependents cannot accompany participants under this program.
The maximum duration of the work permit under the Inov Contacto pathway is 24 months, contingent upon passport validity and program terms.
Young Professionals TGPI (Taiwan)
The Taiwanese Global Pathfinder Initiative (TGPI) is managed by Taiwan’s Youth Development Administration (YDA). It supports Taiwanese youth aged 18 to 30 in gaining international experience in industries designated by the YDA.
Participants must hold a valid Taiwanese passport containing a personal identification number and must present a signed job offer in a relevant field. Applicants also require at least $2,500 in available funds, valid health insurance for the full period of stay, and a return ticket or proof of funds for onward travel.
The YDA covers round-trip airfare, housing, and medical insurance expenses for accepted participants. The permitted work period through the TGPI pathway is up to 12 months.
Program structure and eligibility
Both the Inov Contacto and TGPI pathways are part of the reciprocal IEC framework, which allows youth from partner countries to gain international work experience in Canada. Participants under these new pathways are limited to one IEC participation as specified by each country’s bilateral agreement.
In both initiatives, the employment must contribute to the applicant’s professional development and be in the same field as their educational or professional background. Applicants must also satisfy standard IEC and Canadian admissibility requirements, including fee payment and compliance with work permit conditions.
About the International Experience Canada program
The International Experience Canada program facilitates temporary work opportunities for young adults from countries with reciprocal mobility agreements with Canada. It also provides Canadians aged 18 to 35 with similar opportunities abroad.
IEC operates through three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship). Each category follows specific eligibility requirements based on the applicant’s citizenship and the terms of the related bilateral accord.
Age limits vary between 18 and 35 depending on the partner country, and some agreements set the maximum age at 30. The Young Professionals category generally requires a pre-arranged job offer in a field that aligns with the participant’s background.
These new routes expand Canada’s youth mobility partnerships, reinforcing the country’s commitment to international collaboration and professional exchange. Similar models support labour market needs across Canada, including in regional programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which also connects skilled workers with in-demand occupations.
Public significance
The introduction of the Inov Contacto and TGPI pathways reflects the federal government’s ongoing efforts to diversify entry options for international youth while strengthening bilateral relations. The programs are expected to enhance professional exchange and contribute to workforce development in Canadian industries hosting participants.
Further details, including the list of participating companies and eligible professional sectors, are to be confirmed by AICEP Portugal and Taiwan’s Youth Development Administration.
For continuing coverage of Canadian immigration updates, readers can explore related reports on international mobility and temporary work programs.