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McGill.CA / International Student Services / Work & Permits

Co-op/Internship work permit

Overview​​

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:

  • you have a letter from your department* confirming the mandatory nature of the work experience

  • you have a valid Study Permit

  • the employment in question is a requirement of your program

  • the employment constitutes 50% or less of your program

Important Information

Co-Op Work Permit Details:

  • Your co-op work permit is an open work permit that allows you to work anywhere in Canada as long as the work is a mandatory requirement of your program. NOTE: If the location is listed under the Conditions or Remarks/Observations section of your Coop Work Permit, you can only work at that location. If you want to work in a different location, you must apply to change the conditions of your work permit . To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new work permit from within Canada.
  • Although the co-op work permit is an open work permit, Immigration Canada may list “McGill University” as the employer on the work permit since the work is an essential part of your studies at McGill. This does not mean that you cannot work for an employer other than McGill. A co-op work permit allows you to work for any employer as long as the work satisfies a mandatory requirement of your program for which you will be registered for an internship or co-op course.
  • No job offer is necessary when applying for a Co-Op Work Permit.
  • You can check how long it will take before you get your Work Permit on the Government of Canada website. Select “Work permit extension (new employer)” for appropriate processing times.
  • The remarks at the bottom of your Co-Op Work Permit must indicate:

"Employment practicum cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study. Authorized to undertake employment which forms integral part of studies as certified by the institution."

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. Please see IRCC’s website for more information about the co-op work permit.

IMPORTANT: If you, your Program Coordinator or your employer are unsure whether your Coop Work Permit has the correct remarks and/or conditions, please contact us.

The Co-Op Support letter:

  • In support of your Co-Op Work Permit, you must provide a letter from your department indicating that the work is a compulsory component of the academic program that you are pursuing.

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

  • Scenario: You are applying for your Co-op /Internship Work Permit at the same time as applying for your Study Permit.

​For the above scenario, you will be applying online. ​​​

Applying Online

1. Go to the Apply Online page of the Immigration Canada website and fill out the "Check your Eligibility to Apply Questionnaire".​

  • After you have completed the first part of the questionnaire it will indicate that you may be eligible to come to Canada as a student. ​

  • You will then be prompted to continue with completing the questionnaire and when asked: “Is work an essential component of your studies?” you must indicate “Yes” (whether the placement is paid or unpaid).

  • At the end of the questionnaire, you will be provided with your personalized document checklist which will include the “Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM1294)” form that you are required to complete AND one of the supporting documents you will be required to upload is “Evidence of Work Requirement in Study” (i.e., your Co-Op letter).​​

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 IRCC secure account).

3. Log on to your IRCC Secure Account (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

  • You will not be asked any information about your co-op/internship work on this form.

  • Once this form is completed save it to your desktop as you will upload it as part of your study permit application which will be done through your IRCC Secure Account.

    NOTE: McGill's Immigration Canada (IRCC) Designated Learning Institution numbers (DLI#) are (please use the number that corresponds with the location indicated on your admission letter):

    • DLI# O19359011033

5. Upload required documents from within your IRCC Secure Account Account

  • Upload your saved “Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1294)” Form to your application;

  • When asked to upload your passport, be sure to include ALL stamped/marked pages of your passport;

  • Upload your Co-Op letter* or curriculum from your department or the Co-op/Internship Office at McGill stating that work is a necessary requirement for the completion of your studies.

  • If you are required to do a medical exam for your work permit application (see Jobs for which you need a medical exam), upload proof of this (i.e. a medical exam receipt). See PDF icon detailed instructions.

*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Mining Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Software Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Education students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Nursing 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.

**IMPORTANT: Immigration Canada plans to expand their biometrics program. You may be required to provide biometrics when applying for your co-op/internship work permit, for more information please see our News page.

6. Pay the required fees:

  • The Co-op/internship work permit is free (fee-exempt).​​

7. Wait to receive your Study Permit and Work Permit “letter of introduction” which will be issued to you through your IRCC Secure Account Account.

  • Print this letter as you will be required to present it to the Canadian Border Service Agent when you arrive in Canada. You will be issued your actual Study Permit and your Co-Op Work Permit documents at that time.

