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International students walking on a Canadian university campus in autumn

co-op work permit: when your program requires an internship

Applicants pursuing higher education in Canada often find themselves in programs that include mandatory work placements or internships. For these students, understanding the requirements for a co-op work permit is essential. This permit is necessary for international students whose study programs include a work component that is an essential part of their curriculum.

do i need a co-op work permit for my study program?

To determine whether a co-op work permit is required, you need to understand the specifics of your study program. If your program includes a work placement that is a mandatory part of the curriculum, then you will need a co-op work permit. This is different from off-campus work, which has its own rules and requirements. The key factor is whether the work is an integral part of the academic program. I've seen cases where students were unsure about their program's requirements, so it's crucial to review your program's details carefully.

how to apply for a co-op work permit

To apply for a co-op work permit, you must first ensure you have a valid study permit or have applied for one. Next, you need to obtain a letter from the designated learning institution confirming that the work placement is an essential part of the program. This letter provides the necessary proof for immigration, refugees and citizenship canada to process your co-op work permit application. You can find more information on the application process on the official ircc website.

what is the difference between a co-op work permit and a post-graduation work permit?

A co-op work permit and a post-graduation work permit serve different purposes. A co-op work permit is specifically for work placements that are part of a study program, whereas a post-graduation work permit allows graduates to work in canada after completing their studies. The post-graduation work permit is an open work permit, meaning graduates can work for any employer in canada, whereas a co-op work permit is restricted to the specific work placement outlined in the study program. For example, a student in a co-op program might work for a company in their field of study, while a graduate with a post-graduation work permit might work in a completely different field.

applying for a co-op work permit: a step-by-step guide

To apply for a co-op work permit, follow these steps: first, check your eligibility by ensuring your study program requires a work placement and that you have a valid study permit or have applied for one. then, obtain a letter from your designated learning institution confirming the work placement is part of the program. next, gather the required documents, including the letter from the institution, proof of enrollment, and a valid passport. after that, submit your application online through the ircc website, uploading all required documents. finally, pay the fees associated with the application, which can be paid online.

For the most current information on co-op work permits, including application processing times and required documents, visit the official ircc website. You may also want to consult with a regulated canadian immigration consultant or a licensed canadian lawyer for personalized guidance throughout the application process. official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. Information on this page is provided for general purposes only and may not reflect the most up-to-date requirements or regulations. For the latest information, please visit www.canada.ca

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 18, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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