Co-op Work Permits

1. Check Your Eligibility: Verify that you meet all the requirements to apply for a Co-op Work Permit. Review the information about applying for Co-op Work Permits:

   Co-op Work Permit Student Working Eligibility and Immigration Resources

   • Co-op Student Working Eligibility
   • Immigration Advising Resources

   Watch the video 'How to Apply for a Co-op Work Permit'

   Remote video URL
2. Request a Co-op Work Permit Letter: After enrolling in COOP 1101, request a Co-op Work Permit Letter from the Co-op office. This is a crucial document that you will need to include in your Co-op Work Permit application. You can request your Co-op Work Permit Letter using the form below.

3. Apply for Your Co-op Work Permit: Complete your application online via the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website. For questions or guidance on applying for your Work Permit, reach out to KPU International Advising Office for assistance. You can use this guide to complete your Co-op Work Permit Application. 

   Co-op Work Permit Expiring? Apply for an Extension to Maintain Your Status

   If your Co-op Work Permit is about to expire, it’s important to apply for an extension as soon as possible to avoid any interruptions to your Co-op eligibility or employment. To maintain your status and continue working while waiting for a decision from IRCC, you must submit your application online before your current permit expires — specifically, before 11:59 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on the expiry date listed on your document. You must apply through your IRCC Secure Account by selecting “Apply to come to Canada” and choosing “Work Permit from inside Canada (initial and extension)”. If you apply on time, you will have what IRCC calls "maintained status" (formerly known as implied status), meaning you can continue working under the same conditions as your original permit while your extension is being processed.  Please remember that your Co-op Work Permit cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of your Study Permit. If your Study Permit is also expiring soon, you must submit applications to extend both your Study Permit and your Co-op Work Permit at the same time. IRCC requires that you include a valid Letter of Acceptance from your institution and a Co-op Letter of Confirmation when applying for the Co-op Work Permit extension. After you have submitted your extension application, please inform the Co-op office immediately so we can update your records and ensure your Co-op status remains active. If you need any help with the application process, please connect with a KPU International Advisor for support.

   Act promptly to extend it, ensuring uninterrupted access to Co-op jobs or continued employment with your employer. Applying for an extension or status change before your current document expires can grant you 'maintained status.' Submit your application online before midnight UTC on the expiry date, allowing you to continue your activities as per your original document's conditions during IRCC's decision process. This is essential for Co-op students to maintain access to Co-op opportunities. Your Co-op Work Permit will not be issued beyond the validity of your study permit. If your study permit is expiring soon, you will need to extend both documents together. Please inform us if you've applied for a work permit extension to prevent any disruptions to your Co-op Status. If you need guidance, don't hesitate to contact a KPU International Advisor.

4. FINAL STEP - Submit Your Co-op Work Permit or Approval Letter in Career Connection: Once you receive either your initial Co-op Work Permit Approval Letter (IMM5754) through the IRCC account or your actual Co-op Work Permit (IMM1442-B) in the mail, you can submit these documents in Career Connection.

   Steps to submit your Co-op Work Permit in Career Connection

   1. Log into Career Connection

   2. Similar to uploading a resume in Career Connection, navigate to your profile and select 'My Documents'

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   3. Click 'Add New' to open the form to submit your document
   4. Make sure to select 'Co-op Work Permit' as the document type. (Your submission will be reviewed and verified and your Co-op status will be updated based on the completion of your requirements.)
   5. Click 'Submit'

   1. Log into Career Connection
   2. Similar to uploading a resume in Career Connection, navigate to your profile and select 'My Documents'
   3. Click 'Add New' to open the form to submit your document
   4. Make sure to select 'Co-op Work Permit' as the document type. (Your submission will be reviewed and verified and your Co-op status will be updated based on the completion of your requirements.)

   Access to Co-op Jobs or Continuance of Work Term

   After submitting a valid Co-op Work Permit or extending your Co-op Work Permit, your Co-op eligibility will be reevaluated based on your program continuance requirements to grant you access to Co-op job opportunities.

   Once you have a valid Co-op Work Permit, your Co-op eligibility will be re-evaluated based on the continuance requirements to either grant you or allow you to continue to have access to Co-op job opportunities. If you are in a 'maintained status', you may be granted access to Co-op jobs. If you are already in a placement, you can continue working with your employer while waiting for your Co-op Work Permit. Follow the steps below to submit these documents.

Timing is everything. The sooner you obtain your work permit, the earlier you can apply for jobs and secure a placement. Make sure to start your Co-op Work Permit application as soon as you enroll or complete COOP 1101. Please note that the typical processing time for Co-op Work Permits in Canada can range from 3 to 5 months. It's crucial to plan ahead to ensure you don't miss any opportunities. You can check the processing times here.