Applying from WITHIN Canada

  • Scenario: If you did not apply for your Co-Op Work Permit at the same time as you applied for your Study Permit then you can apply for your Co-Op Work Permit online inside of Canada.

    For the above scenario, you may apply online or at the border.

Applying Online

Biometrics requirement expanded to inside Canada applications: 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 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.

  • In reply to the question: “What would you like to do in Canada?” you must indicate “Work”.
  • In reply to the question: “What is your current immigration status in Canada?” you must indicate “Student”.
  • When asked if you are planning to work on campus, even if you are, you have to indicate "no”.
  • When asked: “Are you a full-time student at a participating post-secondary institution and want to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week?” you must indicate “no” even if you do.
  • In reply to the question: “Is your work an essential part of your studies (for example, a Co-Op or internship program)?” you must indicate “yes”.
  • After you have completed the first part of the questionnaire it will indicate that you may be eligible to work in Canada as a co-op student.
  • You will then be prompted to continue with completing the questionnaire.
  • At the end of the questionnaire, you will be provided with your personalized document checklist which will include the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada As a Worker (IMM 5710)” form that you are required to complete AND one of the supporting documents that you will be required to upload is your “Co-Op” letter.

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 IRCC secure account).

3. Log on to IRCC Secure Account (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

  • In Section 1 - Be sure to include your UCI (Universal Client ID - which can be found on your Study Permit)
  • In reply to Section 1 a/ of the “Details of Intended Work in Canada – What type of work permit are you applying for?” you must select “Co-Op Work Permit” from the drop-down menu.
  • Please leave sections 2, 3, 4, 5 6 and 7 of the “Details of Intended Work In Canada” part of the form blank
  • Once you have completed this form save it to your desktop as you will upload it as part of your application which will be done through your IRCC Secure Account Account

5. Upload required documents from within your IRCC Secure Account Account

  • Upload your saved “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada As a Worker (IMM 5710)” form to your application;
  • When asked to upload your passport, be sure to include ALL stamped/marked pages of your passport;
  • Upload your Co-Op letter* or curriculum from your department or the Co-op/Internship Office at McGill stating that work is a necessary requirement for the completion of your studies.
  • If you are required to do a medical exam for your work permit application (see Jobs for which you need a medical exam), upload proof of this (i.e. a medical exam receipt). PDF icon See detailed instructions.

*Materials Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Mining Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Software Engineering Co-op students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Education students can now obtain their co-op work permit letter here.

*Nursing 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:

  • The Co-op/internship work permit is free (fee exempt).
     

7. Wait to receive your “Work Permit “approval notice” which will be through your IRCC Secure Account.

  • Your actual Co-Op Work Permit will be sent to your mailing address in Canada.

Applying at the Border

As of December 23rd 2024, applying for a work permit at the land border by way of flagpoling is prohibited for most students. Therefore, we no longer recommend that students try to flagpole for their co-op work permit (CWP). Instead, we recommend that all students apply for their CWP online as soon as you have their department co-op letter.

Flagpoling occurs when foreign nationals who hold temporary resident status in Canada, leave Canada and, after a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry.

The processing time for a CWP can be long, If you are concerned that you might not be able to start your mandatory internship/co-op placement on time, contact ISS right away.

 

Additional Important Information

Extending your Co-Op Work Permit:

  • If you are required to extend your Co-Op Work Permit, please follow the same instructions as provided in the Section “Applying from WITHIN Canada” above.

The Co-Op Support letter:

  • In support of your Co-Op Work Permit, you must provide a letter from your department indicating that the work is a compulsory component of the academic program that you are pursuing.
     
  1. No job offer is necessary when applying for a Co-Op Work Permit.
  2. No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required to apply for a Co-Op Work Permit.
  3. Your Co-Op Work Permit will indicate “McGill” as your employer and it allows you to work for any authorized Co-Op Work Permit term but only for the job approved by the Co-Op program.
    • The remarks at the bottom of your Co-Op Work Permit must indicate:

"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 the 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 on the Government of Canada website. 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.

In addition to the information above, please also review ISS' FAQs page.

FAQs
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