Can You Work in Co-op Without Co-op Work Permit Approval in Canada? Complete Guide by Globexa Immigration
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students because of its high-quality education and strong work opportunities. Many study programs include a mandatory co-op or internship, which allows students to gain practical work experience as part of their academic curriculum.
However, many students face a serious question:
Can you start working in your co-op or internship if your Co-op Work Permit is not approved yet?
In this detailed guide, Globexa Immigration explains everything you need to know about co-op work permits, working limits, eligibility, and what you should do if your co-op permit is still under process.
1. What is a Co-op Work Permit in Canada?
A Co-op Work Permit is a special work authorization that allows international students to work in positions that are mandatory for completing their academic program.
Many programs in Canada include co-op, such as:
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Healthcare programs
Trade programs
Engineering and technical programs
Business and management programs
In these programs, co-op is not optional. Without completing co-op, you cannot graduate.
The co-op portion can be:
Less than 50% of the total program, or
Equal to 50% of the total program length
But it cannot exceed 50%.
2. Can You Start Co-op Without Co-op Work Permit Approval?
The simple answer is:
No — you cannot work full-time in co-op without an approved Co-op Work Permit.
You must wait for approval before working unlimited hours in your co-op position.
However, there are some important exceptions and alternatives.
3. What If Your Co-op Work Permit Is Still Under Process?
This is a very common situation. Many students apply for a study permit, but sometimes the visa officer does not issue the co-op work permit initially.
In this case, you can still apply for a co-op permit separately. The good news is:
There is no government fee for a co-op work permit.
You can apply from inside Canada.
You will need:
College letter confirming co-op requirement
Valid study permit
Immigration forms
Explanation letter (SOP)
But while your permit is under process, you must follow strict work rules.
4. How Many Hours Can You Work Without Co-op Work Permit Approval?
If your co-op work permit is not approved yet, you can only work under regular student work rules.
You can work:
Up to 24 hours per week off-campus
Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks
Unlimited hours on campus (if co-op is on campus)
This means:
You can work in your co-op placement
But only up to 24 hours per week
You cannot work full-time until permit approval
5. Important Rule: Do Not Work More Than Allowed Hours
If your co-op work permit is not approved and you work more than 24 hours per week off-campus, you may face serious immigration consequences such as:
Study permit violation
Loss of status
Future visa refusal
PGWP rejection risk
Globexa Immigration strongly advises students to follow legal work limits carefully.
6. Can You Work Full-Time During Scheduled Breaks?
Yes.
If you are on a scheduled academic break, you can work unlimited hours even if your co-op permit is under process.
This is because during scheduled breaks, international students are legally allowed to work full-time.
This is a great opportunity to complete co-op hours while waiting for permit approval.
7. Special Case: Co-op Work on Campus
If your co-op or internship is inside your college or university campus, you can work unlimited hours even without co-op work permit approval.
This is because on-campus work is allowed without hour limits for full-time students.
8. What Happens After Co-op Work Permit Approval?
Once your co-op work permit is approved, you can:
Work unlimited hours in your co-op placement
Complete your mandatory internship
Gain valuable Canadian work experience
You can also continue working part-time (up to 24 hours/week) in another job while studying.
However, unlimited work hours apply only to your approved co-op employer connected to your college.
9. Who is Eligible for Co-op Work Permit?
To apply for a co-op work permit, you must:
Have a valid study permit
Be enrolled in a program requiring mandatory co-op
Have a letter from your college confirming co-op requirement
Ensure co-op is 50% or less of program duration
If your study permit has expired, you must first restore your status before applying.
10. Why Co-op Work Permit is Important
Co-op permits help students:
Complete graduation requirements
Gain Canadian work experience
Improve job opportunities
Strengthen PR applications
Build professional networks
Canadian work experience gained during co-op can also help in immigration programs such as provincial nominee programs.
11. Common Mistakes Students Must Avoid
Many students make serious mistakes such as:
Working full-time without co-op permit
Ignoring work hour limits
Not applying co-op permit on time
Working for unauthorized employers
These mistakes can affect your future immigration opportunities.
Globexa Immigration helps students avoid such risks and apply correctly.
12. How Globexa Immigration Can Help You
At Globexa Immigration, we assist students with:
Co-op Work Permit Applications
Study Permit Extensions
PGWP Applications
Spouse Open Work Permit
Visitor Visa Extensions
Canada PR Applications
Inland and Outland Applications
Our experienced team ensures your application is accurate and approved without unnecessary delays.
13. Final Conclusion
If your co-op work permit is not approved yet, you cannot work full-time in co-op. However, you can still work:
24 hours per week off-campus
Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks
Unlimited hours on campus (if applicable)
Once your co-op permit is approved, you can work full-time legally.
Following proper immigration rules is essential to protect your future in Canada.
