A Quick Guide on How to Land an Internship in Canada

If you want to make your academic seeds bloom in time for the immediate and long-term future, sow your efforts now. Make sure to land the best internship program for yourself. One of the biggest motivations to apply for this, after all, is to boost your resume. The valuable internship experience will give you a fine edge to cut through intense job competition.

Here’s information that may help you land an internship in Canada as an international student:

Who Can Take Internship Programs in Canada?

If you’re studying at a Designated Learning institution (DLI), work experience is required. For a co-op or internship placement, you must obtain a study permit and a co-op permit. 

You must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible to apply for an intern work permit:

• A confirmation letter from your college or university stating that every student in your program must work to earn their degree
• The cost of the internship should be half or less than half of the cost of your program
• A valid student permit

You’re not eligible to apply for a co-op permit if you are taking a general course or an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) course. In these cases, you must obtain a work permit to apply for internships. 

Steps in applying for a co-op or intern permit depend on whether you already possess a valid student permit or not. The steps are available on the official website of the Government of Canada.

What Are the Requirements to Complete a Canadian Internship Program?

If you’re already studying at a DLI in Canada, you can follow the eligibility requirements stated previously. But if you’re still in your home country and are planning to fly to Canada to apply as an intern, a different set of criteria applies. Here are the requirements:

• Check if your country has an International Experience Canada Program agreement with Canada
• A valid passport
• An intermediate level of the English language 
• 18-35 years old

How to Apply for an Internship in Canada

Once you satisfy all the requirements, you can now apply for an internship. You have the option to either work on campus or off campus.

During your academic semesters you can work up to 20 hours per week. Working during the holidays allows you to work longer hours of up to 40 hours per week.

You can refer to newspapers and websites to find jobs for international students. Before applying, make sure to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This gives you access to national programs and benefits.

You can also expand your connections by joining student associations, volunteering for work, and joining training and seminars. 

Here are some steps to guide you when applying for an internship:

• Take into account your degree, skills, experience, and interests
• Look through job websites, school career recommendations, or get in direct contact with companies you’re interested in
• Create a resume
• Write a meaningful cover letter
• Establish a portfolio online (If applicable)
• Make sure to give specific, smart, and truthful answers during the interview stage
• Conduct application follow-ups (If necessary)
• Accept an offer

Internship Opportunities for You

Here are some incredible internship opportunities to look for:

• Technology Internships
• Media Internships
• Culinary Internships
• Technical Internships
• Non-Profit Internships (E.g., charity work)

Are you keen to get started in your program and eventually your internship? MSM Unify provides a wealth of resources on this and other things you need to be geared for success as an international student.