Co-op/internship permit

Learn more about co-op/internship work permits

Does your program include an internship? If so, you will need a co-op/internship work permit before your internship begins.

You may be issued a work permit along with your study permit when you enter Canada. This work permit is most likely your internship/co-op work permit. Check the information and remarks carefully. An internship/co-op work permit will indicate the employer is Royal Roads University.

If you have received only a study permit at the port of entry, you can apply for your co-op/internship permit separately within Canada.

Note: You can also apply for the co-op/internship work permit in the same application as a study permit extension. Please follow the study permit extension step-by-step guide. The information on this page is for students applying for a co-op work permit only.

The immigration information on this webpage is provided as a service to students and has been reviewed and endorsed by a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. This is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most updated information.

Applying for a co-op/internship work permit from inside Canada

When to apply?

As early as possible and at least 6 months before the deadline to submit your internship contract to your Internship Advisor

How to apply?

You must apply online, unless you cannot due to a disability or a problem with the online application form

If you are outside Canada and want to apply for a co-op/internship work permit, please visit IRCC website for more instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a medical exam?

Students typically only need a medical exam for a co-op or internship work permit if the job requires protecting public health or if they have lived or travelled to certain countries or territories for six months or more in the past year. Jobs requiring a medical exam include those in healthcare settings, clinical laboratories, schools, childcare, and other roles involving close contact with people. Students who need a medical exam must complete one before they begin work.

My co-op permits say:

Work hours

Internship students: Eligible to work full time during internship under the internship/co-op work permit. Internship students may also work under their study permit: part time off-campus and/or full time on-campus on study permit.

Internship ended or work that is not for an approved internship: Not eligible to work full time under the internship/co-op work permit even if it’s valid. Students can work part time off campus and/or full time on campus under their study permit if meeting the eligibility criteria.

Processing time

Processing times vary. Visit this IRCC page to check current processing times.

Co-op/Internship permit fee

No fee for Co-op Permit
$85 CAD for Biometric (if required)

Application fees vary. If required, you will pay fees online after you upload all the documents.

You can find information on fees in the application guides.

Application form and IRCC guide for in-Canada application

IMM5710 - Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a worker

Guide 5580 - Applying for a Work Permit - Student Guide - online application

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Steps to submit the co-op/internship work permit online application

Find out if you're eligible to apply

If you are applying for the co-op work permit online, you will answer a few questions before IRCC provides you the option to continue with your Co-op (IN CANADA) application. The eligibility requirements, document checklists and applications for immigration programs vary. You can always modify your answer before submitting your application.

? – Click on the question mark sign for explanations from IRCC

Frequently asked questions

What would you like to do in Canada – Work
How long are you planning to stay in Canada? – Temporarily more than 6 months
What is your current immigration status in Canada? – Student
Your result should give you an option to select – Continue with Co-op (in Canada)
Do you also want to apply for a study permit? – No, you are applying for co-op permit only.
When does your status in Canada expires? – Study Permit expiry date

Note: If necessary, you can modify your answer before submitting an application

IRCC will give you 60 days to upload and submit the application. The image below is provided as an example only. Individual document checklists vary, depending on personal circumstances.

Download the Application Form (IMM5710).

Troubleshoot: How do I download and open a PDF form from IRCC’s website?
Follow the IRCC Guidebook and FAQ to help you complete the form.
If you are applying online, do not print out your application form to fill or sign it
Additional Frequently Asked Questions:
- UCI: Study permit UCI number
- I am applying for: Apply for a work permit for the first time or with a new employer
- Current country or territory of residence: Study permit start date and end date
- Duration of expected employment: Study permit start date and end date

Supporting Documents

Co-op Letter: Upload the co-op/internship letter
Passport: Valid passport with the page that shows your birth date and country of origin, and any pages with stamps, visas, or markings along with study permit. Read the note below before you upload the document in this section.
Digital Photograph: Please visit IRCC page to know more about the photograph specification

Note: For each supporting document, combine all the pages into one file before you upload the document on IRCC page. The maximum file size is 2 MB. If your file is bigger than 2 MB, you need to reduce the size to upload your document.

Optional Documents:

Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa: Not required for most applicants.
Client Information: If you would like to provide additional documents or supporting letter, please upload in ‘Client Information’

If you have questions about your internship/co-op work permit application, book an appointment with an immigration advisor to clarify IRCC questions, documentation or to avoid common errors.

Remember, immigration is your responsibility, but immigration advisors are here to help.

Book your appointment online: http://libcal.royalroads.ca/appointments/

If you have an application in progress you can check the status of your application online and make sure your contact information and your application details are up to date on your IRCC account. You can also use the IRCC web form to contact IRCC to check the status of your application or to inform IRCC of changes in your application or if the application has exceeded normal processing times

Review the following resources:

Learn more about co-op/internship work permits

Applying for a co-op/internship work permit from inside Canada

Steps to submit the co-op/internship work permit online application

1. Apply for a co-op/internship letter

2. Sign in to your IRCC secure account

3. Start an application

4. Personal checklist

5. Complete the questionnaire to generate a personalized document checklist

6. Application form and document checklist

7. Talk to Royal Roads Immigration Advisor

8. Pay the fees

9. Receive a confirmation message and stay in contact with IRCC

10: Work: After your co-op work permit is confirmed

11. Application exceeded normal processing times or report important changes

Contact an Immigration Advisor