Student Work Placements

For some academic programs at the University of Manitoba, work experience is a required component of the curriculum, whether it is paid or unpaid. Examples of program requirements at the UM that would constitute work experience include, but are not limited to:

• Co-op work terms for students participating in co-op degree programs
• Practicums (e.g., Faculty of Education)
• Clinical hours (e.g., College of Nursing)
• Field placements (e.g., Faculty of Social Work)

UM undergraduate and graduate international students can complete these required work placements using their on-campus study permit work authorization, as long as they:

• have conditions printed on their initial study permit that say they’re allowed to work on campus.
• have a letter from their Faculty that confirms the work placement is a requirement of their study program.
• have a valid study permit or they applied to extend their study permit before it expired.
• they’re a full-time student*.
• the required work placement totals 50% or less of their study program.

If you are unsure whether your work placement qualifies, consult an International Student Advisor at the International Centre.

*Note: a student registered in a co-op or work placement term at UM is considered a full-time student for immigration purposes.
 

Medical exam requirements

If your placement involves work in certain fields where the protection of public health is important (e.g., healthcare, childcare, or working with vulnerable populations), you need to have an immigration medical exam (IME), unless you already have one. Please review the conditions that are printed on your study permit and meet with an International Student Advisor if you are unsure.

If you already applied for a co-op work permit

If you applied for a co-op work permit but don’t need one with the new requirements:

• You can withdraw your application.
• IRCC may withdraw your application and send a letter which explains that you don’t need a co-op work permit to participate in a student work placement.

Work eligibility and hours during a student work placement

There is no weekly hour limit to participate in student work placements.

If you meet both the eligibility requirements to participate in a student work placement and to work on and/or off-campus, then you are eligible to work the following number of hours in addition to your work placement hours:

• You may work unlimited hours on campus
• You may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions
• You may work full-time during scheduled breaks, if eligible

As a study permit holder, your primary activity in Canada is studying, so while you may be eligible to work on and off-campus hours in addition to your student work placement hours, it’s important that your main focus is your studies and that you’re not taking on more work hours than you’re able to accommodate and still maintain your mental health and be a successful student.

When additional authorization may be required

In some cases, additional authorization may still be needed (for example, if you do not meet standard study permit work eligibility requirements or if specific conditions apply). If you are unsure, seek advice before starting your placement.

Important notes

• You must only participate in work placements that are required and approved by your academic program
• Your faculty or co-op office can confirm whether your placement meets program requirements
• Immigration policies can change without notice

Contact us

If you have questions about your eligibility to participate in a work placement, please contact the International Centre to speak with an International Student Advisor.