Co-op Work Permit

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/internship work permit (COWP). This applies whether the work is on or off campus, paid or unpaid, during the academic year or during the summer, and regardless of the number of hours required for work. Integral means that you gain academic credit for the work and 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 have a letter from your department indicating that the intended employment is integral to your academic 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 programs, are not eligible to obtain a work permit under the co-op work permit program.

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.
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.
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 which requires work experience after you arrive in Canada (i.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.

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 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 > Immigration Advising.

Application Guide:

Click here for a comprehensive guide on submitting an application for a co-op work permit

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 compete a questionnaire to determine your eligibility.

Questionnaire Tips:

"What would you like to do in Canada? Indicate "work"
"What is your current immigration status in Canada?” Indicate “student”
"Are planning to work on campus", (even if you are) Indicate "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?” indicate “no” (even if you do)
“Is your work an essential part of your studies?” Indicate “yes”
It should then indicate you are eligible to work in Canada as a co-op student. You will continue to complete the questionnaire after this to take you to the document's checklist page.

To complete the document's checklist, you will need:

official letter from your program stating that the intended employment is part of your program of study,
photocopies of a valid passport,
photocopies of study permit,
and to complete the application form IMM5710

Complete the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada As a Worker (IMM 5710)

You must download the form to your computer and open from your downloads - it will not open in the web-browser
Section 1 - include your UCI (Universal Client ID - 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, 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

Question	Answer
When should I apply?	Students are advised to apply for their COWP at least 6 months prior to the start of their co-op term. If you must provide biometrics, apply for your co-op work permit earlier to allow for this extra step. Review processing times here.
How much does the application cost?	As of June 1, 2023, the application is free (subject to change).
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 your program. It cannot be used for work that does not count towards academic credit at Trent University. A COWP 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.
Is a job offer necessary when applying to a COWP?	A job offer is not necessary when applying for a COWP.
Can I work as per my study permit working conditions while holding a co-op work permit?	You may simultaneously hold a co-op work permit and work off-campus with your study permit working conditions if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. Do note, the COWP only allows you to do the work approved by your co-op program within your co-op work term.
What if I have additional questions about the co-op work permit?	Email internationaladvising@trentu.ca or Book an Immigration Advising appointment on the Student Experience Portal Appointment Bookings > Trent International > Immigration Advising.

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.

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