Credited internship program as part of your study program

We are currently updating this page. Please refer to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for up to date procedures.

A credit co-op work program permit enables you to work in an organization as part of a co-op work program. 

• This co-op internship must be an integral part of your program of study and must be compulsory to obtain your diploma. 
• You therefore receive credits for the time you spend working in the organization and you can even earn a salary for your work. For more information about internships, please consult the online publication from the Career and Management Services website for more details.
• This application can be made online (suggested) or sent by mail. The co-op work program permit is free.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to work off-campus? 

An international student who would like to work off-campus must absolutely apply for a work permit before starting to work, regardless of the type of Co-op and internship programs: with or without salary, full or part time.

Who may apply for a co-op work program permit? 

Students whose work experience is an integral part of their study program (compulsory or credit co-op work program) may apply for a work permit for co-op work. Students doing observation work as part of a co-op program (as part of research work, for instance) can also apply. 

Where do I apply?

You must apply by mail at the Immigration Canada. All relevant information and forms can be found at: 

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work-students.asp 

Students will be required to confirm their student status (passport, Québec acceptance certificate (CAQ), and valid study permit). They will also need to provide a letter from the Registrar's office (5.120) confirming that the co-op work program is an integral part of their study program.

If your internship is credited but not mandatory in your program you must have it recognized by the Administrative Directive of your program (5.380, Decelles) then request for a letter stating that your intership is part of your program at the Registrar's Office (5.120, Decelles).

Can I use my work off-campus permit for my mandatory internship?

The work off-campus permit limits to twenty hours per week the work time permitted during the school semester and is generally not adapted for the internship.  During summer time a work off-campus permit holder could use it for the internship.

Are there any application costs?

In the case of co-op work program that is an integral part of the study program, there are no permit application fees. Keep in mind that you MUST register to a private medical insurance to cover you for the duration of your trip outside Canada as the RAMQ will not cover you outside Québec and the Sun Life only cover you for the first 60 days. Attention, a credited internship also means that you still have to pay your tuition fees for that semester. 

How long will it take before I get an answer?

The average processing time to receive your permit is 25 days (check the current processing time at the time of your application).

Are there any other conditions to fulfill?

Any student who works must also apply for a Social Insurance Number.

Can I enroll into a non-credited internship?

You are not allowed to do an internship during school time but it is permitted during summer time. 

What are the precautions to consider about immigration?

If your internship is during summer time, it will not influence your academic path. If your internship is during a regular semester (fall or winter), you could have to renew your CAQ and study permit. Please contact the BAEI for more details about this situation.

If your internship takes place after you completed 90 credits, you must request your post-graduation work permit within 90 days after the semester where you completed those credits is over. You must contact the BAEI for the procedures about this situation.