The Swiss and Canadian governments have an interesting exchange program in place that allows young citizens (ages 18 to 35) to take up residency in the other country through a simplified bureaucratic process.

Under the terms of the Youth Mobility Program (YMP), young Canadians who have completed their post-secondary studies or vocational education can obtain a residency and work permit in Switzerland to improve their language and professional skills. This agreement also allows young students, in the course of their studies, to complete an occupational training as part of their curriculum. The same program exists for young Swiss wishing to work or study in Canada.

For a Swiss or Canadian company that wishes to deploy its young professionals to the other country, these programs offer the opportunity to send staff to Switzerland or Canada for a period of max. 18 months via a simplified and fast-tracked work permit procedure. It is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to have a young employee gain some valuable international work experience.

Detailed information on the program is provided in the attached pdf and under the following links:

• www.swiss-canadian-mobility.ca  
• www.switzerland.gc.ca