IEC International Co-op (Internship) Category: A Guide for Students

What Is the International Co-op (Internship) Category?

The International Co-op category is the third stream under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. It is specifically designed for students who are currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution in their home country and need to complete a work placement or internship in Canada as part of their academic program.

Unlike the Working Holiday (which offers an open work permit) or the Young Professionals category (which targets career-level employment), the International Co-op is tailored to students whose school curriculum requires a practical work component. The internship must be a mandatory or integral part of the student's program of study.

This category provides an employer-specific work permit, meaning the student can only work for the employer listed on the permit. Like the Young Professionals category, it is LMIA-exempt, making it simpler for Canadian employers to participate.

For the official overview, visit: International Experience Canada

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the International Co-op category, you must meet both the general IEC requirements and the specific conditions for this stream.

General IEC Requirements

Be a citizen of a country that has an International Co-op arrangement with Canada
Be within the age range specified for your country (typically 18--30 or 18--35)
Have a valid passport
Have health insurance for the duration of your stay in Canada
Have sufficient funds for your initial expenses (approximately CAD $2,500)
Have no criminal record
Be admissible to Canada on health and security grounds

International Co-op-Specific Requirements

Current student status: You must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in your home country at the time of application. You cannot have graduated before applying.
Internship as part of your studies: The work placement in Canada must be a required or integral component of your academic program. You will typically need a letter from your school confirming this.
Job offer from a Canadian employer: You need a confirmed internship or co-op placement with a Canadian employer. The job must be related to your field of study.
Return to studies: You must intend to continue or complete your studies after the internship. The Co-op category is not designed for post-graduation employment.

Not all IEC-participating countries include the International Co-op category in their agreements with Canada. Check your country-specific eligibility: IEC eligibility by country

Countries with International Co-op Agreements

The International Co-op category is available to citizens of select IEC-participating countries. The list is smaller than the Working Holiday category. As of 2025, countries that typically include the International Co-op category in their IEC agreements include:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Czech Republic
Estonia
France
Germany
Hong Kong SAR
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom

This list can change year to year based on bilateral agreements. Always verify the current status on the IRCC website.

How the International Co-op Differs from Other IEC Categories

| Feature | Working Holiday | Young Professionals | International Co-op | |---------|----------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Target audience | Any eligible young person | Career professionals | Currently enrolled students | | Work permit type | Open | Employer-specific | Employer-specific | | Job offer required | No | Yes | Yes | | Must be student | No | No | Yes | | Work must relate to studies | No | Must relate to career | Must relate to academic program | | LMIA required | No | No | No | | Typical duration | 12--24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months |

The International Co-op is uniquely suited for students who want to gain international work experience as part of their degree, particularly those in business, engineering, technology, hospitality, and other fields where practical placements are common.

How to Find an Internship in Canada

Securing a co-op or internship placement in Canada requires proactive effort. Here are strategies that work for international students:

Through Your University

Many universities have international exchange and co-op offices that maintain partnerships with Canadian employers or Canadian universities. Start by:

Contacting your school's international office or career services department
Checking if your university has exchange agreements with Canadian institutions
Asking professors and academic advisors for connections in Canada

Online Platforms

Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca): Search for internship and co-op postings
LinkedIn: Use keywords like "internship," "co-op," and filter by Canadian cities
Indeed Canada: Filter for internship positions
Glassdoor: Search for internship openings at specific companies
WaterlooWorks / university co-op boards: Some Canadian university co-op boards are accessible to external candidates

Direct Outreach

Research companies in your field of study that have offices in Canada. Send targeted applications explaining that you are seeking a co-op placement as part of your academic program and that hiring you is LMIA-exempt through the IEC program.

Industry-Specific Programs

Some industries have established internship programs that regularly accept international students. Technology companies, financial institutions, and engineering firms are particularly likely to offer structured internship programs.

Application Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Verify that your country has an International Co-op arrangement with Canada, that you are currently enrolled as a student, and that your academic program includes a required work placement component.

Step 2: Secure Your Internship

Find a Canadian employer who will offer you a co-op or internship position related to your field of study. The employer must be willing to submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the $230 employer compliance fee.

