Published on 4 March 2026

Youth Mobility Program

On February 6th, 2007 Canada and Switzerland signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)”, aimed at facilitating the mobility of young skilled workers and students between Switzerland and Canada. The purpose of this agreement is to encourage the mobility of young Swiss and Canadian workers and students, offering them the opportunity to gain work experience abroad.

© Embassy of Switzerland

Before you can work under the youth mobility program, you need to go through the following steps:

• Step 1:

  You need a work contract:
  How do I find a training position in Switzerland?

  
  Once you have identified the job, you apply in a similar way as you would for a Canadian job. For your letter of application, we recommend to state the following:

  I am a Canadian citizen and currently do not have a work permit for Switzerland. However, under the terms of the Youth Mobility Program I can receive a work permit within 6 to 8 weeks.

• Step 2:

  You have your work contract. Now you need to apply for the work permit. Please send the application (refer to paragraph 4 in the brochure) with the supporting documents to the competent Consulate General:

  • Consulate General of Switzerland in Montreal if you are living in the provinces Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, New-Brunswick, Nova-Scotia, Prince-Edward-Island, Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Territory of Nunavut
  • Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver if you are living in the provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Yukon

  The processing time is between six to eight weeks.

• Step 3:

  Once the work permit is authorized, you need to receive an entry visa in your passport. (Refer to paragraph 5 in the brochure.)

  Please send the following documents to the Consulate General processing your file:

  • One copy of the ZEMIS/SYMIC authorization form
  • Your original passport
  • One loose European size passport color photo according to requirements
  • A prepaid self-addressed envelope (Xpress Post or Courier of your choice); keep the customer receipt for tracking
  • Money order in the amount of the current visa fees

  The entry visa will be issued within two to five working days and the passport will be sent back to you.

  Thank you for choosing Switzerland. Enjoy your stay!

Links

• Detailed information about the Youth Mobility Program
• Brochure “Instructions for young professionals”
• How do I find a training position in Switzerland?
• Information about Switzerland