Do I need a separate permit to do a co-op placement during my studies in Canada?

Most full-time post-secondary students in Canada whose programs include mandatory co-op or internship work terms need a co-op or internship work permit to do paid placements. This is a separate document from your study permit and is not automatically included in it. The co-op permit is employer-specific in that it authorizes work within the co-op program, but it is not tied to a single employer in the same way as a standard employer-specific work permit.

To apply for a co-op work permit, you must show that the work placement is a mandatory part of your program — your school will typically provide a letter confirming this. You can apply for the co-op permit at the same time as your study permit, or after.

If you do co-op work without the appropriate permit, you are working without authorization, which is a federal immigration violation. Not all programs include co-op components, and not all co-ops are mandatory — whether you need a permit depends on your specific situation. Ask your school's international student office and confirm with an immigration lawyer if you are uncertain.