Co-op Work Permit

Co-op work permits and off-campus work authorization

If you meet certain requirements, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit for placements that will take place in winter 2024. For details, please see  the IRCC website Work as a co-op student or intern – Canada.ca

Depending on the date IRCC received your study permit application, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit. New

If IRCC received your application on or before October 7, 2022

The temporary public policy to work more than 20 hours per week off campus has been extended until April 30, 2024.

This temporary public policy is in effect from November 15, 2022, to April 30, 2024. If you are eligible for part or all of this period of time, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit.

You don’t need to apply for a co-op work permit if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Your study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus.
  • The entire co-op placement takes place between November 15, 2022, and April 30, 2024.
  • You are eligible for the off-campus work hours public policy for the entire period of the co-op placement.

If you don’t meet the above criteria, you need to apply for a co-op work permit.

If IRCC received your application between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023

Under a new temporary public policy, eligible students are permitted to work off campus without a work permit for more than 20 hours per week during a regular academic sessions.

This temporary public policy is in effect from January 1 to April 30, 2024. If you are eligible for part or all of this period of time, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit.

You don’t need to apply for a co-op work permit if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Your study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus.
  • The entire co-op placement takes place between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024.
  • You are eligible for the off-campus work hours public policy for the entire period of the co-op placement.

If you don’t meet the above criteria, you need to apply for a co-op work permit.

 

Who must apply:

Students in these Fleming programs must apply for a Coop Work Permit prior to arrival in Canada, or upon arrival:

ACM BTF CTY EMD FHP LSR PN SAG
AI CBS CYW EMP FW MAC POA SW
AQU CHM DA EMT GBE MPH
 PWS/PWL SWM
AQF CHT DMD EMX GDV PF
 RDB THR
AR CIC DSW EPG HCA PFD
 RLD TV
AWS CJS
 EC EST HIM PHM
 RLS UF
BAD CM
 ED ETY HTR/HRW winter intake PLG
 RSV UFT
BHC CSI
 EDD EVC LCK PMD
 RT

Optional Co-ops: Some programs are eligible for an optional co-op. If you are considering applying, see an international student advisor to discuss requirements.

Current Processing Times: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

How to Apply

Instruction Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5580-applying-work-permit-student-guide.html

Required documents: You will require a Co-op Letter from Fleming College to apply:

Outside Canada, prior to arrival: apply for the Co-op Work Permit when you apply for your study permit & use page 4 of your Fleming offer of admission package, called “Co-op Work Permit Information”

In Canada, request an updated Co-op letter here: https://forms.office.com/r/hvc2nJ2kic (7 – 10 business days required).

Do not apply at the border without seeing a Regulated Advisor first.

Please note: If you have changed programs since you received your Fleming offer letter, speak to an advisor about whether you need a new letter. If you have changed Designated Learning Institution (college), you must apply online to change conditions and be approved before starting.

  1. Create a Government of Canada account: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html – log in and “Start an Application/Apply to Come to Canada”
  2. Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire, making sure to answer yes to the question “Is your work an essential part of your studies?”
  3. Here is a sample with questions and answers for the Eligibility Questionnaire
  4. Upload the required documents, see Document Checklist by using Internet Explorer: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5583e.pdf
  5. Submit it

Immigration Medicals: an updated medical examination with a panel physician may be required if your placement will require you to work with children or the elderly, as hospital staff, laboratory or agricultural worker. Students are advised to refer to and follow the specific IRCC instructions for completing an immigration medical. Failure to do so may result in processing delays.

Watch the step-by-step tutorial here

More questions?

Email international@flemingcollege.ca 

Please note: Immigration Regulations are legislated by the Federal Government of Canada and are subject to change at any time without notice. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations at all times during their studies and while in Canada. Fleming College staff are not authorized to provide advice on immigration-related matters, unless they are Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC). Applicants and students should consult the IRCC website at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html  or contact the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to clarify immigration-related questions.