Are You Eligible to Work Abroad?

In order to be eligible to complete a co-op work term in a foreign country, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a valid passport with an expiration date that is at least 6 months past the date you are scheduled to return from your work term.
  • Obtain a (work/training/intern) permit that specifically allows you to complete the work assignment for which you are receiving co-op recognition.
    • typically arranged by you through the consulate or embassy of that country with the assistance of the employer
    • a tourist visa (stamp in your passport) does not typically allow any form of work or training (even if unpaid)
    • if you are going to work in the USA, Cathy Stein will assist you with the visa process
    • if you are going to another foreign country, you can contact Sandra Shantz for additional details

Please read the rest of this document carefully and in its entirety

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • A citizen does not require a work permit so if you have a passport for the country of employment, you do not need to obtain a work permit for that country.
  • If you do not have citizenship of the country of employment then your foreign passport must have a visa in it that allows you to work/train/intern in that country.
    • work permit: an official certificate that allows permission to work (typically this is a separate piece of paper)
    • work visa: an endorsement made by an authorized representative of one country upon a passport issued by another, permitting the passport holder entry into the country for the purpose of work (this is a stamp or sticker that is affixed to your passport)
  • Some countries have negotiated treaties that allow their citizens to work in each others countries without need of a work visa:
    • a citizen of any European Union (EU) countries can work in all EU countries
    • Swiss citizens can work in any EU countries and vice versa
    • Similar arrangements exist in other parts of the world (such as the GCC in the Persian Gulf) - you should explore whether your citizenship allows you direct employment access to a specific foreign country without need of a work permit
  • The processing time for a work permit and subsequent visa is typically 4-8 weeks.
  • You must be 18 years of age or older in order to obtain a work permit.
  • You cannot apply for a work permit for a country if you are currently in the process of applying for another status within that country (e.g., if you are in the process of becoming a US citizen, obtaining your 'green card status', or obtaining a B1/B2 visitor visa, you cannot initiate a J-1 intern visa application).
  • If you are an international student (on a study permit in Canada) you must ensure that your Canadian study permit is valid for at the least the full duration of the academic term after your intended foreign work term.
  • Eligibility for a work, training or intern permit is determined by the foreign government officials and may be restricted for a variety of reasons which may include (but is not limited to): existing criminal record, political conflict, economic circumstances, incomplete application (insufficient documentation, lack of employment verification, lack of funds).

FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

  1. You are expected to clarify with company representatives, all working terms and conditions: e.g. specific job duties, start and end dates, the extent to which the employer will assist with the work permit, relocation expenses, accommodation, related costs and arrangements, as well as how the salary range offered will relate to cost of living in the local area.
  2. There are additional costs involved for work terms abroad that you may be responsible for paying. (e.g. cost of the actual visa, consulate fees, school letters).
  3. There are additional appointments and meetings that may need to be scheduled. These are usually off campus and may require you to miss classes for the day.
  4. You are expected to honour all rules and timing as outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar. Any student who plans to amend the official co-op work term start or end dates must have prior approval of CECA.
If you are a first year student, you are strongly discouraged from applying to any job opportunity that is not based either in Canada or your home country. If you are an International student, you are discouraged from applying to jobs in a country other than Canada or your home country until you have completed at least 2 years of study.