If you're keen on pursuing an internship in Canada, here are some tips to assist you in getting ready.
Canada makes for an excellent choice for your initial professional exposure. Opting for an internship in Canada provides the opportunity to explore North America and enhance your proficiency in either English or French or even both, given Canada's bilingual nature.
It's important to note that any internship in Canada, whether paid or unpaid, and regardless of its duration, is regarded as employment. Consequently, you'll be required to obtain a temporary work permit or an international co-op work permit. It's essential to secure your internship placement before embarking on your journey to Canada in either case.
Finding an internship in Canada
To find an internship in Canada from your country of residence, start by listing companies in your field of study. You can use the Yellow Pages or consult the 411.ca business directory.
Feel free to send spontaneous applications to companies that interest you; this is a widely accepted practice in Canada. Make sure to gather information about it.
If your job hunt isn't yielding results or you're running short on time, consider utilizing the services of a placement agency. Typically, these agencies will assist you not only in finding opportunities but also in handling various administrative procedures.
The Canadian resume adheres to Anglo-Saxon conventions: it can span up to two pages, and it's advisable to include contact details for two or three individuals who can vouch for your work qualities. These references may include teachers or past employers.
Good to know:
Until December 31, 2023, you do not necessarily need to apply for a co-op work permit. You do not need a co-op work permit to complete your co-op placement if you meet all the conditions listed on this page, in the "i" section.
Obtaining a work permit in Canada
If your country has an agreement with Canada, and you need to do an internship as part of your studies, you may be eligible for the International Co-op component of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Canada's immigration services organize regular rounds of invitations, during which candidates are invited to submit their permit applications.
To be eligible for the Internship Coop International permit, you must be between 18 and 30 years of age, or 35 if you are French, provide an internship agreement signed by you and your employer in Canada, present a letter from your educational institution, have $2,500 CAD at your disposal, take out health, hospitalization and repatriation insurance valid for the entire duration of your internship, and have a return air ticket, or enough money before departure to be able to purchase it. Other documents, such as a police certificate or medical examination certificate, may also be required.
Processing an application for a stage co-op international permit takes about 9 weeks, according to the IRCC website. The application must be submitted online. This permit will cost you CAD$161 in 2023, plus a possible CAD$85 biometrics fee. Your employer will also have to pay a C$230 compliance fee.
If your country does not have an agreement with Canada, you will need to apply for a temporary work permit. Your employer will have to take several steps before you can apply. For more information, you can consult our article Working in Canada, or determine your eligibility for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program on this page.
Living in Canada
Once you've obtained your work permit, you'll need to find a place to live in Canada. Waiting until you're actually in Canada to look will give you a chance to visit the different neighborhoods and make sure you're not too far from your place of work. For your first week in Canada, you can book nights in a youth hostel, hotel, or private home on a platform like Airbnb.
The cost of living in Canada varies by province and city. According to Mercer's annual Cost of Living Survey, Vancouver and Toronto are Canada's most expensive cities.
Cities like Quebec City, Halifax, Winnipeg, and Ottawa are smaller but also more affordable.
In addition to your rent, you'll need to factor in expenses for transportation, food, outings, and travel, as well as a telephone subscription and Internet connection. Most of the time, living in a shared apartment in Canada will cost you less than living on your own: you'll be sharing utilities, electricity, Internet, etc., with other people.
Useful links:
International Experience Canada
L'OFQJ - Office franco-québecois pour la jeunesse
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