Co-op Work Permit
Co-op Work Permit
Education comes in different forms. Many people come to Canada to pursue higher education and maybe even obtain a post-graduation-work-permit (PGWP). Every country has its own way of doing things, and I would like to share my knowledge on the job-hunting process in Canada.
Let’s assume you have a 1-year PGWP and you are actively looking for employment. How long will it take? To break it down, waiting to hear back from the employer after sending your resume may take anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month. Once you have your first interview, you will have to wait for another 2-3 weeks to hear back for a potential 2nd interview and then maybe even a 3rd interview before you receive the final result. Now, this may seem ridiculous to some people, but this is pretty normal in Canada. For international students with only 1-year PGWP, this will be a difficult situation if you do not receive an offer right away.
In order to make ourselves more appealing to our potential employers in the big pool of competitors, experience is key! Having good experience, knowledge, and knowing the right person makes a huge difference. As an international student, part-time work hours are limited and may even be prohibited depending on the type of study permit you’ve received from CIC. Therefore, enrolling in a co-op program is beneficial. Not only will it help you gain practical hands-on experience in your future profession, you will also have an opportunity to meet potential employers and build good connections with them. Many employers also use the co-op programs to scout for future candidates. Some employers will even give you a job offer before you’ve graduated! This will save you a lot of time and you can make the most out of your PGWP! Many people shy away from co-op programs because it means they will have to stay in school longer than people enrolled in regular programs, but if you know what you want to do, I highly recommend it. The experience is worth your time.
As an international student, we must also know what type of permits we need for our program of study. All programs that are longer than 6 months require a study permit. But, what about co-op programs? Co-op programs consist of study and work; thus we must also apply for a co-op work permit.
You have the options to apply online or submit a paper application to CIC. If possible, apply online because this will allow you to receive direct messages from CIC and give you access to check for updates. The process of the application is similar to applying for a study permit, but you must provide a co-op letter from a DLI post-secondary school. This letter will state that working is mandatory to complete your studies. Depending on the school you are enrolled at, you may also want to check their student portal for international students. Many colleges and universities provide step-by-step instructions for coop work permit applications. When applying online, remember to have access to a scanner or camera as well as a visa/debit to pay for application fees.
Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a better take on co-op programs and understand the benefits of choosing co-op over a regular program.
As always, applications to CIC can be intimidating. If you have any questions or need our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our licensed immigration consultants. We are always happy to help.
Sincerely,
SmartImmigrant
