What is a co-op work permit?
A co-op work permit (COWP) is a status document that international students must obtain if they are required to complete work as part of their academic program. This applies to:
- Co-ops, internships, practicums or placements that are integral to your academic program.
- On-campus and off-campus work.
- Paid or unpaid work.
- During the regular academic term or scheduled break.
- Regardless of the number of hours worked.
Co-op work permit eligibility
You are eligible to apply for a co-op work permit if:
- You have a valid study permit.
- Your employment totals 50% or less of your academic program.
- You can provide proof that intended employment is integral to your academic program. Integral means that you cannot graduate from the program unless the work is completed. See box 24 of your Letter of Acceptance from Trent University to confirm.
You are not eligible to apply for a co-op work permit if:
- You are a medical intern or extern, or a resident physician (except in veterinary medicine).
- You are enrolled in English as a Second Language, French as a Second Language, general interest courses or prerequisite programs.
Review the IRCC Website for all information regarding co-op work permit eligibility.
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 for a co-op work permit
To apply for a co-op work permit, start by completing the “How to Apply” questionnaire on the IRCC website, then follow the steps outlined below.
You should submit your application at least six months prior to starting your work term to ensure you obtain your work permit on time.
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Step 1: Gather documents
- Create a digital copy of your valid passport
- Take a digital photo (see IRCC website for requirements)
- Complete the IMM5710 application form
- We recommend downloading Adobe Reader (free version) to open and fill out this application form.
- Obtain official letter from your program stating that the intended employment is required to graduate from your program of study.
- You must email your academic department to request this letter if you are a student registered in a:
- Master’s or Ph.D. program with a work requirement
- Trent internship course
- Trent placement course
- You must submit a request for an International Immigration Letter if you are a student in:
- An undergraduate co-op program
- Trent’s undergraduate Social Work program
- Trent’s undergraduate Nursing program
- You must email your academic department to request this letter if you are a student registered in a:
- Letter of Acceptance from Trent University
- Note that you must upload your Letter of Acceptance twice, under:
- “Evidence of Work Requirement Study”
- “Letter of Acceptance of Letter of Enrollment / Registration”
- Note that you must upload your Letter of Acceptance twice, under:
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Step 2: 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.
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Step 3: Complete the eligibility questionnaire
Follow the guide below to complete the “Determine Your Eligibility” questionnaire:
Question | Response |
What would you like to do in Canada? | Work |
How long are you planning to stay in Canada? | Temporarily – more than six months |
What is your current immigration status in Canada? | Student |
Do you plan to work on campus? | No (because you are applying for a work permit, not amending study permit working conditions) |
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, dependent of yourcircumstances. |
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 |
To find your results, select “Co-op (in Canada)".
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Step 4: Generate your personal document checklist
Complete the questionnaire to generate your "personal document checklist”. This will outline all required forms you must complete as part of your application COWP application.
Question | Response |
Are you accompanying a family member who has status in Canada? | Yes or No, dependent on yourcircumstances.
|
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, dependent on yourcircumstances |
Are you giving someone access to your application?
| Yes or No, dependent on yourcircumstances. |
In the past 10 years, have you given your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for an application to come to Canada?
| Yes or No, dependent on your circumstances. May be required to submitbiometrics 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 |
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Step 4: Complete the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM5710)
- Complete the application form IMM5710 application form. Download Adobe Reader (free version) to open and fill the form.
- Do not use any special characters in the form.
- Section 1: Include your UCI (Universal Client Identification). This can be found on your study permit.
- “Details of Intended Work in Canada” section
- When answering “What type of work permit are you applying for?” select “Co-Op Work Permit”.
- Leave sections 2, 3, 4, 5 6, and 7 blank.
- Once complete, confirm that all information is accurate. Save the completed form to your computer and upload it to your application through your IRCC secure account.
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Step 5: After Applying
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.
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When should I apply?
Students are advised to apply for their co-op work permit COWP at least six months prior to the start of their co-op term. If you must provide biometrics, we recommend that apply for your co-op work permit more than six months in advance to allow for this extra step. Review processing times here.
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How much does the co-op work permit application cost?
There is no fee to apply for a co-op work permit, however you are required to pay fees when applying for a study permit application. Visit the IRCC Fees list webpage for more information on all citizenship and immigration related fees.
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Where can I work with a co-op work permit?
A co-op work permit allows you to work full-time for any employer in Canada as long as the work is integral to the completion of your program. A co-op work permit cannot be used for work that does not count towards academic credit at Trent University.
A co-op work permit will be issued with Trent University listed as the employer since the work is an integral part of your academic program at Trent. This does not mean that you cannot work for an employer other than Trent University.
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Is a job offer necessary when applying for a co-op work permit?
A job offer is not necessary when applying for a co-op work permit.
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Does a co-op work permit impact my regular study permit working permissions?
No. You may simultaneously hold a co-op work permit and work on- or off-campus with your study permit working conditions if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Do note, the co-op work permit only allows you to do the work approved by your co-op program within your co-op work term.
Do you have more questions about the application process or your eligibility for a co-op work permit? You can connect with us by:
- Email: internationaladvising@trentu.ca
- Book an Immigration Advising appointment: Student Experience Portal > Appointment Bookings > Trent International > Immigration Advising
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.