International Students who have current Student Authorization status need Employment Authorization (a work permit) to work in Canada.

How Do I Get Employment Authorization?

Allow sufficient processing time. Submit your application at the beginning of the semester!

• Familiarize yourself with the terms of working in Canada while on a Student Authorization: www.cic.gc.ca
• Complete Immigration Canada Application Form IMM1249 and include:
1. Letter of Studentship obtained from the UBC Science Co-op Office
2. Photocopy of passport pages showing the passport number, the dates of issue and expiry, name and date of birth, the stamp made by Canadian Authorities on your most recent entry into Canada and any other marked pages
3. Photocopy of your current immigration documentation (i.e. Student Authorization)
4. Photocopies of transcripts of your last two periods of study (if applicable)
• Important: For Co-op students the fee for the work permit is waived. Do not pay the processing fee discussed in the application.
• Important: Please ensure that your Student Visa is valid for the duration of your work term. If it is set to expire, you must have it renewed first before applying for your work permit.
• Before completing the application, please review the Commonly Asked Questions overleaf. If you have any further questions while completing the application, see the Science Co-op Office.

Please bring the completed application to Sharon Chan at the Science Co-op Office - we will courier it to the CIC Processing Centre on your behalf.

Please note that you are responsible for ensuring your application is filled out correctly. Please make a photocopy of your application and keep it for your records.

What Happens After Sending Out the Application?

You should receive a letter regarding your status within 25 calendar days from when your application was mailed. If you wish to inquire about the status of your application after 25 calendar days, you may call 1-888-242-2100.

How Do I Apply for a Social Insurance Number After Accepting a Job Offer?

• Submit a copy of your work permit to the Science Co-op Office (To Sharon Chan)
• In order for your employer to add you to their payroll, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can obtain an application from International House on campus, at any of the Service Canada Offices, or online
• Completed applications should be taken to a Service Canada office and must include: A copy of your work permit and a copy of your employment letter of offer
• The employment letter of offer must::
1. be signed by both you and your employer;
2. state the job offered and the fact that you have accepted this offer;
3. clearly indicate the company (e.g., be printed on company letterhead);
4. indicate the start and end dates of employment (the end date cannot be after the expiry of your study permit); and
5. include your employer's name and telephone number.

If your work term is taking you to another province within Canada, you must submit your application for a social insurance number while you are still in BC to avoid processing problems and payroll delays.

Need Assistance?

Don't hesitate to contact the Co-op Office at schan@sciencecoop.ubc.ca. The International House also provides direct services to international students (i.e., students coming to UBC on a student Visa) in order to ease the transition to UBC.