APPLY FOR A CO-OP WORK PERMIT
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several measures to further reform the International Student Program. The announcement includes a requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for new graduate students in 2025 and a language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit starting November 1, 2024.
For more information, review IRCC’s Sep 18 New Release and Speaking Notes. We have also updated our News and Updates page and will continue to make updates when additional details are announced by IRCC.
Co-operative Education provides an opportunity to alternate degree-related, paid work terms with academic study. Co-op positions may be available on campus, in Vancouver, across Canada and even overseas! Many international students participate in Co-op. If you're interested, do your research early to find out the GPA requirements and deadlines. Contact the Co-op Co-ordinator in your faculty for more information.
After being accepted into Co-op you must apply for a work permit. Your Co-op work permit will only allow you to work in jobs which are part of the Co-op program and only while you are enrolled at SFU.
Your Co-op Co-ordinator will issue a letter for you to include with your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Co-op work permits are free (fee exempt). For instructions on how to apply, please review the "Co-op/SFU-Approved Internship Work Permit" handout on our Instruction Guides page.
Important: If your study permit will expire in the next few months, you should apply for both your study and work permit at the same time, using one application. You will need to include all documents and pay a fee for your study permit extension. See Extend your study permit for details.