The International Co-op (Internship) IEC work permit

What happens next when I arrive in Canada?

You will arrive in Canada with the POE Letter of Introduction and the actual work permit will then be issued by a border services officer.

You will go through immigration at the airport and border officers will ask for:

•  Your passport, valid for the entire length of your stay in Canada.
• Your POE Letter of Introduction.
• Proof of funds, with a statement from your bank account issued no more than one week before showing the equivalent of CA$2,500.
• Proof of health insurance coverage for the entire length of your stay in Canada. This is mandatory (read on for more info!).

It is mandatory to buy insurance coverage. Your policy must cover medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation and be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.

If you don’t have proof of health insurance, the border services officer may refuse to issue your work permit. And if your insurance policy is valid for less time than your expected stay in Canada, you will be issued a work permit that expires at the same time as your insurance. You will not be able to ask for an extension.

Since the International Co-op work permit is an employer-specific work permit, it will be stated on your permit that you can only work for the employer named on the document for the length of time specified. Check your work permit carefully before leaving the border services office—spelling of your name, expiry date, employer details, etc. If you notice a mistake (it happens!), inform border services right away—it will be quick to correct at this stage.

Once you have your International Co-op permit in hand, remember to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

For more tips on what to do once you’ve arrived in Canada, check out The arrivals process and your first steps in Canada.