Regarding Co-op

[sidhu_anwar]

As far as I know we need a special permit for Co-op. But as I didn't apply for co-op when I sent the application to college; can I get this permit from within Canada? Is it easy to get the same? Also, will having co-op experience affect my PGWP application in any way?
Thanks.

 

[ibnbatuta]

Co op work permit is issued based on the course you are admitted in your college. The visa given for Co op study is SW ; meaning thereby study with work. This is separate than off campus work permit which now a days is automatic with your study visa and after you get your SIN Card. If your college admits you to a Co op program after you reach canada then they will issue you a letter which you need to submit to visa authorities in canada. You will need to make fresh application for Co op work permit if you have only study permit. Remember that unless the college authorities issue you the letter you cannot get co op work permit. Employer employing a co op student are given extra deductions as compared to a normal student without the co op authorization.

 

[ibnbatuta]

A co op degree normally extends the period of study and if the total duration exceeds 2 years you will become eligible for 3 yrs PGWP. The co op work is not counted towards your PGWP and it is treated as part of your studies. Only very few colleges/ universities are given permission for co op studies for international students and the enrollment is competitive.

 

[sidhu_anwar]

Thanks for replying. It's a 2 years undergraduate diploma in Business Administration ( Accounting ) and with an option of Co-Op. I guess I'll apply for it from Canada. By the way, I didn't understand what you meant when you said employers employing a co-op student get extra deductions?

 

[ibnbatuta]

For taxation purpose salary paid is allowed as deduction from the income. Therefore if Rs 10 is paid for salary that will be allowed as minus from the income. However if 10 is paid to a co op student for the co op job the minus allowed is greater than 10 so the employers get a indirect tax incentive. This way they are encouraged to employ co op student rather than normal student.

 

[sidhu_anwar]

Oh thanks for clarification. So that means co-op students get taxed more than normal students. By the way, do you think a PGWP application can be rejected? I've never heard a PGWP rejection but still what might be the reasons for such refusals?

 

[ibnbatuta]

No. Co op student will not get taxed more. It will be same always as any normal salary holder. However the employers get a tax incentive so they can pay lesser tax on payments to a co op student.

 

[ibnbatuta]

As long as you are eligible for the degree for which you were given the study permit your PGWP will not be rejected if you apply when you are still in study visa. If your study permit lapses you cannot apply for PGWP unless you apply for restoration of status. Remember that the day your college is in position to issue you your final transcript you should immediately apply for PGWP.

 

[sidhu_anwar]

OK thanks you've been great.