International Students
As of September 2024, international students can participate in an internship opportunity through the Arts and Humanities Internship Program (AHIP), and count it for credit (if eligible).
In Canada, all international residency students require a valid co-op work permit to complete experiential learning, such as an internship, whether paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time.
Keep reading to learn the steps for getting a work permit, as well as resources and information to help you through the process.
IMPORTANT: Students must complete the steps below before the internship begins. This process can take a few months to complete, so we encourage you to get started early.
Questions? Contact ahintern@uwo.ca.
Learn more about student permit applications on Western's International & Exchange Student Centre Resources.
Work Permit Application Process
Step 1: Complete the AHIP Internship Preparation and Enrolment
To be eligible to apply for the co-op/internship work permit, you must be enrolled in the AHIP. To do this:
- Step 1A: Apply to the AHIP via Western Connect. Follow Step 1 on the Application Process page to learn how. Once you apply and we determine your eligibility, we will contact you with the next steps for completing the Internship Preparation.
- Step 1B: Complete the required Internship Preparation. Learn more in Step 2 of the Application Process page. You must upload proof of completion to the AHIP OWL Brightspace site.
When you have completed the application and Internship Preparation, we will enroll you in the AHIP.
Step 2: Review and Sign the Acknowledgement Letter
After you have been enrolled in the AHIP, the Experiential Learning Specialist/Assistant will send you the AHIP Work Permit Acknowledgement Letter, which outlines various requirements, responsibilities, and deadlines for the work permit process.
Review and sign this form and return it to the Experiential Learning Specialist/Assistant within 48 hours of receiving it.
Step 3: Submit Your Permit Documentation
When you return the Acknowledgement Letter, the Experiential Learning Specialist/Assistant will send you the supporting documentation you will need to submit your co-op work permit application to the to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office.
Submit your co-op work permit application online at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp.
Once you get the work permit, submit a copy to the Experiential Learning Specialist/Assistant.
IMPORTANT: Please note that it is your responsibility to secure a co-op work permit and notify the employer at your internship location that you are an international student. You may start an internship while your co-op work permit application is pending. If denied, you must stop working immediately.
Resources & Information Sessions
We know that this process can seem overwhelming and confusing.
Keeping reading for resources, information sessions, and other support to help get you through the process.
Application Support
If you have questions about the co-op work permit application process or require assistance with the application itself, please email iesc@uwo.ca or book an appointment with an International Student Advisor for support.
Study Permit Application How To:
- Study Permit Application from Outside Canada
- Study Permit Application from Inside Canada
- Study Permit Extensions and Amendments
Information Sessions, Workshops, & Career Development
Workshop: Co-op Work Permit for International Students
Western Internation is hosting a VIRTUAL series of Co-op Work Permit Workshops this Fall!
These workshops will outline the eligibility criteria, required documents and the process to submit an application for a co-op work permit, to assist international students on matters of the co-op work permit document, as well as working authorization.
Information will be presented by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
You may find the registration link below for each workshop. Please note students have the option to register for one or more of the workshops through one of the links. Western International will also share the workshop information with international students through their network emails and social posts.
Please register to get the Zoom link:
https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/iesc/2024-10/co-op-work-permit-for_oct31.html
https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/iesc/2024-11/co-op-work-permit-for_nov13.html
https://www.events.westernu.ca/events/iesc/2024-11/co-op-work-permit-for_nov26.html
International Students Career Workshops and Information Sessions
Part 1: Personal Branding - Nov 18, 2024 | 12:30-2:00pm (Chu Centre, IGAB)
Part 2: Resumes & Cover Letters - Nov 19, 2024 | 12:30-2:00pm (Chu Centre, IGAB)
Part 3: Networking - Nov 20, 2024 | 12:30-2:00pm (Chu Centre, IGAB)
Part 4: LinkedIn - Nov 21, 2024 | 12:30-2:00pm (Chu Centre, IGAB)
Part 5: Interviewing - Nov 22, 2024 | 12:30-2:00pm (Chu Centre, IGAAB)