• Study in Canada

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

6007 Reads
3 min Read

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.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Northeastern University - Boston Campus

Massachusetts, USA • 151 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 16000-17500 / year

Dimensions International College - Bukit Timah Campus

Central Region, Singapore • 38 Programmes

Tuition Fee : SGD 0-0 / year

Kingston University London - Penrhyn Road Campus

England, UK • 167 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-16500 / year

Coe College

Iowa, USA • 51 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 50000-51000 / year

Study Group - Royal Holloway,University of London

England, UK • 51 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 18000-24000 / year

Western Sydney University - Parramatta South Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 536 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 28500-37000 / year

Oxford Brookes University - Harcourt Hill Campus

England, UK • 28 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-17000 / year

University of Windsor

Ontario, Canada • 203 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 30000-39000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, France

New Delhi • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visits - La Trobe University

Study in Australia • University Visit

kochi2 • 12:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Fresenius University, Germany

Study in Germany • University Visit

kochi2 • 03:30PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Ireland Student Visa Process 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide & Requirements

Wondering why to study in Ireland?. We will give you numerous reasons to head in that direction. Apart from being one of the most preferred study dest...

Updated on • Apr 19,2025 03:30 PM IST • Ireland

ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?

Many colleges and universities require students to submit scores from the SAT or ACT- both recognized standardized exams as part of the admission proc...

Updated on • Apr 14,2025 01:46 PM IST • Study Abroad

Five Types of IELTS Essays

Love giving opinions? Welcome to IELTS writing task 2. In this task, you get different types of essays, one of which is an opinion essay. There are fi...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 05:53 PM IST • IELTS

Backlog Certificate: A Complete Guide

What is a backlog?In an academic context, a "backlog" refers to a course or subject that a student did not pass on their first attempt during their re...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 01:47 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 09,2025 05:37 PM IST • PTE

Master's in Computer Science in the USA

Silicon Valley in the United States of America has been the global mecca of technology and invention. Every significant technological advancement has ...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 05:59 PM IST • USA

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses worldwide and consistently tops the list of preferred study abroad courses for Indian students. Now, wheth...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 04:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 05:50 PM IST • IELTS

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 03:19 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Apr 01,2025 05:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Student Life in Ireland in 2025

“World-Class Standards, Warmest of Welcomes”. The tagline highlights the ideal balance of a high-quality education and a tremendous, hospitable cu...

Updated on • Mar 29,2025 05:50 PM IST • Ireland

Top Public Universities in Germany

It’s a notion that studying abroad is expensive, but there is one country that is breaking this notion. Germany, also known as the land of ideas, of...

Updated on • Mar 26,2025 04:33 PM IST • Germany

Top Universities for Masters in Ireland in 2025

Learning never stops. Humans learn till their last breath. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you might be considering pursuing a master’s d...

Updated on • Mar 25,2025 04:36 PM IST • Ireland

Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2025

Once a poor island nation, Singapore now has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Also known as Lion City, Singapore is becoming an in...

Updated on • Mar 22,2025 11:57 AM IST • Singapore

PTE vs IELTS : Know the Difference and Which is Easier?

An English proficiency test is required to study in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and others. PTE and IELTS are th...

Updated on • Mar 21,2025 03:38 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Score for Germany 2025

Germany is an emerging study-abroad destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. Its other benefits include a wi...

Updated on • Mar 20,2025 10:19 AM IST • Germany

IELTS Score for Ireland 2025

Ireland is one of the top study-abroad destinations targeted by international students. The country is ranked 2nd in the Global Peace Index 2024, has ...

Updated on • Mar 12,2025 11:20 AM IST • Ireland

Master's in Robotics in USA

Technology keeps improving daily and leads to new inventions. One such invention is robotics, which is making human life easier. The USA, being a top ...

Updated on • Mar 11,2025 01:18 PM IST • USA

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Looking for the best countries to study abroad in 2025? Studying abroad can be an endeavour for Indian students to upgrade their skill set towards bet...

Updated on • Mar 08,2025 01:24 PM IST • Study Abroad

Nursing Courses in UK

Do you want to pursue a nursing course in the United Kingdom? The UK has been at the forefront of professional nursing ever since it has been consider...

Updated on • Mar 05,2025 12:19 PM IST • UK

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

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams