Important Notice: Flagpoling
Given the current restriction on all non-essential travel at the Canada-U.S. border, we are advising all students – including those with U.S. citizenship – not to flagpole at a US/Canada land border in order to apply for their work permits. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that travelling for the purpose of obtaining immigration services is non-essential. We are therefore recommending that students apply online for their work permits at this time.
Before reviewing the information below, please see ISS' COVID-19 FAQs and resources pages for up to date information on the impact of COVID-19 on immigration related matters.
International students who must participate in a mandatory co-op/internship/practicum/placement (i.e. one that is a requirement for their program) must apply for a co-op work permit. 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 involved.
If accepted directly into a program requiring an internship (e.g. B.Ed., MBA), students can apply for their co-op/internship work permit at the same time as they apply for their initial Study Permit.
Because of current processing delays, students are advised to apply for their co-op/internship work permit 6 months before their internship is due to start.
Note: This application is fee exempt (i.e. free).
You are eligible for this permit if:
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Important InformationCo-Op Work Permit Details:
"Only for work forming an essential/integral part of the course as per McGill University." If the above remarks do not appear, it is best to ask for a correction while you are at your Port of Entry (e.g. land border or airport). If you applied for your co-op work permit online or you have left the border, you may need to apply for a work permit amendment.
The Co-Op Support letter:
If you have problems with your online application then Contact the Immigration Canada Call Centre at 1.888.242.2100 Additional detailed information about the Co-Op Work Permit is available on Immigration Canada's "Co-op/Internship" page. |
INSTRUCTIONS - HOW, WHERE, WHEN to APPLY |
Applying from OUTSIDE of Canada
For the above scenario you will be applying online. Applying Online1. Go to the Apply Online page of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the "Check your Eligibility to Apply Questionnaire".
2. Print the “Document Checklist” that you are provided at the end of the questionnaire and write down the personal reference code provided on the first line of your “Document Checklist” (you will need it in order to initiate your study permit/co-op work permit application through your MyCIC account). 3. Log on to MyCIC (or register for an account - also known as a "GC Key" - if you don't have one already) – Refer to Steps 5, 6 and 7 on your “Document Checklist” for instructions. 4. Complete the “Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” PDF Form provided
5. Upload required documents from within your MyCIC Account
*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here. 6. Pay the required fees:
7. Wait to receive your Study Permit and Work Permit “letter of introduction” which will be issued to you through your MyCIC Account.
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Applying from WITHIN Canada
Applying OnlineBIOMETRICS REQUIREMENT EXPANDED TO INSIDE CANADA APPLICATIONS: As of December 3, 2019, you must submit biometrics in order to extend or apply for an immigration document from inside Canada – e.g. study permit, work permit, visitor record, and temporary resident visa (TRV/Visitor Visa/Entry Visa). See the ISS News Section (December 3, 2019 entry) and Immigration Canada’s website for more information. U.S. citizens are currently exempt from having to provide biometrics. For a full list of exemptions, see Immigration Canada’s website. 1. Go to the Apply online page of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the Check your eligibility to apply questionnaire.
2. Print the “Document Checklist” that you are provided at the end of the questionnaire and write down your personal reference code provided on the first line of your “Document Checklist” (you will need it in order to initiate your co-op work permit application through your MyCIC account).
3. Log on to MyCIC (or register for an account - also known as a "GC Key" - if you don't have one already) – Refer to Steps 5, 6 and 7 on your “Document Checklist” for instructions.
4. Complete the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada As a Worker (IMM 5710)” PDF Form provided
5. Upload required documents from within your MyCIC Account
*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here. ALL groups should include their letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment - which confirms that they are completing a co-op program - along with the Department letter. 6. Pay the required fees:
7. Wait to receive your “Work Permit “approval notice” which will be through your MyCIC Account.
Applying at the Border1. Although we cannot guarantee that you will be issued a Co-Op Work Permit at the Canadian port-of-entry/border you have the option of applying for it - and obtaining it the same day - if you are TRV-exempt, meaning either:
2. The closest land borders that process Co-Op work permits are:
* We generally recommend student go to the Lacolle/Champlain border crossing to apply for their Co-Op Work Permit. If you don't have access to a car, you can take a bus to the border.
*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here. NOTE: Make sure that you clearly state that you are a McGill student and that the work is an integral part of your studies at McGill.
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Additional Important InformationExtending your Co-Op Work Permit:
The Co-Op Support letter:
"Only for work forming an essential/integral part of the course as per McGill University." If the above remarks do not appear, it is best to ask for a correction while you are at border. If you applied online or have left the border, you may need to apply for a Work Permit amendment. You can check how long it will take before you get your Work Permit here. Processing times vary according to where you apply, the volume of applications the time of year.
If you have problems with your CIC online application then Contact the Immigration Canada Call Centre at 1.888.242.2100
Additional detailed information about the Co-Op Work Permit is available on Immigration Canada's "Co-op/Internship" page.
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