International Co-op Work Permit

General Information:

  • If you are an international student and enrolled in a co-op program, you are required to have a co-op work permit before you start your work term. The co-op work permit will allow you to work if it is an integral part of your program and is for credit.
  • There is no fee for applying for a co-op work permit. 

Processing Time:

  • As an international student, you are strongly encouraged to apply for a co-op work permit as soon as you receive confirmation of your acceptance into the program, as it may take up to 6 months for processing times.
  • You can check estimated processing times for co-op work permits but be aware that these times are not guaranteed and are updated weekly.

    Note: When checking processing times, please choose "Temporary Residence (Visiting, Studying, Working)" from the first drop down list and "Work Permit from inside Canada (initial and extension)” from the second drop down list. 

Application Information: 

  • Visit Studying and working in Canada as an International Student to begin your online co-op work permit application.
  • For assistance, download the “Co-op Work Permit Application Guide” resource. The resource guide can be found under the header “Working, co-op and placements in Canada” in the large orange box. 
  • For questions regarding co-op work permits, please contact: katherine.mclean2 [at] mohawkcollege.ca (subject: International%20Student%20Co-op%20Work%20Permit) (katherine[dot]mclean2[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

Disclaimer: If there is a discrepancy between information in this webpage and the above government website, please refer to the government website as the most recent and accurate information. The information on this webpage is subject to change according to the regulations set out by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This information is intended to provide a general guide to Co-op work permit applications and does not constitute legal advice. It is the applicant's responsibility to answer questions as they relate to their own individual circumstances.