Co-op Work Permit
What is a co-op work permit and why do I need it?
The co-op work permit allows international students to work when the work is for credit and is a required part of your Canadian academic program. A co-op work permit allows students to work full-time during regular school terms.
If you are enrolled in a co-op program, you are required to secure a specific Co-op Work Permit before you can begin working in Canada. Your co-op work permit will list the employer as “University of Guelph” and will allow you to work for any authorized co-op work term. Your study permit does not cover co-op work. The Off Campus Work Permit is different from the Co-op Work Permit.
It is illegal to start working before receiving your work permit, therefore CECS will not allow co-op students access to co-op job postings unless a copy of the co-op work permit has been provided and we have confirmed its validity.
Timelines
Because students must pass First Year Review before being eligible to continue in Co-operative Education, we do not encourage students to apply for a Co-op Work Permit until this process has been completed in May following the first year. Please refer to the below chart.
Program Start Date | COOP*1100 Taken | Co-op Work Permit Required by 1st Day of Job Search Semester |
---|---|---|
F18 | W19 | F19 (September 1st, 2019) |
F18 | F19 | W20 (January 1st, 2020) |
*Work permits can take 2-4 months to process so students are encouraged to apply for their co-op work permit at their earliest convenience following the successful passing of First Year Review.
Maintain your co-op work permit
The expiry date on your co-op work permit will normally coincide with the expiry date of your study permit. You may renew your co-op work permit at the same time you apply to extend your study permit. You will need an updated verification letter - contact the Co-op Office for the letter well in advance of the planned next co-op work term in order to ensure your renewal prior to being given access to co-op job postings.
To apply:
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Carefully complete the application form as specified.
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Include a verification letter from Co-operative Education & Career Services. Click here for information on how to request a letter.
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There is no fee required for your Co-op Work Permit because it is part of a co-op program.
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