How to Get a Co-Op Study Permit in Canada

Are you eligible to work full-time even during regular academic terms? Absolutely yes. A co-op work permit is just what you need to make it happen.

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Co-op programs allow you to leverage your academic qualifications through work, empowering you to advance in competitive job markets and work placement opportunities at the right time while still studying. Not only that, you gain industry-specific skills and build professional relationships.

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There are specific requirements to apply. How do you get a co-op study permit in Canada? 

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Find out below.

What is the Co-Op Study Permit?

It’s a paper document issued by IRCC that allows you to gain work and practical experience as an integral part of your studies. Even if you are in a co-op program, you need a co-op work permit before you can start working, regardless of whether it is paid.

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You are required to have a co-op work permit and social security number, as well as meet the college's co-op program criteria before starting a co-op.

Eligibility Criteria for Co-Op Work Permits

To apply for a co-op or internship work permit, you must meet the following requirements:

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• You have a valid study permit
• You need to be employed to complete a study program in Canada.
• You have a letter from your school confirming that everyone in your program must complete a work placement to graduate
• Your co-op or internship is 50% or less of your degree program

How to Get a Co-Op Study Permit in Canada

Your acceptance letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) should demonstrate that the co-op or internship is part of your program's curriculum.

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Then, you apply for a study permit, and we'll process your co-op work permit within your study permit application.

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Online Application Procedure

The online application process is much faster and more efficient. Unlike documentation delivered by post, we receive your application immediately. It will be much easier to check your application entirely before submitting it. 

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Most importantly, you will get updated information about the legal status of your application.

Applying from Within Canada

Ensure you have all valid documents in compliance with regulations, a scanner or camera, and a credit or debit card.

The steps to apply are:

• Create your online account or log in
• Answer all questions and upload your documents
• Keep copies of everything for your records
• Submit and pay fees

We understand that application processes can be exhausting at times, so BorderPass is here for you to go through your co-op work permit application process without any difficulties.

Applying at the Border

If you are currently in Canada, you can apply for your work permit by travelling to the US/Canada land border, known as “flagpole” (you cross the border to apply for a work permit in person).

Applying from Outside Canada

If you apply for a co-op work permit from outside Canada, you should do so simultaneously as you do for a study permit. 

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Besides, you can use the web form to show that you have been accepted into a program with mandatory work and internship components.

Specific Requirements and Considerations

If you want everything to be under control, you must fulfil specific requirements and considerations. 

Co-Op Work Permits and Off-Campus Work Authorization

You can work on or off campus as long as you reflect full-time student status and have a valid study permit.

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If you are wondering if you can work off-campus without a work permit, it is also possible, given the conditions met, such as studying at a designated learning institution (DLI). You must know how many hours you may work while studying in Canada under certain circumstances.

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Before starting work, you and your employer must ensure which academic requirements are met and whether you have the right to work off campus. So, employer collaboration is essential in your case; otherwise, you may have to leave Canada.

Medical Exam Requirements for Co-Op Work Permits

You usually need a medical examination for a few reasons.

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If your business aims to protect the public, say health services, childcare, primary or secondary education. This especially applies to workers in the field of health sciences, clinical laboratories, nursing and senior homes, and field-specific training of medical students.

Maintaining Your Permit

Study permits and co-op work permits always go together. So, your work permit usually expires when your study permit does.

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As for renewal conditions, you can do it simultaneously for both licenses. The duration of the permit is determined according to the duration of the academic term.

Temporary Policy for Students in Co-Op Programs

If you are approved to be a part of the co-op program and then refuse to attend for no reason, you will be withdrawn and unable to re-apply. Or if you decide to cancel before the agreed start date, you are not eligible to enroll in the program in that academic year. 

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Moreover, if you withdraw in the middle of the program, you must pay the full tuition fee.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning to employment (study permit to work permit) is a crucial step for you and your professional development, so if you want to work during your studies, you should opt for a co-op work permit.
• Ensure to fulfil eligibility criteria, and a study permit is one of them
• You can apply both from inside and outside Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Work While Waiting for My Co-Op Work Permit?

Yes, you can work while your co-op work permit is processed.

Do I Need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if I Have a Co-Op Work Permit?

You also need a Social Security Number (SIN) application along with a co-op work permit.

What Happens if My Co-Op Work Permit Does Not Arrive in Time for the Start of My Work Term?

This procedure can take up to 6 weeks. If the co-op permit doesn’t arrive in time, you can start the required internship/co-op period if you meet all the eligibility criteria.