International Co-op Students

Co-op/Internship Work Permit Requirements

As an international student enrolled in a program that has a work requirement, including a co-op program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to have a valid co-op/internship work permit before starting your co-op/internship work experience. Without a co-op/internship work permit, you will not be legally allowed to work in a co-op position or in any work that is required by your program in Canada. Students who are refugees or convention refugees also require a work permit that authorizes them to work in addition to a study permit.

Diplomatic students should reach out to their contact at Global Affairs to learn if they require a special work permit to complete work for their studies. Diplomatic students whose parents will be leaving their posting, and diplomatic students who are turning 25, should reach out to their contact at Global Affairs to learn if they must apply for a study permit/work permit. They should do this 3 – 4 months before their situation is changing.

How to Apply for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit

If you are a student registered in a co-op program, the co-op/internship work permit confirmation letter to support your application with IRCC is accessible for you to download in HireAC. To download the letter, please follow the below instructions:

  1. Login to HireAC.
  2. Click on “Co-op” in the left-hand column.
  3. Click the three vertical dots in the bottom right-hand corner and select “Official Documents”
  4. Download the “Work Permit” PDF document.

Please review the “How to Apply” directions for guidance and tips on submitting your application to IRCC. Should you have any questions about the co-op/internship work permit requirements or process, please contact the International Education Centre.

Once you have applied and received your co-op/internship work permit, please notify the Co-op Department by uploading your work permit through the Co-op Work Permit Confirmation Form.

Additional Co-op Work Terms

As an international student, your co-op work permit stipulates that “Employment practicum cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study”, or another similar statement referencing a 50% maximum of work-integrated learning, including co-op.

As an example, a student who is participating in a program with 4 academic levels, is permitted to complete a maximum of 2 co-op work terms. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules are firm and students should not exceed these rules. If international students have questions, they can visit the IEC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Resources website.

Status in Canada

Students who have recently become permanent residents or Canadian citizens must update the college accordingly. If your status in Canada has changed, please send supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/ The Registrar’s Office will update the college system with your new status, and HireAC will be updated automatically within 24 hours.