Work Permits for International Students

Applying for your Work Permit

International students entering the Co-op Program in Fall 2022 will be participating in work term recruitment as early as January 2023. Before you are able to participate in the recruitment, you must obtain your work permit.

IMPORTANT: Work permit processing times have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can take up to four months or longer. Do not delay in submitting your application.

1. Obtain your letter from the co-op office: In August, the co-op office will prepare and provide an official letter indicating that you are enrolled in a program requiring work term placements in order to successfully complete your degree. You will be notified by email once this letter is available.
2. Apply for your work permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN): Book an appointment to meet with an advisor at University of Alberta International to complete and submit your application.
3. Bring your work permit and SIN card to the co-op office: Once you receive your work permit and SIN card, you must bring both to the co-op office. After we have confirmed that you have received your work permit, you will be released in campusBRIDGE and able to view and apply to advertised opportunities.

Work Permit Renewals

International students are responsible for ensuring that their work permits are renewed (or that they have started the renewal application) prior to participating in the next round of recruitment. Work permits should be valid for the length of the work term.

In order to renew your work permit you will need to request a new Co-op Confirmation Letter from the Engineering Co-op Office. When requesting a new confirmation letter, please allow a minimum of one week for the document to be prepared.

If you allow your work permit to expire, you must reapply as described above.

We strongly recommend that students apply for work permit renewals well in advance of the expiration date listed on their work permit.

^{Last update: August 19, 2022}