A valid study permit and a co-op work permit that lists Vancouver International College. Keep both valid for the entire placement.

A co-op work permit is only for your approved co-op placement. For any work outside co-op (including between programs), follow your study permit conditions and consult IRCC rules.

Only if it is permitted by your study permit off-campus rules. It does not count toward co-op hours and cannot be done under the co-op work permit. Always check IRCC rules before accepting any non co-op job.

Yes, for all placements (Co-op and Practicum). You must have a valid SIN before your first paid shift.

Yes. A 9 series SIN is for temporary residents and is valid only until the expiry date tied to your permit or permits. Renew your SIN as soon as you extend your study or co-op permit, and give the updated SIN confirmation to your employer.

Only your employer or payroll, and Service Canada during application. Do not email your SIN or share it over chat or screenshots. VIC does not require or collect your SIN.

Yes. MSP is mandatory and all students must maintain valid medical insurance for the entire duration of their program. If you are eligible for MSP, enroll and keep it active. If you are not yet eligible, for example within the initial wait period, you must hold approved private coverage until MSP becomes active.

Submit proof of MSP, or approved private insurance, to the Front Desk or Co-op Office and update it whenever it renews. Opt out from the school plan is only possible if you provide proof of equivalent coverage for the entire program length, no gaps. Follow the school’s instructions and forms.

VIC can share process links and forms, but cannot advise on your personal eligibility or billing. For official details, see the provincial health website or your insurance provider.

Only after your placement is fully approved and signed by all parties, student, host, VIC, and you have received the go ahead from the Co-op Office.

Email the Co-op Office before the change. We will update your Host Agreement. Hours done outside approved dates cannot be counted.

Only if it is pre approved as a self placement and a Host Agreement is fully signed before you start counting hours.

Check your Enrollment Contract or Program Outline. The required hours are:

• DM: 520
• GB (6+6): 636
• GB (4+4): 424
• CS (7+7): 560
• CS (4+4): 320
• CS (3+3): 240

Only hours actually worked count. Paid, but not worked, hours, for example stat pay or vacation pay, do not count toward co-op hours.

Use whole or half hours only, for example 60 or 80.5. Do not submit decimals like 60.2 or 81.7.

No. You are responsible for tracking your hours to meet, but not exceed, the requirement. If you are getting close, email the Co-op Office for guidance before continuing.

Possibly, for approved reasons. Email the Co-op Office before pausing. Unapproved breaks may affect your status.

Yes. They are mandatory for compliance.

Within one week after the end of each month, for example April MR is due May 7.

Use the MR form: https://vancouver.college/monthly-coop-reports/

All co-op students with an approved placement. Once your Host Agreement is signed, you must submit an MR every month for the duration of your placement, even if you worked only a few days that month.

• Your hours worked that month, whole or half hours only, for example 60 or 80.5, not 60.2 or 81.7.
• Accurate running totals so you are progressing toward, but not exceeding, your required co-op hours.

• DM: 520
• GB (6+6): 636
• GB (4+4): 424
• CS (7+7): 560
• CS (4+4): 320
• CS (3+3): 240

• April MR, due by May 7.
• If your Host Agreement was signed May 22 and you only worked 4 days in August, you still submit a May MR for the hours worked after May 22, then continue submitting monthly thereafter.

If you have started working, submit your self placement form and report your hours in your Monthly Report each month via the link above.

• Track your weekly hours and keep a running total so you do not exceed your program’s required hours.
• If you are getting close to your maximum hours, email the Co-op Office before continuing to avoid going over.
• If you have questions about calculating hours or your due date, email the Co-op Office and we will confirm your timeline.

It must align with your program’s learning outcomes and duties listed in your program outline.

Unrelated jobs do not count toward co-op hours and cannot be done under the co-op work permit. If you want to work outside co-op, you must follow your study permit’s off-campus work rules and IRCC guidance. VIC cannot confirm individual work eligibility, please review IRCC or consult a licensed immigration professional before accepting non co-op work.

No. Remote or hybrid work is not permitted for VIC co-op. Co-op must be onsite at your approved host location in B.C. Get written approval from the Co-op Office before any changes.

Yes, with approval. You will need a new Host Agreement, or an amendment, approved before starting the new role or location. Inform the Co-op Office immediately.

Only with prior approval and separate Host Agreements. Hours must be tracked per host.

Yes. All co-op placements must be paid, at least the minimum wage.

Hosts are expected to have appropriate WorkSafeBC coverage and onboarding. Ask your host about safety orientation on day one.

Notify your supervisor and email the Co-op Office right away. We will advise next steps and resources.

Respect your host’s confidentiality agreements and IP policies. Ask if unsure before sharing any work publicly.

Yes. A supervisor evaluation is required near the end of your placement, we will send the link or form.

Email the Co-op Office within 24 hours. Provide details, last working day and hours completed. An extension or new placement may be considered but is not guaranteed.

Tell the Co-op Office before duties change. We may need to amend your Host Agreement to ensure role alignment.

Communicate with your supervisor and copy the Co-op Office early. Do not wait until the end of the month.

Extensions are case by case and only for eligible reasons. Submit your request with supporting documents before your contract end date.

After we receive and verify all final documents, MRs, evaluation, hours. Processing times vary. Submit early to avoid delays.