Who needs a Co-op Work Permit?
VCC Programs with Practicum Experience (Co-op Work Permit Required)
How to Apply for a Co-op (Practicum) Work Permit
Most international students in Canada (study permit holders) enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) in programs requiring work experience (such as practicum, co-op, clinical training, internship, etc.) must obtain a co-op work permit before beginning any paid or unpaid work experience integral to their program curriculum.
If your VCC program mandates work experience, you must apply for a co-op work permit unless you possess an open work permit or another valid work authorization. Detailed practicum information can be found in your VCC Letter of Offer (LOO) or Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
The co-op work permit is exclusively for fulfilling mandatory work experience requirements within the student's program of study in Canada. It cannot be used for any work beyond the specified practicum experience.
Students holding a co-op work permit from another institution must apply for a new co-op work permit using the VCC letter.
| Credential | Program Name |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Administrative Professional |
| Certificate | Artisan Baking |
| Certificate | Esthetics and Spa Therapy |
| Certificate | Hairstylist |
| Certificate | Legal Administrative Assistant |
| Certificate | Medical Office Assistant |
| Certificate | Baking and Pastry Arts – Pastry |
| Dual Certificates | Baking and Pastry Arts |
| Diploma | Cosmetology |
| Diploma | Culinary Arts and Food Service Management |
| Diploma | Dental Technology Sciences |
| Diploma | Early Childhood Care and Education |
| Diploma | Fashion Design and Production |
| Diploma | Graphic Design |
| Diploma | Health Care Assistant |
| Diploma | Hospitality Management Diploma |
| Diploma | Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant |
| Bachelor's Degree | Bachelor of Applied Music |
| Post-Degree Diploma | Business Management |
Students participating in practicum/clinical placements involving work with children or in healthcare settings, such as Early Childhood Education, Health Care Assistant, Optician, or Dental Technology Sciences programs, are highly recommended to undergo a medical examination, even if it is exempt in their country of origin for their study permit application. Failure to do so may result in their co-op work permit being issued with a condition prohibiting work in these fields, rendering them ineligible to participate in the work experience training.
International students can apply for a co-op work permit (COWP) with their initial study permit application or study permit extension application. However, if you already have a valid study permit and you don’t have a co-op work permit, you may be able to apply for one from inside Canada on its own (online). IRCC doesn’t charge a fee for a co-op work permit application; however, you may be required to do the biometrics or medical exams depending on your occupation. Learn more by visiting Work as a co-op student or intern.
Before submitting your COWP application, ensure your program includes practicum work experience.
If you are applying for your study permit from outside Canada, it is strongly recommended that you also submit your co-op work permit application at the same time using your VCC LOA (Letter of Acceptance). If your program includes a work experience component, all relevant details about this will be outlined in your VCC letter.
When you apply for a study permit, the online system will ask whether “work is an essential component of your studies.” Selecting “yes” to this question will indicate to the system that your program includes a mandatory work component. After completing the online wizard’s questions, you will receive a personalized document checklist. The checklist will prompt you to upload your ‘Letter of Acceptance’ and ‘Evidence of Work Requirement in Study.’ Ensure you upload your VCC LOA (Letter of Acceptance) on both sections.
Upon approval of your application, your port of entry (POE) letter of introduction will detail information about your study permit and co-op work permit. Presenting this letter to the Canadian Border Service officer may result in the issuance of your study permit and co-op work permit documents simultaneously. Before leaving, carefully review the documents to confirm the accuracy of all information. It’s imperative not to leave without both your study permit and co-op work permit (if applicable). For further clarity on the necessary information your co-op work permit must contain, please visit Co-op and internship programs.
If your study permit will expire soon, it is recommended that you submit your co-op work permit application along with your study permit extension application. Please request a VCC study permit extension letter for this application. Select ‘yes’ under the question: ‘Do you need to extend your co-op work permit?'
When you apply to extend your study permit, the system will ask you whether “you also want to apply for a work permit.” Selecting “Yes, I wish to apply for a Co-Op Work Permit” for this question will signal to the system that your program includes a mandatory work component.
After completing the online wizard’s questions, you will receive a personalized document checklist. This checklist will prompt you to upload your ‘Letter of Acceptance’ and a ‘Co-op Letter.’ If you are a current VCC student, please upload a ‘Study Permit Extension Support Letter’ instead of a Letter of Acceptance in the same section. Please ensure that you upload the letters accordingly.
Upon approval of your application, you will receive a PDF letter in your IRCC secure account indicating that the original documents will be mailed to your provided address. It is important to ensure the accuracy of your address when submitting your application.
If you already have a valid study permit, you can apply for a co-op work permit independently.
When you apply for a Co-op Work Permit, the online system will ask whether “your work is an essential part of your studies.” Selecting “Yes” to this question indicates to the system that your program includes a mandatory work component and that you are applying for a co-op work permit on its own.
After completing the online wizard’s questions, you will receive with a personalized document checklist. The checklist will prompt you to upload your ‘Co-op Letter.’ Please ensure that you upload the VCC Co-op Letter you received by email within the first four weeks of the start of your program.
Upon approval of your application, you will receive a PDF letter in your IRCC secure account indicating that the original document will be mailed to your provided address. It’s essential to ensure the accuracy of your address when submitting your application.
For detailed instructions on how to submit a co-op work permit application independently online, please review the following resources:
Please review your co-op work permit to ensure all your information is accurate. Typically, your co-op work permit will identify “Vancouver Community College” as “Employer.” For further details, please visit the Co-op and internship programs page
Once you’ve verified your co-op work permit, kindly upload a copy of your co-op work permit to your myVCC account: Tutorial - How to Upload Document in myVCC.
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if applicable).
Visit the VCC Career Guidance page to help you prepare your Resume and Cover Letter.
The content on this page reflects the information available at the time of its publication. It is important to acknowledge that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other government departments regularly revise their policies. For the latest information, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Latest Updated: May 26, 2024
The content on this page reflects the information available at the time of its publication. It is important to acknowledge that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other government departments regularly revise their policies. For the latest information, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Latest Updated: December 3, 2024
