PF: A researcher has worked in Canada for many years and is looking to return to their home country. Is Canada considered a third country?

As outlined in the 2023-2025 MSCA Work Programme (p.140), for the purpose of MSCA Canada falls under the classification of a third country, signifying its status outside the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, despite being associated to Pillar II of Horizon Europe. Therefore, research conducted in Canada would not count towards the maximum years of experience for nationals and long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries seeking reintegration in research within the EU or Associated Countries.

According to the Work Programme (p. 121) “researchers wishing to reintegrate from a third country must either be based in a third country at the call deadline or have moved directly from a third country to an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country within the last 12 months before the call deadline”.