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

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. The academic institutes in Canada boast a high standard of education, commitment to research & innovation and competitive tuition fees.

What’s more is that the country offers different types of work options to international students, which they can apply for either during their studies or after the completion of their program. While navigating the world of visas and permits can seem daunting, the Co-op Work Permit can be a good way to gain valuable work experience.

What is 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.

Co-op Work Permit: Eligibility Criteria

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 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 dependants

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).

Co-op Work Permit: Required Documents

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

Co-op Work Permit: Application Process

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

Students Applying from 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

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 to receive the approval notice for Work Permit on the MyCIC Account.

Conclusion
Gaining work experience while studying abroad not only enhances the resume of a candidate but also provides them with unique career opportunities. However, before applying for a co-op work permit, it is suggested that students consult expert study abroad consultants or the official IRCC website to get the most updated information.

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