International students enrolled in the co-op program must have a valid co-op work permit before starting the work terms. You can submit this application at the same time as your study permit application. If you did not apply for your co-op work permit along with your study permit or did not receive one with your study permit, you will have to submit a separate application through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) while in Canada at least three months before the start date of your co-op placement.
To be eligible for a co-op work permit, you must meet the following conditions:
You must have a valid study permit.
Your intended employment must be an essential part of your program of study in Canada.
Your employment must be part of your academic program, certified by a letter from a responsible academic official of Algonquin College.
Your co-op or internship employment cannot form more than 50% (percent) of the total program of study.
Students in programs that require co-op placements involving hospitals settings or contact with families and children in Canada are required by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to submit a medical exam by a Panel Physician.Seehttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-temp.asp. Medical exams results are valid for 12 months. If you completed a medical exam for your visa application and it is still valid, you may be able to submit proof of this medical with your application for a co-op work permit. Additional information about co-op work permit application:
Apply at least 3 months before the Co-op Work Permit expiry date. Check the processing time for the work permit applications submitted inside Canada
Processing times for applications can take up to 110 – 145 days. Please begin the process to apply for Co-op Work Permit as soon as you are registered in co-op. You will not be allowed to work unless you have received your permit
Employer indicated on the co-op work permit is Algonquin College
No application fee required
If your application is approved, you will receive your Co-op work permit in the mail at the address you provided on your application form.
Document Checklist – Students Applying for a Co-op work permit:
Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM5710)
Proof of Medical Exam
Co-op Letter (You must complete and submit this Co-op Work Permit Letter Request Form three months prior to your first co-op work term)
Passport or travel document
Digital Photo
For more information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website
How to apply for a Co-op Work Permit:
General Tips on how to apply for a co-op work permit
Frequently Asked Questions
For details and information on how to apply for the various types of work permits, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp.
You can also go directly to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp
Tips for communicating with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
Contacting Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) by phone:
If you are calling from within Canada, you can call the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre by dialing 1-888-242-2100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm local time, except for statutory holidays. To speak to an agent, you can sometimes navigate through the automated messages by pressing 1-1-1-2-0.
If you have any further questions regarding to co-op work permit, please contact Engin Arslan, Cooperative Education Department at 613-727-4723 ext.6543.
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