Disclaimer

Disclaimer
The following guide was prepared by a licensed immigration professional in compliance

with section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
This is not a legal document and does not constitute legal advice.
Immigration information may change without notice and it is your responsibility to refer to
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information
and to be sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
IRCC is the authoritative source for immigration legislation, policies, instructions and
information.
The information in this guide is current as of June 1 , 2023 and is subject to change.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Co-op Work Permit

The Co-op Work Permit Application Process
Decoding your study permit
Starting an application
Completing the Application Package
Completing IMM5710
Completing IMM5709
Once you have uploaded your documents
After you apply
Quick References:
Eligibility questionnaire answers
Document checklist questionnaire answers
Understanding the Co-op Work Permit (COWP)
International students who are required to complete work (e.g. co-op, internship, practicum,
placement) that is integral to their academic program must apply for a co-op/internship
work permit. This applies whether the work is on or off campus, paid or unpaid, during the
academic year or during the summer, and regardless of the number of hours required for
work. Integral means that you cannot graduate from the program unless you complete the
work.
Why do I need a co-op work permit?

As you will be completing work for academic credit you will need authorization to do so. If
work is integral to your academic program, you are required to have a co-op work permit
before you start your work.
Am I eligible for a co-op work permit?

You are eligible to apply for a co-op work permit if:
The intended employment is integral to your academic program
You have a letter from your department indicating that the intended employment is
integral to your academic program
You have a valid study permit
The co-op or internship employment constitutes less than 50% of your program
You are not a medical intern or extern, nor a resident physician (except in veterinary
medicine)
International students enrolled in English as a Second Language, French as a Second
Language or general interest courses and programs, are not eligible to obtain a work
permit under the co-op work permit Program.
If you are unsure if your work is integral to your academic program or if you are eligible to
apply, please reach out to the International Advising Team internationaladvising@trentu.ca.
How to apply:
If accepted directly into a program requiring mandatory work, students can apply for
their co-op work permit at the same time as they apply for their initial study permit from
outside Canada.
Students accepted into a program requiring mandatory work later in their studies or
students who were not issued a co-op work permit at the Canadian port-of-entry (land
crossing or airport) and are eligible, can apply from within Canada.
When to apply:
Students are advised to apply for their co-op work permit at least 6 months before their
work requirement is due to start. If you must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo),
apply for your work permit earlier to allow for this extra step.
Understanding the Co-op Work Permit (COWP)
Where and when can I work with a Co-op Work Permit?

A co-op work permit is an open work permit that allows you to work full-time for any
employer in Canada as long as the work satisfies a mandatory requirement of your program
for which you will be registered for an internship or co-op course. It cannot be used for
internships that do not count for academic credit at Trent University.
This work permit only allows you to do the work approved by your program within your
work term. You are not allowed to use the co-op work permit to work outside the work
which is approved by your program even if the permit is still valid.
A co-op work permit will be issued with the institution (Trent University) listed as the
employer since the work is an integral part of your academic program at Trent. This does
not mean that you cannot work for an employer other than Trent University. Do note, a job
offer is not necessary when applying for a co-op work permit. Visit the IRCC website for
more information.
Can I work as per my study permit working conditions while holding a co-op work permit?
You may simultaneously hold a co-op work permit and work off-campus with your study
permit working conditions if you meet the eligibility criteria for each.

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The following guide was prepared by a licensed immigration professional in compliance

Understanding the Co-op Work Permit

Why do I need a co-op work permit?

Am I eligible for a co-op work permit?

Where and when can I work with a Co-op Work Permit?

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