Co-op and internship programs

As an international student, can I take part in co-op and internship programs?

If you are in an academic, professional or vocational training program at a designated learning institution that requires work experience, such as a co-op or internship placement, you will need a work permit as well as a study permit.

To get a work permit, you must prove that the work experience is essential to completing your program. Acceptable proof could include a letter from the school you are attending or a copy of the school curriculum.

The work experience cannot be more than 50% of your total program of study.

If you are studying English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL), or participating in general interest or preparatory courses, you are not eligible for a co-op work permit.

For more information, see Work permits for students - Co-op and internship programs.

There’s a specific employment location on my co-op or post-graduation work permit. Can I work somewhere else?

It depends on where the employment location information is on your work permit.

If the location is under Additional Information

You can work in any location across Canada. You don’t need to apply to change your work permit. If you have a co-op work permit, your work must be required to complete your study program.

If the location is under Conditions or Remarks/Observations

You must work at the location on your permit. You must apply to change the conditions of your work permit if you want to work in a different location. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new work permit from within Canada. Select “Inside Canada” to find out how you can apply for your new permit. Include a letter explaining why you need the condition removed from your work permit with your application.

There’s a specific occupation on my co-op or post-graduation work permit. Can I work in a different field?

It depends on where the occupation information is on your work permit.

If the occupation is under Additional Information

You can work in any field. You don’t need to apply to change your work permit. If you have a co-op work permit, your work must be required to complete your study program.

If the occupation is under Conditions or Remarks/Observations

You must work in the field listed on your permit. You must apply to change the conditions of your work permit if you want to work in a different occupation. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a new work permit from within Canada. Select “Inside Canada” to find out how you can apply for your new permit. Include a letter explaining why you need the condition removed from your work permit with your application.

My co-op work permit says “not authorized to work for any employer other than stated”. What does it mean?

As a co-op student, your co-op work permit might say:

• you’re “not authorized to work for any employer other than stated”
• your school is your employer

This is to identify you as a co-op student. It means you can work for any employer that’s accepted by your school’s co-op program.

If your employer doesn’t understand this condition

If the condition on your work permit is causing problems for you with your employer, you may apply to remove the condition.

To do this, you must apply for a new work permit.

Include a letter explaining why you need the condition removed from your work permit (that is, it’s causing problems with your employer) with your application.

There is no fee for this.

If you change schools

If you change schools and stay in a co-op program, you must apply for a new work permit. This means your new co-op work permit will say your new school is your employer.

You won’t need to pay another application fee to change your co-op work permit conditions or for the new co-op work permit.