Security Screening

Many co-op positions require candidates to obtain a security clearance before they can be officially hired.

Note: A job offer is conditional upon meeting the security clearance requirements. Employers may also request additional documentation as identified below.

Important Information About the Security Screening Process

  • You cannot apply for security screening in advance. Your co-op employer will initiate and manage this process.
  • Once you accept a position and receive the security screening application from your employer, it is critical to complete and return the documentation as soon as possible.
  • Delays in submitting your documents may result in a delayed start date or cancellation of your co-op work term, resulting in removal from the co-op program and/or return to classes.

For more information, visit the Government of Canada website.

What You Need to Know

By accepting a co-op job offer that requires security clearance:

  • You acknowledge and understand the type of personal information that will be requested and assessed.
  • If the employer cancels your security screening for any reason, your co-op job offer will be cancelled.
  • If you are unable to begin your co-op by the published deadline, your co-op work term will be cancelled.
  • If your work term is cancelled, you may need to:
    • Take a break from your studies
    • Return to classes (if available)
    • Graduate (if eligible)

Eligibility for Future Co-op Terms

  • Students enrolled in optional co-op programs with multiple work terms must successfully complete each co-op work term to remain eligible for subsequent work terms.
  • For students in mandatory co-op programs, please consult your Faculty Co-op Liaison for guidance specific to your program.

Reliability Status

5 year background information

Enhanced

Secret Clearance

10 year background information

Top Secret Clearance

10 year background information + foreign travel, foreign assets, character references, education, military service

Enhanced

Documents To Prepare

To streamline the process of submitting your security clearance, we highly recommend preparing the following documents during your Preparation semester:

  1. Letters of Reference and/or Police Clearance Certificates: Obtain these documents from the countries you have resided in over the past 5 to 10 years, depending on the required clearance duration. Contact the respective embassy/embassies for guidance on accessing these documents.
  2. Passport
  3. Resume
  4. Letters of Reference and/or Police Clearance Certificates: Obtain these documents from the countries you have resided in over the past 5 to 10 years, depending on the required clearance duration. Contact the respective embassy/embassies for guidance on accessing these documents.

For International Students, additional documentation may be necessary:

  1. Study Permit
  2. Co-op Work Permit 
  3. Translated Birth Certificate: If not in English or French.
  4. Provincial photo ID.
  5. Criminal Record Certificate: Obtain this from your country of origin
  6. Letters of Reference/Good Conduct/Proof of Employment: These should be from your previous employers in your home country.
  7. Proof of enrollment/attendance for schooling from the originating country: Provide documentation of schooling from your home country.

It’s important to note that individuals who have lived outside of Canada for more than six consecutive months within the required clearance period must account for their activities during that time. For further details and guidance, please refer to the Government of Canada website, specifically Appendix D – Evaluation, Decision-Making, and Review for Cause, Out-of-Country Checks.