• Study in Canada

Co-op Work Permit: Eligibility, Documents, and Application Process for Co-op Work Canada Permit

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jun 21,2024 05:58 PM IST

A Co-op Work Permit in Canada is an excellent opportunity for international students to work full-time while studying.
Many international students struggle to apply for a Co-op Work Permit in Canada.
Students must work in a field related to its program under the Co-op Work Canada Permit.
Your Co-op work permit won't affect your PSWP opportunity!

Canada is rapidly becoming one of the preferred study destinations for Indian students. The country, with its rich cultural diversity, scenic landscapes, and safe environment, is known for its advanced curriculum and trending study options. But do you know about Co-op work permits in Canada? If not, you might miss a golden opportunity to work full-time while studying.

But you might be wondering if this golden opportunity would impact my PSWP. The answer is No. A co-op Work Permit in Canada can be an excellent way to gain valuable work experience while working in a field related to your program. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more about it and embark on an academic journey in Canada soon.

What is a Co-op Work Permit?

The Co-op Work Permit is specifically designed for international students in Canada who have a job offer for a co-op or internship that forms part of their study program. This permit is separate from a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and does not affect the student's eligibility for a PGWP in the future.

Moreover, a co-op work permit enables international students to work full-time during their academic session if it is a requirement in their program. However, if they are enrolled in any program related to English or French (Learning a second language), they are not permitted to work under a Co-op work permit.

Co-op Work Permit: Highlights

A co-op work permit acts as an open work permit, allowing students to work in Canada as long as the work is a requirement of the program.
Students do not require any job offer before applying for a co-op work permit
The permit must carry a remark by the applied institute at the bottom stating the work to be a part of the course.
In support of the Co-Op Work Permit, international students must also provide a letter from the department indicating that the work is a mandatory component of the academic program.

Eligibility Criteria for a Co-op Work Permit

The eligibility criteria for the Co-op Work Permit are as follows:

The candidate must be a student registered at a post-secondary institution in Canada.
Candidate should have a valid passport and should be a holder of one of the 21 countries that participate in IEC.
Candidate should be the holder of a valid study permit.
Candidate should have a valid job offer or a contract of employment for an internship or a work placement in Canada.
The proposed work experience should be essential to complete the program of study in Canada.
Candidate should not be accompanied by dependents.
Please note that a candidate is not eligible for a co-op work permit if participating in general interest or preparatory courses or enrolled in a program related to studying English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL).

Documents Required for Co-op Work Permit

To apply for a Co-op Work Permit, students need to submit the following documents:

Valid passport
Valid study permit
Letter from the institute’s department confirming the mandatory nature of the work experience
Photo – digital passport photo

Application Process for Co-op Work Permit

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the online application process:

Students Applying from Outside Canada

Below is the application process to apply for a co-op Work permit outside Canada:

Step 1	Visit the “Apply Online” page of the Immigration Canada website. Fill in the details in the “Check your Eligibility to Apply Questionnaire”.
Step 2	Take a printout of the “Document Checklist” provided at the end of the questionnaire and note the personal reference code provided in the first line of the checklist.
Step 3	Compile all the required documents mentioned in the list.
Step 4	Log on to MyCIC and refer to steps 5, 6, and 7 on the document checklist for further instructions.
Step 5	Complete the “Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” PDF Form.
Step 6	Upload the required documents from the MyCIC Account.
Step 7	Make payment for the required fees.

Note: The Co-op/Internship work permit is free of any cost.

Students Applying from within Canada

Below is the application process to apply for a co-op Work permit within Canada:

Step 1	Go to the “Apply Online” page of the same website and fill out the “Check your Eligibility to Apply Questionnaire”.
Step 2	Take a printout of the “Document Checklist” provided at the end of the questionnaire and note the personal reference code provided in the first line of the checklist.
Step 3	Log on to MyCIC and refer to steps 5, 6, and 7 on the document checklist for further instructions.
Step 4	Complete the “Application to Change Conditions, extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710)” PDF Form. Note: Do not fill in anything in the 2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 sections of the “Details of Intended Work in Canada” part.
Step 5	Upload the necessary documents from within the MyCIC Account.
Step 6	Wait for the approval notice for the Work Permit on the MyCIC Account.

Conclusion

This blog has discussed the Co-op Work Permit and how to apply for one in Canada. Hence, it is an excellent opportunity for international students who want to gain practical knowledge. It also enhances your skills and offers ample career opportunities while studying in Canada. However, before applying for a co-op work permit in Canada, students should consult expert study abroad consultants or the official IRCC website for the most updated information. Connect with the expert counsellors at Canam to search and apply for programs that best match your profile!

FAQ

Is it possible that I work for any employer with a Co-op Work Permit?

Co-op is a program-specific work permit given designed to help students understand the practical application of their subject. This is why candidates can work only for the employer specified on their permit.

How long does it take to process a Co-op Work Permit application?

There is no guaranteed processing time, therefore, it is suggested to check the current processing times on the official IRCC website.

Is there a difference between a Co-op work permit and a work permit?

Yes, the work permit is different from the co-op work permit. Unlike a normal work permit, a co-op work permit can only be used for work related to the program curriculum.

How to apply for a Co-op Work Permit?

In order to apply for a co-op work permit, complete the application form available on the official IRCC website, submit the necessary documents, pay the application fees, and submit the application online through the IRCC website.

Do I need to pay for a co-op work permit?

No fee is charged from students applying for a co-op work permit in Canada.

What are the benefits of a co-op work permit?

A co-op work permit is a part of the program curriculum and allows students to work full-time during regular academic terms. This provides students with an opportunity to learn the practical application of everything they learn in the classroom.

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Co-op Work Permit: Eligibility, Documents, and Application Process for Co-op Work Canada Permit

Table of Contents

What is a Co-op Work Permit?

Co-op Work Permit: Highlights

Eligibility Criteria for a Co-op Work Permit

Documents Required for Co-op Work Permit

Application Process for Co-op Work Permit

Students Applying from Outside Canada

Students Applying from within Canada

Conclusion

FAQ

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