• Obtain a Co-op Work Permit. The procedure is as follows:
  • obtain a Work Authorization Permit application package from the International Student Association (5th floor of University Centre) or visit the Work Opportunities for Foreign Students page on the Citizen and Immigration Canada website and download the Application To Change Conditions, Extend My Stay Or Remain In Canada Form. This permit allows international students to participate in off-campus cooperative education employment.
  • request a letter from the Co-op Office detailing the conditions of co-op participation and employment. This letter will ask that the Work Authorization Permit be valid until the completion of all three co-op work terms. It must be included in the above application package.
  • submit the entire package to the Co-op Office so it can be immediately forwarded to Citizenship and Immigration Canada as they require several weeks to process Work Authorization Permit applications.

There is no fee for Work Permit applications within internship or co-op programs.

Once the Work Permit has been prepared it will be forwarded directly to the applicant's home address.

 

A copy of the Work Authorization Permit must be submitted to both the work term employer and the Co-op Office prior to the commencement of the work term.

Once International students have secured a Co-op position, a Social Insurance Number must be obtained. Information on the process can be found on the Government of Canada website.  Applications can be submitted at any Service Canada Centre with the required douments.  This should be done as soon as a Co-op placement has been secured. International students are not permitted to begin a work term without a SIN number.

Canadian federal government policy dictates that international students are only allowed to work for federal departments and agencies if no students with Canadian citizenship are available. International students may apply for federal government co-op positions in the regular recruitment process but must indicate their international student status in their cover letter.