Step 3: Obtain a Letter from Your School

Get a letter from your post-secondary institution confirming that:

You are currently enrolled as a student
The internship in Canada is a required or integral part of your academic program
The expected dates of your internship
That you will return to your studies after the placement

Step 4: Create Your IEC Profile

Create an account on the IRCC website and complete your IEC profile, selecting the International Co-op category. Submit your profile to enter the candidate pool.

Step 5: Receive and Accept an Invitation

IRCC conducts random draws from the pool. If invited, you have 10 days to accept.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

You have 20 days after accepting to submit your complete application, including:

Valid passport
Offer of employment number (from your employer's submission to the IRCC portal)
Letter from your school confirming enrollment and internship requirement
Proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay
Proof of funds (approximately CAD $2,500)
Resume/CV
Police certificates (if required)
Digital photo
Payment of fees

Step 7: Biometrics

Visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics within 30 days if requested.

Step 8: Receive Your Port of Entry Letter

Once approved, you receive a POE letter. Present it to the border officer when you arrive in Canada to receive your work permit.

Costs

| Fee | Amount (CAD) | |-----|-------------| | IEC participation fee | $161 | | Biometrics fee | $85 | | Employer compliance fee (paid by employer) | $230 | | Total for student | $246 |

The $100 open work permit holder fee does not apply since this is an employer-specific permit.

Duration and Conditions

The International Co-op work permit is typically valid for up to 12 months, though the exact duration depends on the length of your internship and your country's agreement with Canada.

Conditions

You may only work for the employer named on your permit
You must work in the occupation or role specified
The internship must remain related to your academic program
You are expected to return to your studies after the internship ends
You may not take additional employment outside your co-op placement

What Your Employer Needs to Do

Canadian employers who want to hire an IEC International Co-op student need to complete the following steps:

Review eligibility: Confirm that the candidate is eligible under the International Co-op category
Submit an offer of employment: Log in to the IRCC Employer Portal and submit the offer of employment, specifying the IEC International Co-op category
Pay the employer compliance fee: The fee is $230 per position
Receive the compliance number: Once processed, the employer receives a compliance number and offer of employment number to share with the candidate
Provide workplace details: The employer must provide accurate information about the position, duties, wages, and working conditions

Employer Portal: IRCC Employer Portal

Benefits of the International Co-op for Your Career

International Work Experience

Gaining work experience in Canada enhances your resume and demonstrates adaptability, cross-cultural skills, and proficiency in English or French.

Professional Network

Building connections with Canadian professionals and colleagues can open doors for future career opportunities, whether in Canada or internationally.

Language Skills

Working in a Canadian environment helps you improve your English or French language skills in a professional context, which is valuable regardless of where your career takes you.

Pathway Exploration

A co-op placement gives you firsthand experience of living and working in Canada. If you decide you want to pursue permanent residency in the future, you will have a better understanding of the country, the job market, and the immigration system.

After Your Internship: What Are Your Options?

When your International Co-op work permit expires, you have several paths forward:

Return to Studies

The primary expectation is that you will return to your home country to complete your academic program.

Apply for a Different IEC Category

If you are still eligible, you may apply for the Working Holiday or Young Professionals category in a future IEC season to return to Canada.

Study in Canada

You could apply for a Canadian study permit to pursue further education in Canada. After graduating from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you would be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which could lead to permanent residency through Express Entry or a PNP.

Future Immigration

The connections and knowledge you gain during your co-op can help you plan a future immigration application, even if you do not pursue it immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my International Co-op work permit?

Generally, the International Co-op permit is for a specific duration tied to your internship. Extensions are not standard. If you need additional time in Canada, you would typically need to apply for a different type of permit.

Can I do a paid internship?

Yes. In fact, the internship must be paid. Unpaid internships or volunteer positions do not qualify for the IEC International Co-op category.

What if my internship is cancelled?

If your internship is cancelled before you travel, you should not use your POE letter to enter Canada for work. If the cancellation happens after you arrive, contact IRCC for guidance, as you generally cannot work for a different employer without a new permit.

Can I work part-time while doing my co-op?

No. You may only work for the employer named on your work permit in the capacity described. You cannot take additional part-time or freelance work.

Do I need to be enrolled full-time?

Requirements vary, but you generally need to be enrolled as a student at a recognized post-secondary institution. Full-time enrollment is typical. Check your country's specific requirements.