Italy-Canada Youth Mobility Program
The new agreement between Italy and Canada on Youth Mobility, which entered into force on November 1, 2022, allows young people between 18 and 35 years of age from either Country to spend up to 12 months in the other Country and seek temporary paid employment.
This is a significant opportunity for Canadian youths to develop a deeper understanding of the Italian language, culture and lifestyle.
Please note that, under the new agreement, participants are entitled to work for the entire authorization of stay, a maximum duration of twelve (12) months, including with the same employer if they so choose. Every young person may participate in the program a maximum of two times.
WHERE TO APPLY
The Italian Consulates will accept Youth Mobility Program applications from Canadian citizens residing in their respective geographical jurisdictions. To find the appropriate Consulate for your place of residence, click here: Servizi Consolari Online (esteri.it)
Canadian citizens who wish to participate in this bilateral program must obtain the necessary visa before leaving Canada. They CANNOT apply for their visa after arriving in Italy.
Equally, Italian Citizens who wish to apply to this program for Canada must contact the Canadian Embassy in Rome.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ITALIAN VISA
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- be between 18 and 35 years of age on the date of application;
- be a Canadian citizen and possess a valid Canadian passport.
WHAT TYPE OF VISA ?
You can apply either for a Working Holiday visa, a Work visa or Study/Intern visa. For further information please consult http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
1. National visa application form* carefully and correctly completed and signed.
2. One recent passport-size colour photo (must have been taken less than six months before the application), size 35mm x 40mm, full-face and light coloured background. Face must be correctly centred and must be seen from a front view, with both sides visible. Styled poses (looking over one shoulder, head bowed etc.) are not allowed. The head must be free of all headgear, no hats, scarves, headbands or other decorative objects;
3. Passport, valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiry date, as well as photocopies of the first 2 pages and of visas previously issued, if any. There must be at least two blank pages in the passport;
4. A copy of your round trip flight reservation and full itinerary. Buying your ticket in advance does not ensure that a visa will be issued;
5. For a Work visa no financial proof is required. For a Working Holiday visa and Study/Intern visa, applicants must prove to have sufficient financial resources, a minimum of 1,900 Euro (equivalent to C$ 2,600 approximately). The availability of these funds must be shown by providing:
- bank statements for the last 3 months;
- a credit card in the applicant’s name with sufficient credit to cover costs.
6. Health Insurance policy with a minimum coverage of Euro 30.000 for emergency medical consultation, including hospitalization and repatriation, for the entire length of the stay (12 months);
7. A curriculum vitae (resume).
8. Additional requirements by category :
A) Working Holiday visa
– declaration of the applicant certifying the intention to travel to Italy and to work temporarily to supplement their financial resources;
Please, note that the procedure for a “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residency permit) must be initiated within 8 days of arriving in Italy in order to validate the 12 months visa. Therefore, the holder of the Working Holiday Visa is kindly requested to visit the “Questura” (Police Headquarters) with his Canadian passport, and a photocopy thereof, along with 4 passport-size photos and one “imposta di bollo” (tax stamp) of Euro 16, and submit application for a “Permesso di Soggiorno” by filling out the appropriate application form. The addresses and contact information of the relevant “Questura” are available at: http://questure.poliziadistato.it/. Subsequently the employer will apply for the work authorization to the “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione – SUI” (local immigration office).
B) Work visa
– Authorization to work (work permit) initiated by the employer and issued by the “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione – SUI” (local immigration office) that forwards it electronically to the competent Consulate. The addresses and contact information of the relevant “Questura” are available at: http://questure.poliziadistato.it/.
C) Study/Intern visa
– Documentation certifying enrollment at an academic institution in the country of origin or residence;
– Proof of accommodation in Italy
– Documentation on the internship to be carried out in Italy, relevant to one’s field of study;
HOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Applicants must book an appointment in order to submit their application and ALL the required documents in person. Users will not be asked to pay any fee in order to book an appointment. Please register and book your appointment here: Prenot@mi
CONSULAR FEES
Consular Visa fees (non-refundable) are to be paid the day of the appointment. The amount vary depending upon the type of visa and exchange rate.
PLEASE BE ADVISED:
The processing time for the visa is approximately 14 days from the date in which you submit the application and document.
Incomplete visa applications will not be accepted and will be returned without processing.
Please note the Consular Offices reserve the right to ask for additional documents at any time during processing. Submission of the listed documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted.
The border authorities may refuse entry to a foreign national who does not have adequate financial means or is unable to provide full details regarding the purpose of his/her stay in Italy, or for reasons of security or public order. Make sure to have with you copy of the visa supporting documents.
*in “VISA FORMS”