The co-op work permit allows you to work full-time during academic semesters for specific hours approved by SAIT and will grant you program credits. A co-op work permit is not valid for any other off-campus work.
You are responsible for tracking your hours and should stop using your co-op work permit once you reach the hours required for the work-integrated learning component of your program, even if your co-op work permit is still valid.
If you decide to continue working for the same employer after completing the required hours, you will need to use your study permit working authorization (maximum 20 hours per week during academic semesters) if you meet the eligibility.
International students are considered enrolled full-time at SAIT during their co-op term. In addition to co-op work hours, you may simultaneously work for another off-campus job for a maximum of 20 hours under your study permit in your co-op term.
Visit the IRCC website for further information about a co-op work permit.
When to apply for your co-op work permit
If your Letter of Acceptance has work-integrated learning requirements mentioned in box 24, you may apply for your co-op work permit with your initial study permit application.
❗️You can also apply for your co-op work permit once you arrive in Canada. In this case, we recommend you submit your co-op work permit application as soon as possible during your first semester.
How to apply if you already have your study permit
In order to apply, you must first obtain a letter from the International Centre to confirm you are eligible for a co-op work permit.
Your co-op work permit application can be submitted online if you are a current student with a study permit. This is a free application.
This form will allow you to:
- apply to change conditions
- extend your stay or
- remain in Canada as a worker.
You will submit the form along with your co-op letter from SAIT.
Study permit expiry and co-op work permit
Your co-op work permit will be issued with the same expiry date as your current study permit.
Thus, if your study permit is approaching its expiration date, you need to apply for a study permit extension.
Step 1: Log in to your IRCC GCKey account
You can use your existing IRCC account to apply for a study permit extension.
If you do not have an account, or if you do not have access to your previous account, you can create a new account.
How to create your IRCC GCKey account
Step 2: Create your own document checklist
We outline the steps in this how-to video.
Step 3: Prepare your documents and complete forms
Download and complete the IMM5710e application form
You will complete the Application to Change Condition, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM5710e) form. Download the latest form directly from the IRCC website for your application.
Download application form
Do not print and sign the form. You can type your name in the signature and dates on the form. Once you finish entering your information, select "Validate" and the form will generate an additional page with many bar codes if it's validated successfully.
If you want to make changes to the form, remember to validate it again and save the form after every edit.
Guide to completing your Co-op work permit application form
Collect your documents
If your documents are not in English or French, they should be accompanied by an official translation in English or French or a certified copy of the original document in English or French with an affidavit.
On the document checklist where it requests the Coop Letter, upload your Confirmation of Enrollment for Co-op Work Permit.
Please select ‘Co-op Work Permit’ when requesting the CoE.
Request your Confirmation of Enrollment letter
Make sure you indicate you are also applying for a co-op work permit when creating your document checklist.
You can use your Confirmation of Enrollment proof of co-op by highlighting that section on the Confirmation of Enrollment letter.
You will need to scan and upload a copy of your passport on the bio-data page (the page with your photo and all other personal information), and any other pages with stamps, visas, or markings from any county.
If you have a new passport, you need to provide copies of both your new and old passports.
Your photo should be less than six months old and meet the IRCC photo specifications.
Depending on the nationality, the Family Information form might be required. You should only provide it if it’s included in your document checklist.
This form needs to be printed out and signed by hand. Please note you might need to sign multiple places on this form.
- If you indicate that you don’t have a spouse or common-law partner, sign and date Section A.
- If you indicate that you don’t have children, sign and date Section B.
- Finally, sign and date Section C.
IRCC might make a minor adjustment to application forms without notice. Please check for instructions for each form and make sure the form is thoroughly completed.
The Schedule 1: Application for Temporary Residency form is usually included in the “Optional Documents” section of your checklist, and most students do not need to include it in the application.
If required, this form doesn’t need to be signed, but it does need to be validated.
Step 4: Get your biometrics and medical exam (if applicable)
If you have provided biometrics in a previous application, you don’t need to provide them again. Your biometrics will be valid for 10 years. You can use the online tool to find out if your biometrics are still valid.
Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are collected to confirm your identity and will facilitate your entry to Canada. While exemptions can be granted, most study permit applicants will be required to provide biometrics.
Once you have paid your biometrics collection fee ($85 CAD) and submitted your online application, you will receive a biometric instruction letter in your account. Then, you can go to the nearest biometrics collection center with the letter.
You may be required to complete an immigration medical exam if:
- you have lived in a designated country or territory for more than six months in the past year or
- you would like to work in a job that will bring you close to patients, children, the elderly, etc. This includes public health, health sciences, or agriculture-related fields (for example, healthcare workers and primary and secondary school teachers.)
If you need a medical exam, you can choose to:
- submit your application first and wait for the medical exam instruction letter from IRCC or
- do an upfront medical exam first and include the exam confirmation receipt in your application.
In general, providing an upfront medical exam can save some processing time. Your medical exam result will be valid for 12 months from the date of the exam and should be valid at the time when you travel.
Find a panel physician who can conduct your medical exam.
After you apply
Please expect three to four months for your Co-op Work Permit application to be processed. You will receive emails from your IRCC GCKey account informing you of any updates on your application.
Once it has been approved, it usually takes between two to six weeks for you to receive the actual document by mail – the co-op work permit will be sent to the mailing address provided in the application.