Do I need a 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. This includes opportunities that are on- or off-campus, paid or unpaid, and/or during an academic term or during a scheduled break (e.g. summer break), regardless of the number of hours.
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.
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 before being considered for available co-op, internship, or practicum opportunities. To avoid any delays with the start of your co-op, internship, or practicum, we recommend you apply early for a co-op work permit.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a co-op work permit, all the following must be true:
You have a valid study permit (or you are in the process of applying for a study permit).
You are 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 Government of Canada website.
When to apply for a co-op work permit
Programs with required co-ops and work terms
If you have 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.
Optional co-ops, work terms, and 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.
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.
If you already have an IRCC online account, log in as usual. If you are a new user, you must register for an account.
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. [PDF-471KB]
1. Complete the Government of Canada IMM 5710 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy. To help you, use the guide to completing the IMM 5710 form. [PDF-125KB]
2. 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.
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 by contacting international.centre@dal.ca 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.