Sweden-Canada Youth Exchange Program

This program is aimed at Canadian citizens between 18 and 30 years. A fixed number of persons per calendar year can obtain a work and residence permit for a maximum of 12 months. The permits are not renewable and may only be used once per individual.

Permits under this program are granted on a quota basis – i.e. so many permits are granted per calendar year. This means that once the quota is filled no more permits will be granted for that calendar year, even if you fulfil all requirements.

The permit MUST be applied for and granted BEFORE entering Sweden. Applications are made at the Consulate of Sweden closest to where you live or at the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa IF you live in the Ottawa-area. Processing time takes at least 4 weeks but may take up to  6 - 8 weeks. Applications by mail are not accepted. Electronic applications are possible - www.migrationsverket.se

For more information about this program, please check the following fact sheet at the Swedish Migration Board.

The application form to be used is "Application by employees for visa for visitors, residence permit, work permit ". The form is to be completed in duplicate and is available in the Link section to the right on this page,  at the Consulate of Sweden closest to where you live, at the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa or on the Migrationsverket website under Work Permits - Application Forms.

Attach:

  • Valid passport;

  • Two passport size photographs full face, colour, light background, not more than 6 months old, bareheaded unless special religious reasons exist;
     
  • Proof that you have at least $ 4,000.00 at your disposal.

Please click here to see information about fees. The fee is payable at the time of application and is non-refundable.

A firm (written) offer of employment is not required at the time of application and the work permit is not tied to any specific employer or position.

The applicant should have funds of at least Can.$ 4,000.- at the time of application, to ensure that living expenses can be covered until employment is obtained. Health insurance is also strongly advised as the Swedish Health Care system is very expensive for non-residents.

The Embassy is not able to assist in finding a job in Sweden. However, a vacancy database (Platsautomat, Kundarbetsplats) can be found at all employment offices in Sweden (Arbetsförmedlingen). Links on the Internet to this and other services for job seekers and employers in Sweden can be found on the Internet: www.amv.se