Work Term Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Domestic and International Students

To be eligible for your first work term, use this checklist. This will help you figure out if you are on track to meet your co-op program and work term requirements. If you answered yes to all of the questions below, you are eligible to start your first work term job search.If you answered NO to ANY of the items below, please follow the instructions for next steps that you should take.

Have you declared your co-op specialization/major (also known as Subject POSt)?

Yes Perfect!
No

You'll choose your subject POSt at the end of your first year, typically in mid-April or end of July. More information how to apply for your POSt is available on the Academic Advising & Career Centre's website

Is your cGPA 2.5 OR higher?

Yes Yes - Awesome! You're in good standing in the co-op program.
No If your cGPA is between 2.3 and 2.49, you are on co-op probation and will not be able to job search at this time.The Co-op Office will be in touch with you to discuss adjusting your work term sequence. If your cGPA is below 2.3, you will be removed from the co-op program.

Do you have the minimum number of credits required for your first work term?

Not sure? Go to https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/registrar/unlimited-and-limited-programs, find your program and review the Program and Co-op Work-Term requirements.
Yes Great!
No If you do not meet minimum credit requirements, your work term sequence will require adjustment. The Co-op Office will be in touch with additional information and options for your work term sequence.

Have you completed or are you taking courses that are required to go on your first work term?  

Not sure? Go to https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/registrar/unlimited-and-limited-programs, find your program and review the Program and Co-op Work-Term requirements.
Yes Excellent!
No If you do not have the required prerequisites - academic and co-op courses - your work term sequence will require adjustment. The Co-op Office will be in touch with additional information and options for your work term sequence. You should schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor or your Program Advisor/Supervisor for assistance with your course and work term sequence planning.

To be eligible for later work terms, you must:

  • Be in good standing in the program
  • Have completed any program-specific requirements
  • And have received a grade of CR (credit) on your earlier work term(s).

For International Students Only

Have you been approved for your co-op work permit AND is it valid during the semester of your work term?Your co-op permit is different from your off-campus work permit or your study permit.

Yes Terrific!
No

If you have applied, but are awaiting approval, please keep us informed by completing this form.

If you have not yet applied, please visit the Co-op Portal to learn more about navigating Co-op as an International. Or please call (416)-287-7518 or email the ISC (isc@utsc.utoronto.ca) to schedule an appointment with a licensed Immigration Advisor at the International Student Centre (ISC) in IC-350. Assistance is provided at no cost. More information is available on the ISC's website: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational/co-op-work-permit

Special Considerations for International Visa Students - Work Permits

If you’re studying on an international visa, you’ll require a co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRC) to begin a job search, get hired, and complete a work term. Visit: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational/co-op-work-permit

NOTE: Take care of these details early so that everything is in order well before you start seeking for your first work term. 

STEP 1: In the fall of your first year in co-op, attend an information session co-hosted by the Co-op Office and the International Student Centre.

STEP 2: Apply for your co-op work permit
In addition to your application, you'll need a letter from the Co-op Office stating that your work terms are part of your co-op program requirements. To make arrangements to receive this letter, please contact us at askcoop@.utoronto.ca

Once you've applied for your work permit, it will take up to 4 months to be processed. At this time, the normal permit processing fee is not charged to co-op students. It will also take time after receiving a work permit to receive a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Additional information and comprehensive details on regulations and assistance for International Students are available from the International Student Centre.

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada website provides up-to-date information and forms:

Note your work permit's expiry date
Be mindful of the expiry date of your work permit; it will require an extension if it doesn't last the full length of your study permit.