Co-op Work Permit

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• What is a co-op work permit?
• Co-op/internship work permit eligibility
• Apply with your study permit from outside Canada
• Apply from within Canada
• Frequently Asked Question

What is a co-op/internship work permit?

International students who are required to complete work (e.g. co-op, internship, practicum, placement) that is integral to their academic program, must apply for a co-op work permit (COWP). This applies whether the work is on or off campus, paid or unpaid, during the regular academic session or scheduled break, and regardless of the number of hours required for work. Integral means that you cannot graduate from the program unless the work is completed.

Co-op/internship work permit eligibility

Review the IRCC Website for the most up-to-date information regarding co-op work permit eligibility. 

You are eligible to apply for a co-op work permit if: 

• The intended employment is integral to your academic program 
• You must provide proof that the work requirement is integral to your program 
• You have a valid study permit 
• The co-op or internship employment constitutes less than 50% of your program 
• You are not a medical intern or extern, nor a resident physician (except in veterinary medicine) 

*International students enrolled in English as a Second Language, French as a Second Language or general interest courses and prerequisite programs, are not eligible to obtain a co-op work permit. 

If you are unsure if your work is integral to your academic program or if you are eligible to apply, please reach out to Trent International Advising at internationaladvising@trentu.ca. 

Apply with your study permit from outside Canada

• If you haven’t already applied for your study permit, you can apply for your co-op work permit (COWP) at the same time. Your Letter of Acceptance from Trent University must confirm that a co-op or internship placement is integral to your program.  You can note this requirement in box 24 of your Letter of Acceptance.  
• To apply, indicate "yes" to the question "Is work an essential component of your studies?" in the application questionnaire. You will also indicate yes, you are applying for a co-op work permit in the IMM1294 application form. 
• You will upload your Letter of Acceptance twice:
  • Once under: “Evidence of Work Requirement Study
  • Again under “Letter of Acceptance or Letter of Enrollment / Registration” 
• If eligible, you will be issued a COWP along with your study permit at the Port-of-Entry in Canada. If you are eligible for a COWP and you are not issued one at the Canadian Port-of Entry, please ask the officer to review your Trent Letter of Acceptance once more before leaving Immigration.  

Apply from within Canada

If you are accepted into a program or course? which requires work experience after you arrive in Canada (e.g. in the Business Administration internship program), or are not issued a co-op work permit (COWP) at the Canadian Port-of-Entry, you can apply for a COWP from within Canada. The application is free of cost.  

• You will complete the application online through your IRCC Secure Account. If you do not have an account, you can create one.  
• You should submit your application at least 6 months prior to starting your work term to ensure you obtain your work permit on time.  
• If you have additional questions or require further support, you can book an appointment with an International Student Advisor on the Student Experience Portal > Appointments > Trent International > International Student Advising.  

Step 1: Gather documents

1. Digital copy of a valid passport - See template
2. Digital photo
3. Complete the application form IMM5710 - how to open IMM forms.mov. 
   • Download Adobe Reader (free version) if you do not have it, as you require this to open the IMM application form. 
4. Obtain official letter from your program stating that the intended employment is integral to your program of study (required to graduate). 
   • Email your Academic Department to request letter: 
     • Students in Masters/Phd level program with work requirement
     • Students admitted into a Trent internship course
     • Students admitted into Trent placement courses 
   • Submit request for International Immigration Letter (myTrent > Register > Verification > International Immigration Letter): 
     • Students in an undergraduate co-op program 
     • Students in undergraduate Social Work Program 
     • Students in undergraduate Nursing Program 

Step 2: Review application process

• Review our application guide to understand how you will apply online through your IRCC Secure Account and complete the application form required. 

Step 3: Login to your IRCC Account

• Once you login to your IRCC Secure Account, scroll down and select "apply to come to Canada". 
• Scroll down to "determine your eligibility" and select "visitor visa, study/work permit".
• You will then complete a questionnaire to determine your application eligibility.

Step 4: Complete online questionnaires through IRCC Secure Account to generate application package

Complete questionnaire to determine eligibility:

• What would you like to do in Canada? work
• How long are you planning to stay in Canada? temporarily more than 6 months
• What is your current immigration status in Canada? student
• Do you plan to work on campus?(even if you are) no
• Are you a full-time student at a participating post-secondary institution and want to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week? no 
• Have you recently graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution for which your study program was full-time and a minimum of eight months? no
• Is your work an essential part of your studies? yes
• Have you been told by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that you are approved in principle for permanent residence in Canada? yes or no based on circumstances
• Have you submitted a permanent resident application in Canada? yes or no based on circumstances
• Do you have a written job offer? no
• What is your marital status? answer based on circumstances
• What is your province or territory of destination? If visiting multiple provinces or territories, select the one in which you will be spending most of your time. Ontario
• Your results > Select "Co-op (in Canada)"

Complete questionnaire to generate "personal document checklist" (application package):

• You will continue to complete the questionnaire with your personal details. It will take your to the application document's checklist page.
• Are you accompanying a family member who has status in Canada? answer based on circumstances
• Do you also want to apply for a study permit? If you are also extending your study permit, you will have additional document requirements not noted in this guide. 
• When does your status in Canada expire? Indicate when your study permit expires
• Have you had a medical exam performed by an IRCC authorized panel physician (doctor) within the last 12 months?  yes or no based on circumstances - If yes, you will need to provide proof. If no, you will need to confirm if you need to complete one. 
• Do you want to submit an application for a family member? yes or no based on circumstances.
• Are you giving someone access to your application? yes or no based on circumstances.
• In the past 10 years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for an application to come to Canada? yes or no based on circumstances. May be required to submit biometrics if yours are not valid. Check if they are valid here.
• Are you able to make a digital copy of your documents with a scanner or camera? yes

Step 5: Complete the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada As a Worker (IMM5710)

• Complete the application form IMM5710 -  How to Open IMM Forms.mov. 
• Download Adobe Reader (free version) if you do not have it, as you require this to open the IMM application form.
• Do not use any special characters in the form.
• Section 1 - include your UCI (Universal Client Identification - can be found on your study permit)
• Section 1 a/ of the “Details of Intended Work in Canada – What type of work permit are you applying for?” select “Co-Op Work Permit” 
• Leave sections 2, 3, 4, 5 6, 7 of the “Details of Intended Work in Canada” part of the form blank 
• Once complete, validate it to ensure it is completed accurately and save it to your computer and upload it as part of your application which will be done through your IRCC Secure Account

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer 

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.