Security Screening
Many advertised co-op positions require that a candidate obtain a security clearance to be hired. Algonquin co-op students typically have to go through clearances with different levels of scrutiny which include, Reliability Status, Secret Clearance, and Top Secret Clearance. When applicable, a job offer is conditional upon a student meeting any security clearance requirements for the position. Employers may also require that the student provides a Citizenship certificate or Immigrant Visa and a Record of Landing document.
Students cannot apply for security screening in advance, your co-op employer will facilitate this process for you.
Once you have accepted a position and your employer provides you with the security screening application, it is imperative that you complete and return the documentation to your employer as soon as possible. A delay in submitting your documentation may result in a delay in your co-op start date.
For more information directly from the Government of Canada website, click here.
If your security screening isn’t completed, and your start date is after the deadline to begin the work term, you will be withdrawn from co-op. In that case, you’ll need to either take a break from your studies, return to classes if available, or graduate if eligible.
If you have questions regarding obtaining a security clearance and the overall process, please contact your Co-op Student Advisor.
Reliability Status
5 year background information
- Verification of identity and background
- Verification of educational and professional credentials
- Personal and professional references
- Financial inquiry (credit check)
- Law enforcement inquiry (criminal record check)
Enhanced
- Law enforcement inquiry (Law enforcement record check (LERC))
- Security questionnaire and/or security interview
- Open source inquiry
Secret Clearance
Top Secret Clearance
Documents To Prepare