International Co-Op Internship

ALL ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OP INTERNSHIP

International Co-op Internship

The International Co-op Internship visa is specifically designed for students whose academic program requires an internship as part of their studies. It is valid for up to 12 months. 

The International Co-op Work Permit allows international students to work in Canada as part of a co-op or internship program required for their degree. This temporary work permit enables students to gain professional experience while completing their studies in Canada. 

To be eligible for the International Co-op Internship, you must:

  • ✅ Be between 18 and 35 years old (depending on your country of citizenship)
  • ✅ Have a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay
  • ✅ Be a citizen of a country that has signed an agreement with Canada (see list)
  • ✅ Be enrolled as a student in a post-secondary educational institution
  • ✅ Have sufficient savings to support yourself at the beginning of your stay
  • ✅ Have valid health insurance in Canada for the entire duration of your stay

To check if you're eligible, start by completing the eligibility questionnaire on the official Canadian government website. This quick tool will let you know whether you qualify to apply for an International Co-op Internship and be entered into the pool of candidates.

Don’t wait—get started today!

You can apply for the International Co-op Internship online through the Canadian government website. Processing times may vary depending on your country of citizenship and where you're applying from.

Keep in mind that International Co-op Internships are only valid for the length of the internship specified in your internship agreement. It's important to follow the conditions of your permit and plan to leave Canada once your internship ends.

For more information on the International Co-op Internship, visit the Canadian government website or contact our team!

The benefits of an International Co-op Internship :

International Experience

International Co-op Internship in Canada often provide the chance to work with reputable, globally recognized companies. Living and working in Canada helps broaden your perspective, build independence, and offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. 

Skill Growth

The International Co-op Internship allows you to build professional skills directly related to your field of study. You’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your technical skills, improve your communication, and grow in areas such as teamwork and leadership. 

Professional Networking

You’ll have the opportunity to meet industry professionals and build a solid professional network. These contacts may be useful in the future for career opportunities or professional collaborations. 

Open-Mindedness

Working in an international environment exposes you to diverse cultures, perspectives, and work styles. This experience helps you develop greater open-mindedness and adaptability—skills that are highly valued in today’s increasingly globalized world. 

Language Skill Development

As an officially bilingual country, Canada offers the perfect environment to improve your language skills in both English and French. Engaging with locals will accelerate your progress, making your language abilities a valuable asset in the global job market. 

Career Prospects

The International Co-op Internship in Canada can significantly enhance your CV and boost your chances of landing career opportunities after graduation. Employers value the international experience, versatility, and adaptability that such internships provide. 

Please note: The specific benefits of an International Co-op Internship in Canada may vary depending on your field of study and the company or organization where you complete your internship. 

Our team is here to answer your questions!

Need help with your International Co-op Internship? Get in touch with our dedicated Canadian visa team to simplify your application process and secure your visa with confidence. 

International Co-Op Internship

Pool opening

Usually, the application period starts in January and ends in October.
These periods may vary according to the number of quotas remaining.

You can monitor the quota status on this page of the official International Experience Canada website.

Applicants to the International Co-op Internship category enter a « pool of candidates » and must wait for the authorities to send out invitations to apply for a work permit. You can expect to receive one round of invitations per week.

You must take into account the processing times (8 weeks maximum) once the work permit application has been submitted to the Canadian authorities.
The work permit application can only be submitted once you have received an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA).

As soon as you have your internship offer and agreement, we recommend that you apply to the International Co-Op Internship pool as soon as possible.