International Centre

Co‑op Work Permit

If you are enrolled in a program with a mandatory work-integrated learning component (e.g. co-op, internship, practicum), or if you are accepted into one of Dalhousie’s optional work-integrated learning/co-operative (co-op) education programs, you will need a Co-op Work Permit.

A Co-op Work Permit allows you to work full-time during an academic term if:

The co-op, internship, or practicum is a required part of your Dalhousie program; and,
Your Dalhousie program approves the co-op, internship, or practicum.

A Co-op Work Permit is required for work-integrated learning and co-op education opportunities that are on-campus or off-campus, paid or unpaid, during an academic term or during a scheduled break (e.g. summer), regardless of the number of hours.

You must have a valid Co-op Work Permit before the co-op, internship, or practicum begins. In some cases, you must have a valid Co-op Work Permit to be considered for available co-op, internship, or practicum opportunities. Apply early, or as part of your initial study permit application (refer to “Programs with Required Co-ops & Work Terms” section below), to avoid any delays with the start of your co-op, internship, or practicum.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Co-op Work Permit, all of the following must be true:

You have a valid study permit (or you’re in the process of applying for a study permit).
You’re required to complete a co-op, internship, or practicum as part of your Dalhousie degree program.
You have a letter from Dalhousie (e.g. admission letter) confirming that your degree program includes a required co-op, internship, or practicum.
Your co-op, internship, or practicum totals less than 50% of your degree program at Dalhousie.

In addition to a Co-op Work Permit, you also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.

For more information about the Co-op Work Permit, visit the following Government of Canada website.

Programs With Required Co-ops & Work Terms

If you’ve been accepted directly into a program with a mandatory work-integrated learning component (e.g. B. Commerce, Corporate Residency MBA), you should indicate this during your initial study permit application. You will then be directed to upload (for a second time) a copy of your admission letter as proof of the mandatory work-integrated learning. Once reviewed and approved as part of the application process, you will receive your study permit and Co-op Work Permit at the same time.

If you miss this step during the application process, you can apply for a Co-op Work Permit after you arrive in Canada. To avoid delays with the start of your co-op/internship, you should apply for a Co-op Work Permit during your first semester of studies at Dalhousie. Refer to the “How to Apply” section below for more information.

Optional Co-ops, Work Terms, & Internships

Dalhousie offers a variety of optional co-op and internship opportunities. Students are eligible to apply for an optional co-op or internship after their Dalhousie program begins. If your optional co-op/internship application is approved, the next step is to apply for a Co-op Work Permit (refer to the “How to Apply” section below).

For more information about Dal’s co-op programs, eligibility, and when/how to apply, visit the Work-Integrated Learning & Co-operative Education page.

How to Apply

The following steps and information are for Co-op Work Permit applicants who already have a valid study permit. If you are applying for a study permit for the first time, you can request a Co-op Work Permit as part of your study permit application.

Step 1: Log into your IRCC account through GCKey or Sign-in partner

If you are a new user, you will need to register for an online account through GCKey or Sign-in Partner. Save your password and username so you don't forget it.

Step 2: Click on ‘Apply to come to Canada'

You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on Visitor visa, study and/or work permit.

Answer all the questions that follow. Please use the Co-op Work Permit Eligibility Questionnaire Guide available in the navigation.

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and gather supporting documentation

Complete the IMM 5710 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy. You can find the guide to completing IMM5710 in the sidebar.
Gather the following supporting documents:
- digital photo (420x540 pixels)
- passport (only pages with stamps, visas, photos)
- co-op letter from department

Each document must be 4MB or less. Once you have all the documents ready, you should save them electronically as a pdf, jpeg or Word doc.

Step 4: Upload biometrics receipt (if applicable)

If you paid $85.00 CAD for biometric collection but have not yet completed biometrics, please upload your $85.00 receipt under “Optional Documents-Client Information”. Make sure to indicate YES to biometrics in the online questionnaire or you will be charged again.

Step 5: Submit the application

Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records. NOTE: there is no application fee for a Co-op Work Permit.

Important Information:

After you submit your application, IRCC may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.

Maintain Your Permit

The expiry date on your co-op work permit will normally coincide with the expiry date of your study permit. You may renew your co-op work permit at the same time you apply to extend your study permit. Check estimated processing times online but note that these times are not guaranteed.

Dalhousie University