American student working in Canada through co-op program

[UnknownUser]

Hello,

I go to university in New York and I am a citizen of the United States. I recently got accepted to work at a startup in Toronto for an entire semester/summer through a co-op program offered at my school. As an American citizen, how could I get an 8-month visa to work in Canada? Does it help that it's sponsored by my school? How would I apply for this?

Thank you,
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[Papa Bomboy]

I think your Canadian employers may have to get involved in this one. Tell them you will need a work visa. Am sure they must have answers. Follow the link below to determine your eligibility and options to apply for a work visa.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/permit.asp

You might also find the links below handy.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/index.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/ros.asp

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hello,

I go to university in New York and I am a citizen of the United States. I recently got accepted to work at a startup in Toronto for an entire semester/summer through a co-op program offered at my school. As an American citizen, how could I get an 8-month visa to work in Canada? Does it help that it's sponsored by my school? How would I apply for this?

Thank you,
--

1. Your prospective employer is going to have to get a LMIA after advertising the position for at least a month, demonstrate that there are no Canadians or PRs available or qualified for the position and only then can you get a work permit. Here is what IRCC says about co-ops from foreign schools in Canada:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/work/opinion/education.asp

"Note: This provision only applies to course requirements of Canadian institutions, for students actually studying in Canada. A foreign student who comes to Canada for a year or a term may qualify for work co-op if the employment forms an essential and integral part of their course of study in Canada. If the employment is only a requirement of the foreign institution, work co-op does not apply." So I would think that you are going to be out of luck.

2. Your best chance is through SWAP as long as you are not in your last year of schooling.

3. Another option is IAESTE http://www.iaesteunitedstates.org/