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Co-operative Education

International

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Co-op is about the exchange of knowledge and ideas. We work with employers from around the world and support students from international pathways as they gain work experience in and outside of Canada.

See where co-op could take you

A work term outside Canada can connect you with truly unique experiences.

Check out students' stories to see where some of the places they've worked outside Canada.

See the StoryMap

International students

As a student from outside Canada, you can take part in co-op to gain paid work experience, including roles with Canadian and international companies. 

Co-op work permits

As an international student, you must have a co-op work permit to work legally in Canada if you are admitted to a co-op program. You'll also need a current study permit for the length of your work term.

Co-op work permits can be used for co-op positions that are part of your degree program—they are different than off-campus work permits.

Here's how the process works:

  1. When you have been admitted to a co-op program, a digital co-op letter will be sent to you.
  2. You'll use this letter to apply for a co-op work permit (contact UVic’s International Centre for Students if you need help).
  3. Once you receive your co-op work permit, provide your co-op office with a copy of it.
  4. Before you start a work term, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) so you can be paid.

If you are extending your co-op work permit, you'll need to complete the request for a co-op letter form and send it to your co-op program office.

Support at UVic

There are many ways that UVic can support your journey. Consider:

Working outside Canada

Doing a co-op term outside of Canada lets you:

Find work outside Canada

Accessibility while working abroad

Before your work term

Before you leave on a work term outside Canada, you'll need to:

  1. Take the pre-departure course: You'll be registered in this course once you confirm your co-op work term.
  2. Complete UVic's travel checklist.*NOTE: 'Sign a UVic waiver' is not required as it is covered in the TakeFlight pre-departure course. 
  3. Get workplace insurance: You'll need to set up workplace insurance whether you'll be working outside of Canada or working remotely.
  4. Get the right work permit: 
  5. Explore and apply for funding opportunities to support your international experience.

After your work term

Within a month after your return to UVic, you'll attend a debriefing session with the international co-op and career coordinator.

Working in the United States

If you are planning to work in the United States on a co-op work term and are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will need to do the following:

  1. Apply for a J-1 visa to work in the United States. You can apply for a reduced rate through Cultural Vistas (answer 'CEWIL' on the question asking where you learned about the rate). Contact Cultural Visas for support.

  2. Register with the United States Government. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and will be in the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days, you will now need to complete the country's new Alien Registration Requirement.

    The Alien Registration Requirement webpage of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services states that if you are issued an I-94 form upon entry to the US, then you will be automatically registered. Please check your I-94 form upon entry to confirm that it has the correct entry and exit dates. You can also look up your I-94 admission form on the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) website.

    If you do not receive an I-94 form upon entry to the U.S. OR if your I-94 form does not have the correct entry and exit dates, you will need to register with the US Government by following these steps:

    1. Create a USCIS Online Account through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (see how-to page).
    2. Submit Form G-325R/Biographic Information Registration through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (see how-to page).
    3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will review your submissions and will contact you to let you know that you have completed your registration OR to ask you to register and provide fingerprints.
    4. Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that provides proof of registration. You will be able to download a PDF of your registration. You must print a copy and have this copy with you when you travel.

Additionally, if you are a US citizen, please note that The U.S. State Department also recently eliminated the gender X identifier option on U.S. passports. If you have the gender designation X on your passport, or you have changed your gender, it is recommended that you contact the U.S. Embassy in Canada prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed.

Additional resources

For further information please consult the Alien Registration Requirement – US Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you are a Canadian citizen, you can also consult the US Embassy and Consulates in Canada FAQ website for Canadians in the US.

Please review the Government of Canada’s official travel advisories. As well, as part of your Global Experience Course, you were required to register your university-related trip through International SOS for advice and assistance while abroad. If you have not done so, or need to update the dates, please do so immediately.

For additional information, review your Global Experience Course and/or visit UVic’s off-campus travel and safety page.

Resources for working outside Canada

Share your story on StoryMap

StoryMaps is an online storytelling tool that allows you to easily create compelling interactive content that combines maps, multimedia and text.

It can be used to share stories about your co-op abroad, capture memories and inspire future student to engage in an international co-op term.

Creating and sharing your co-op abroad story is easy with StoryMaps.

Watch this brief video on how to get started, create a free account and start telling your unique exchange story. You could:

  • Share your job title, organization and tasks
  • Describe some highlights of your work experience – what key skills did you gain?
  • Share any stories of cultural encounters, such as a local tradition, a favourite dish, or a festival that left a lasting impact
  • Share any challenges you encountered (for example, language barriers and cultural differences) and how you applied your cultural intelligence to address them
  • Provide tips to other students considering an international co-op experience
  • Share your biggest takeaway from this experience

Once you have published your story – share the link with us (and your friends and family of course)!

With your permission, we will highlight your StoryMap on our UVic International StoryMap and on social media!

If you have used an alternative mode to capture your experience such as a blog, vlog, padlet or photo diary, let us know - we are happy to link it to our map!

Connect with the international co-op coordinator

Sarah McQuillan is the international co-op and career coordinator. She can help you: 

  • connect with co-op employers outside Canada
  • prepare for your work term
  • secure work permits and visa (for international students)
  • access funding