International Co-Op Internship

ALL ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OP INTERNSHIP

International Co-op Internship

The International Co-op Internship is a visa specifically for students enrolled in a program who require an internship to complete their program of study.

It is issued for a maximum duration of 12 months.

The International Co-op Internship Permit allows foreign students to work in Canada as part of a co-op program or as a compulsory internship for their program of study. This permit is a temporary work authorization that allows foreign students to work while studying in Canada.

Stage coop international visa

To be eligible for the co-op Canada internship, you must :

  • Be between 18 and 35 (depending on home country)
  • Be enrolled full-time in an educational institution.
  • Have a valid passport for the duration of your stay.
  • Have a compulsory internship related to your program of study.
  • Have valid health insurance in Canada.

To determine your eligibility, you can complete the eligibility questionnaire on the Canadian government website. The purpose of this questionnaire is to determine whether you are eligible to apply for an international co-op placement and be included in the pool of candidates.

Don't waste any time - complete the questionnaire now !

The application process for an International Co-Op Internship permit can be completed online on the Canadian government website. Processing times vary according to country of origin and location of application.


It is important to note that Internship Co-Op permits are valid only for the duration of the internship, as specified in the internship agreement. Students must therefore ensure that they respect the conditions of their permit and leave Canada at the end of their internship.


For more information on the process of applying for a co-op work placement in Canada, please consult the Canadian government website, under the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) heading.


For even more information on international co-op internships, contact our team!

The benefits of an International Co-op Internship :

International experience

International co-op placements in Canada generally offer opportunities to work in reputable, internationally-renowned companies. Living and working in Canada broadens your horizons, develops your independence and gives you the opportunity for personal discovery.

Skill development

A co-op placement in Canada allows you to develop your professional skills in your specific field of study. You can improve your technical skills, develop your communication with others, improve your teamwork and leadership skills.

Professional network

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

Open-Mindedness

Working in an international environment exposes you to different cultures, perspectives and ways of working. This will enable you to develop greater open-mindedness and adaptability, skills that are in demand in an increasingly standardized world.

Improve your language skills

As Canada is an officially bilingual country (English and French), it’s the ideal place to improve your language skills. Meeting locals will help you progress more quickly. This can be a valuable asset on the global job market.

Career prospects

An international co-op placement in Canada can greatly enrich your CV and increase your chances of securing career opportunities after your studies. Employers often appreciate the international experience, versatility and adaptability you can gain through this internship.

Please note: It’s important to know that the specific benefits of an international co-op placement in Canada may vary depending on your field of study, and the company or organization in which you complete your placement.

Our team answers your question !

Do you need help with your international co-op placement? Contact our specialized Canadian visa team to facilitate your application and obtain your visa with complete peace of mind.

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: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/selections.asp

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.