Co-op work permit resources

Student having conversation with advisor.

As an international student in a co-op program, getting your work permit is a necessary step to working in Canada.

We are here to help. The resources below can help answer any questions you may have about obtaining your work permit. Our international employment specialist (IES) for international visa students will also be in touch to support you throughout the process.

The University has a dedicated team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) that provide free and confidential services to Waterloo students. Learn more about the RCIC team and available resources.

Changes to temporary policy for students in co-op

In October 2022, IRCC announced that study permit holders in Canada meeting certain conditions could work more than 20 hours per week for off-campus employers.  This policy also enabled eligible co-op students to work in Canada for co-op credit without a co-op work permit. This policy went into effect on November 15, 2022 and was extended until April 30, 2024.

The Government of Canada has announced that the temporary policy will not be extended beyond April 30, 2024.  As such, all student permit holders will require a co-op work permit in order to undertake work terms in Canada.  For more information, please refer to IRCC’s news release.

Applying for your co-op work permit

If you are in a co-op program, you must have your co-op work permit before your first work term in Canada. It is essential to maintain your co-op work permit status during all your co-op work terms.

A month before your studies begin, our international employment specialist (IES) for international visa students will be in touch. The IES can help outline the process. You will need to confirm with the IES when you receive your co-op work permit so that you can proceed with your Canadian work terms. Please note:

  • You should apply for the co-op work permit while you apply for your study permit. This can be done in one application. Having both permits issued when you begin your studies will ensure that you can start your work terms as scheduled.
  • If you are unable to apply for your co-op work permit before coming to Canada, please apply as soon as possible after you arrive. Processing times can be as long as six months. The current processing times are available on the Government of Canada website.
  • An IES will send you periodic reminders to keep up to date on your co-op work permit application status. The more information we have, the more likely it is that we can help.
  • Once you receive your co-op work permit, submit a copy to the IES as soon as possible. Without proof of your work permit, you will not be authorized for work terms in Canada.
  • Ensuring that you have the necessary permit to legally work in Canada is your responsibility. We will be in touch regularly to make sure you have all the information you need to obtain your co-op work permit on time. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out for support immediately.

Frequently asked questions about co-op work permits

I am in Canada, but do not have my co-op work permit. How do I apply?

Follow the detailed application steps for the co-op work permit on the Student Success Office website.

Do I need a co-op work permit to work outside of Canada?

No, a co-op work permit is only needed to work inside of Canada. However, we encourage all international visa students to obtain their co-op work permit along with their study permit so that they can consider Canadian co-op opportunities.

Note: Working in other countries will require authorization based on that country’s immigration laws. Learn more about working outside of Canada.

Can I work while waiting for my co-op work permit?

According to the condition of your study permit, you may be eligible to legally work while waiting for your co-op work permit. However, this work does not count for co-op credit. Your co-op work term can only officially begin once you are on a scheduled co-op work term (not a study term) and you have a valid co-op work permit.

If your co-op work permit application is still in process at the start of your work term, please contact our International Employment Specialist immediately to help assess your situation.

What happens if my co-op work permit does not arrive in time for the start of my work term?

If you are concerned about receiving your co-op work permit in time, please our International Employment Specialist immediately to help assess your situation. Our team may be able to work with you and your employer to delay your work term start date while you wait for your co-op work permit.

If I work during my study term can it count toward my co-op credit?

No. Although the conditions of your study term may allow you to legally work in Canada during your study term, this work does not count for co-op credit. Your co-op work term can only officially begin once you are on a scheduled co-op work term (not a study term) and have a valid co-op work permit.

Please contact the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant team for more information.

I had a co-op work permit, but it has expired. Can I start my next work term?

If you applied to extend your work permit before it expired, you may still be eligible to work at the discretion of your employer. If you did not apply for an extension before expiry, you may need to re-apply for the co-op work permit. Contact our IES immediately if your co-op work permit has expired.

Do I need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if I have a co-op work permit?

I need immigration advice. Who can I contact?

Have more questions?

If you have outstanding questions after reviewing the resources above, we’re here to help! Our international employment specialist is here to support you through the process. If your specific questions need guidance from our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, we can connect you with them or you can contact them directly.