ISS will be closed Dec 24th at 12pm until January 2nd. We re-open January 3rd.
ISS is available virtually and in-person Mondays-Fridays during business hours.
ISS will be closed Dec 24th at 12pm until January 2nd. We re-open January 3rd.
ISS is available virtually and in-person Mondays-Fridays during business hours.
International students who must participate in amandatoryco-op/internship/practicum/placement (i.e. one that is arequirement for their program) must apply for a co-op work permit. This applies whether the work is on- or off-campus, paid or unpaid, during the academic year or during the summer, and regardless of the number of hours involved.
If accepted directly into a program requiring an internship (e.g. B.Ed., MBA), students can apply for their co-op/internship work permitat the same time as they apply for their initial Study Permit.
Because of current , students are advised to apply for their co-op/internship work permit 6 months beforetheir internship is due to start.
Note: This application isfee exempt(i.e. free).
you have a letter from your department* confirming the mandatory nature of the work experience
you have a valid Study Permit
the employment in question is a requirement of your program
the employment constitutes 50% orless of your program
Co-Op Work Permit Details:
"Employment practicum cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study. Authorized to undertake employment which forms integral part of studies as certified by the institution."
If the above remarks do not appear, it is best to ask for a correction while you are at your Port of Entry (e.g. land border or airport). If you applied for your co-op work permit online or you have left the border, you may need to apply for a work permit .Please see for more informationabout the co-op work permit.
IMPORTANT: If you, your Program Coordinator or your employer are unsure whether your Coop Work Permit has the correct remarks and/or conditions, please contact us.
The Co-Op Support letter:
If you have problems with your online application then Contact the Immigration Canada Call Centre at 1.888.242.2100
Additional detailed information about the Co-Op Work Permit is available on Immigration Canada's "" page.
Scenario: You are applying for your Co-op /Internship Work Permit at the same time as applying for your Study Permit.
1. Go to the of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the "".
After you have completed the first part of the questionnaire it will indicate that you may be eligible to come to Canada as a student.
You will then be prompted to continue with completing the questionnaire and when asked: “Is work an essential component of your studies?” you must indicate “Yes” (whether the placement is paid or unpaid).
At the end of the questionnaire, you will be provided with your personalized document checklist which will include the “Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM1294)” form that you are required to complete AND one of the supporting documents you will be required to upload is “Evidence of Work Requirement in Study” (i.e., your Co-Op letter).
2. Print the “Document Checklist” that you are provided at the end of the questionnaire and write down the personal reference code provided on the first line of your “Document Checklist” (you will need it in order to initiate your study permit/co-op work permit application through your IRCC secure account).
3. Log on to your IRCC Secure Account (or register for an account - also known as a "GC Key" - if you don't have one already) – Refer to Steps 5, 6 and 7 on your “Document Checklist” for instructions.
4. Complete the “Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” PDF Form provided
You will not be asked any information about your co-op/internship work on this form.
Once this form is completed save it to your desktop as you will upload it as part of your study permit application which will be done through yourIRCC Secure Account.
NOTE: 91˿Ƶ's Immigration Canada (IRCC) are (please use the number that corresponds with the location indicated on your admission letter):
DLI# O19359011033
5. Upload required documents from within yourIRCC Secure Account Account
Upload your saved “Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” Form to your application;
When asked to upload your passport, be sure to include ALL stamped/marked pages of your passport;
Upload your Co-Op letter* or curriculum from your department or the Co-op/Internship Office at 91˿Ƶ stating that work is a necessary requirement for the completion of your studies.
If you are required to do a medical exam for your work permit application (), upload proof of this (i.e. a medical exam receipt). See detailed instructions.
*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Mining Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Software Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Nursing students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
ALL groups should include their letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment - which confirms that they are completing a co-op program - along with the Department letter.
**IMPORTANT: Immigration Canada plans to expand their biometrics program. You may be required to provide biometrics when applying for your co-op/internship work permit, for more information please see our News page.
6. Pay the required fees:
The Co-op/internship work permit is free (fee-exempt).
7. Wait to receive your Study Permit and Work Permit “” which will be issued to you through yourIRCC Secure Account Account.
Print this letter as you will be required to present it to the Canadian Border Service Agent when you arrive in Canada. You will be issued your actual Study Permit and your Co-Op Work Permit documents at that time.
Biometrics requirement expanded to inside Canada applications:you must submit biometrics in order to extend or apply for an immigration document from inside Canada – e.g. study permit, work permit, visitor record, and temporary resident visa (TRV/Visitor Visa/Entry Visa). See the ISS News SectionԻ for more information. U.S. citizens are currently exempt from having to provide biometrics. For a full , see Immigration Canada’s website.
1. Go to the page of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the to apply questionnaire.
2. Print the “Document Checklist” that you are provided at the end of the questionnaire and write down your personal reference code provided on the first line of your “Document Checklist” (you will need it in order to initiate your co-op work permit application through your MyCIC account).
3. Log on to IRCC Secure Account (or register for an account - also known as a "GC Key" - if you don't have one already) – Refer to Steps 5, 6 and 7 on your “Document Checklist” for instructions.
4. Complete the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada As a Worker (IMM 5710)” PDF Form provided
5. Upload required documents from within your IRCC Secure Account Account
*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Mining Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Software Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Nursing students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
ALL groups should include their letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment - which confirms that they are completing a co-op program - along with the Department letter.
6. Pay the required fees:
7. Wait to receive your “Work Permit “approval notice” which will be through your IRCC Secure Account.
1. Although we cannot guarantee that you will be issued a Co-Op Work Permit at the Canadian border, you may still try to apply at the borderto obtain it the same day - if you are TRV-exempt, meaning either:
2. The closest land borders that process Co-Op work permits are:
* We generally recommend students go to the Lacolle/Champlain border crossing to apply for their Co-Op Work Permit.
3. Do not forget to bring your Supporting Documents to the border, including:
*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Mining Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
*Nursing students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.
ALL groups should include their letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment - which confirms that they are completing a co-op program - along with the Department letter.
**IMPORTANT: Immigration Canada plans to expand their biometrics program. You may be required to provide biometrics when applying for your co-op/internship work permit at the port of entry, for more information please see our News page.
NOTE: Make sure that you clearly state that you are a 91˿Ƶ student and that the work is an integral part of your studies at 91˿Ƶ.
4. Pay the required fees:
"Only for work forming an essential/integral part of the course as per 91˿Ƶ."
If the above remarks do not appear, it is best to ask for a correction while you are at the border. If you applied online or have left the border, you may need to apply for a Work Permit .
You can check how long it will take before you get your Work Permit on the Processing times vary according to where you apply, the volume of applications the time of year.
If you have problems with your CIC online application then Contact the Immigration Canada Call Centre at 1.888.242.2100
Additional detailed information about the Co-Op Work Permit is available on Immigration Canada's "" page.
In addition to the information above, please also review ISS' FAQs page.