Canada Co-op Work Permit

Many international students in Canada enroll in programs that include a mandatory co-op or internship component. These programs, such as Personal Support Worker (PSW), Early Childhood Education (ECE), healthcare programs, and trade courses, require students to complete practical work experience as part of their studies.

A common question students ask is:

Can you work as an intern or co-op student if your co-op work permit is not approved yet?

In this guide, Globexa Immigration explains the rules, limitations, and what you can do while your co-op work permit application is under process.

1. What is a Co-op Work Permit in Canada?

A Co-op Work Permit allows international students to work in positions that are mandatory for their study program. This work experience is required for graduation and is directly linked to their course curriculum.

Key points:

Co-op must be a mandatory part of your study program
It can be up to 50% of your total program duration
You must have a valid study permit
There is no government fee for a co-op work permit

Without completing co-op requirements, students may not be able to graduate.

2. Can You Start Co-op Without Co-op Work Permit Approval?

The simple answer is:

No — you cannot work unlimited hours in co-op without co-op work permit approval.

However, there are limited situations where you can still work under student work rules.

3. What You Can Do If Your Co-op Work Permit Is Still Under Process

If you already applied for your co-op work permit but have not received approval yet, you can still work under the following conditions:

1. Work up to 24 Hours Per Week (Off-Campus)

If you have a valid study permit, you can work:

Maximum 24 hours per week
This applies to both part-time jobs and co-op placements
You should use these 24 hours for your co-op instead of other jobs

You cannot work more than 24 hours per week off-campus until your co-op work permit is approved.

2. Work Unlimited Hours During Scheduled Breaks

If you are on an official scheduled break (such as summer or winter break), you can:

Work unlimited hours
Complete more co-op hours during this period
Gain valuable work experience legally

This is a great opportunity to progress in your co-op while waiting for permit approval.

3. Work Unlimited Hours If Co-op Is On-Campus

If your internship or co-op placement is inside your college or university campus, you can:

Work unlimited hours
This is allowed under student work rules
No co-op work permit approval is required for on-campus work

4. What Happens After Your Co-op Work Permit Is Approved?

Once your co-op work permit is approved, you can:

Work unlimited hours in your co-op placement
Complete all required internship hours
Work with the specific employer assigned or approved by your college
Also work up to 24 hours per week in other part-time jobs

This allows you to gain more experience and earn additional income.

5. Important Rules You Must Follow

Only Work With Approved Co-op Employer

Co-op work must be:

Approved by your college or university
Related to your study program
With the employer assigned or approved by your institution

You cannot work unlimited hours for random employers without co-op permit approval.

Do Not Work More Than Allowed Hours

Working more than allowed hours without proper authorization can:

Violate immigration rules
Affect your future visa or PR applications
Lead to serious immigration consequences

Always follow legal work limits.

6. Can You Apply for Co-op Work Permit Separately?

Yes. If your co-op work permit was not approved with your study permit, you can apply separately.

Requirements include:

Valid study permit
Letter from your college confirming co-op requirement
Explanation letter (SOP)
Immigration forms and documents

There is no government fee for co-op work permit application.

7. Who Is Eligible for Co-op Work Permit?

You are eligible if:

You have a valid study permit
Co-op is mandatory for your program
Co-op is 50% or less of your total study program
Your college provides an official co-op letter

8. What If Your Study Permit Is Expired?

You may still apply by:

Restoring your student status within 90 days
Applying for study permit restoration
Applying for co-op work permit

However, restoring status is not ideal. Always apply before expiry.

9. Example Programs That Require Co-op

Common programs include:

Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Healthcare programs
Trade programs
Business and IT diploma programs
Hospitality and management courses

These programs require practical training for completion.

10. Why Co-op Work Permit Is Important for Your Career

Benefits include:

Gain Canadian work experience
Improve chances of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Improve chances of Permanent Residency (PR)
Build professional network
Increase job opportunities in Canada

Co-op experience plays a major role in long-term immigration success.

How Globexa Immigration Can Help You

Globexa Immigration provides professional assistance with:

Co-op Work Permit applications
Study Permit extensions
Inland and outside Canada applications
PGWP applications
Canada PR pathways
Student and work visa support

Our experienced team ensures accurate documentation and smooth application processing.