Co-op Work Permit: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students in Canada
Co-op Work Permit
International students can participate in internships/practical work related to their study program with a Co-op Work Permit.
This can include training jobs, whether they are on-campus or off-campus, paid or unpaid. Students need a permit for these opportunities.
If you plan to apply for an internship during or after your studies, you need to apply for a Co-op Work Permit. This requirement covers all training opportunities related to your program..
Apply early to avoid delays in starting your work. You can even apply for the permit at the same time as you apply for a study permit application.
By applying early, you can ensure you have the necessary documentation when opportunities arise.
Eligibility Criteria for Co-op Work Permit Application
Here is a complete guide on who is eligible for a co-op permit
Study Permit
To apply for a Co-op Work Permit, students must have a valid study permit. This is the first thing for the application process.
Mandatory Co-op, Internship, or Practicum
Your study program must require the work you apply for.
Confirmation letter
Your educational institution should clearly state that this work experience is needed to complete your degree or diploma.
Social Insurance Number
To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or be on maintained status (waiting for permit approval) if your SIN has expired.
Work Experience Cannot Exceed 50% of the Program
The work you do (co-op or practicum) must be less than 50% of your entire degree. This means that less than half of your time in the program can be spent on the work.
Other Consideration
- A Co-op Work Permit is generally an open permit that allows you to work anywhere in Canada during your training period.
But sometimes a specific location or workplace is mentioned in your co-op work permit then you’re required to work only at that location.
You must apply for a new permit if you want to change the terms of your co-op permit for working elsewhere. you must continue working at the originally specified location until your permit arrives
- it might list a specific employer on the document. Don’t worry if you see a specific employer listed. This doesn’t limit you to working only for that institution.
You can work for any employer, as long as the work meets certain conditions.
The key is that the work must be part of your program’s mandatory requirements, such as a training or co-op course.
If you find a better opportunity or a different employer, you can take it. There’s no need to stick with just one company.
- You don’t need a job offer from a company when you apply for a Co-op
- Permit. You only have to be enrolled in a program—such as a co-op or internship as part of your education.
- if your co-op job involves healthcare (such as hospitals), you need to take a medical exam before starting the job.
Your co-op work permit must also mention that you are allowed to work in these kinds of jobs. - if you are doing volunteer work or unpaid work as part of your program, it’s still seen as “work” in Canada.
So, if your program requires you to do volunteer or unpaid work (like training), you’ll still need a valid co-op to do it.
How to apply for a Co-op work permit
Apply online from outside of Canada
Visit the Apply Online page on the Immigration Canada website. Fill out the "Check your Eligibility to Apply Questionnaire".
- If a question comes if work is an integral part of your education, you should answer “Yes”
- You’ll get a personalized document checklist and the IMM 1294 form (Study Permit Application). You’ll also need to upload a document called “Evidence of Work Requirement in Study.
Print out the Document Checklist you receive
- Write down your reference code from the checklist. You’ll need this code to start your application on MyCIC.
Register on MyCIC
- Log in to your MyCIC account or create one if you don’t have it yet (also known as a “GC Key”). Follow the steps listed in your Document Checklist to proceed.
Complete the IMM 1294 Form.
- Fill out the IMM 1294 form (Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada). This form won’t ask about your co-op work but is needed for your study permit.
- Save this completed form to your computer, as you’ll need to upload it later.
Upload Required Documents
- Log in to MyCIC and upload the following:
- IMM 1294 Form you saved.
- Passport (include all stamped/marked pages).
- Co-op letter or proof from your department stating that the work is required for your studies.
- If a medical exam is required, upload proof of the exam (like a receipt).
- For specific programs (e.g., Materials Engineering, Mining Engineering, etc.), you can get the Co-op work permit letter from specific links provided.
Pay the Fees
The Co-op fee-exempt.
Receive Your Permits
Wait to get your Study Permit and Co-op Permit letter of introduction through MyCIC.
Print this letter. You’ll need to show it to the Canadian Border Service Agent when you arrive in Canada. They will give you the actual permits at the border.
Apply For Your Co-op work Permit From Inside Canada
Navigate to the Immigration Canada website's Apply Online page. Fill out the "Verify Your Eligibility to Apply" form.
- When asked, select “Work” for what you want to do in Canada.
- Indicate “Student” for your current immigration status.
- Answer “No” to questions about working on campus or off campus up to 20 hours per week.
- For “Is your work an essential part of your studies?”, select “Yes”.
You’ll get a Document Checklist and a personal reference code.
Prepare Your Documents
- Print the Document Checklist and note the reference code.
Log in to MyCIC
- If you don’t have a GC Key, then register or log in to MyCIC
- Follow the instructions from your Document Checklist.
Complete the "Application to Modify Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Continue Working in Canada (IMM 5710)" form.
- Include your Universal Client ID (UCI) from your Study Permit.
- In Section 1 a/, choose “Co-Op Work Permit”.
- Leave the other sections (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) blank.
- Save this completed form to your desktop.
Upload Documents to MyCIC
- Log in to MyCIC and upload:
- The completed IMM 5710 form.
- Your passport (include all stamped/marked pages).
- Your Co-op letter from your department or the Co-op/Internship Office.
- Proof of a medical exam if required (for jobs needing a medical exam).
Pay Fees
The Co-op work permit is fee-exempt.
Wait for Your Permit
- You’ll get a Work Permit approval notice through MyCIC.
- Your actual Co-op Permit will be mailed to your address in Canada.
Let ICW Immigration Simplify Your Co-op Work Permit Application
Applying for a Co-op work Permit can be tricky. ICW Immigration helps you to get Study & co-op work permits easily, so you can focus on your studies without worry.
We make the process simple, allowing you to concentrate on learning while we handle the paperwork. With our support, you can enjoy a smooth transition into your internship or co-op program in Canada.
Fill out the form, and one of our experts will guide you through the next steps to ensure your Co-op work permit application is handled smoothly and efficiently.
FAQs
Have Questions?
Feeling overwhelmed with all the information? We have gathered answers to some of the commonly asked immigration questions here.
Co-op students typically work full-time, which is around 35-40 hours per week. However, the exact hours can vary depending on the employer and the program.
A co-op provides valuable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. It can also improve your employability after graduation.
Yes, most co-op positions in Canada are paid, although some unpaid opportunities may exist depending on the field and employer.
Co-op terms in Canada usually last between 4 to 12 months, depending on the program and employer requirements.
There is no specific age limit for participating in a co-op program in Canada, but you must be enrolled in a designated educational institution.