International Co-op Students

Co-op/Internship Work Permit Requirements

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has indicated there may be changes coming to the co-op work permit requirements for international students. Until further notice, Co‑op students must continue to hold a valid Co‑op Work Permit to:

  • search and apply for Co‑op jobs
  • participate in a Co‑op work term

The International Education Centre will notify all impacted students if any changes are made to the IRCC Co‑op Work Permit requirement. If you have questions about your Co-op work permit or application process, please contact the International Education Centre.

Refugee and Convention Refugee Students
Students with refugee or Convention refugee status must hold both a valid study permit and an authorized work permit.

Diplomatic Students
Diplomatic students should contact their Global Affairs representative to confirm whether a special work permit is required. Those whose parents’ postings are ending, or who are turning 25, should also confirm whether they must apply for a study permit and/or work permit. Students are advised to do this 3–4 months in advance of any status change.

How to Apply for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit

If you are a student registered in a co-op program, the co-op/internship work permit confirmation letter to support your application with IRCC is accessible for you to download in HireAC. To download the letter, please follow the below instructions:

  1. Login to HireAC.
  2. Click on “Co-op” in the left-hand column.
  3. Click the three vertical dots in the bottom right-hand corner and select “Official Documents”
  4. Download the “Work Permit” PDF document.

Please review the “How to Apply” directions for guidance and tips on submitting your application to IRCC. Should you have any questions about the co-op/internship work permit requirements or process, please contact the International Education Centre.

Once you have applied and received your co-op/internship work permit, please notify the Co-op Department by uploading your work permit through the Co-op Work Permit Confirmation Form.

Additional Co-op Work Terms

As an international student, your co-op work permit stipulates that “Employment practicum cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study”, or another similar statement referencing a 50% maximum of work-integrated learning, including co-op.

As an example, a student who is participating in a program with 4 academic levels, is permitted to complete a maximum of 2 co-op work terms. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules are firm and students should not exceed these rules.

Status in Canada

Students who have recently become permanent residents or Canadian citizens must update the college accordingly. If your status in Canada has changed, please send supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro/askus/ The Registrar’s Office will update the college system with your new status, and HireAC will be updated automatically within 24 hours.