Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Government of Canada

BalticStates.gc.ca

Supplemental content

International Co-op (Internship)

Why not intern in Canada?

If you’re a Latvian citizen and are between the ages of 18 and 35, did you know that you can complete a work placement or internship in Canada?

Gain valuable international work experience in Canada related to your field of study while exploring a new country and making new friends. Now that’s a great way to learn outside the classroom!

In this global economy, being a highly skilled worker with North American experience will only make you more marketable in an increasingly competitive job market. A work placement or internship in Canada is a great way to add to your resume while helping you with the transition from school to the working world.

Canada has an agreement with Latvia that enables the Government of Canada to issue work permits to Latvian citizens who wish to travel and work in Canada for up to one year through International Experience Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for the International Co-op (Internship) Category

The International Co-op (Internship) category is designed for Latvian citizens who are registered students at a post-secondary institution in Latvia and who intend to complete an internship or work placement in Canada (maximum 12 months) in order to fulfill part of their academic curriculum.

To be eligible for the International Co-op (Internship) category, you must:

  1. be a Latvian citizen residing in Latvia at the time of application;
  2. be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive);
  3. have the equivalent of C$2,500 to help cover your expenses involved at the beginning of your stay;
  4. be prepared to take out health-care insurance for the duration of your stay – you may have to present evidence of this insurance when you enter Canada;
  5. pay participation fee that is equivalent to C$150 in Latvian lats (LVL);
  6. be registered as a student in Latvia;
  7. have received a signed letter of offer or contract for a work placement or internship in Canada that meets the requirements of your academic curriculum in Latvia; and
  8. not have participated in the International Co-op (Internship) category before. As a Latvian citizen, you may participate in International Experience Canada only twice and each time under a different category. There must be 12 months between the end of your work permit in Canada, and the date you submit your application to IEC.  

Admissibility (for work permit)

Every person who enters Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, worker or student) must meet general requirements for temporary entry as governed by Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.

At any time during the processing of your application, Citizenship and Immigration Canada may request additional information or documents to determine your admissibility.

Spend your internship working at a museum in Quebec City, helping at a veterinary clinic for farm animals in Saskatoon, or planning conferences in Vancouver... The possibilities are as endless as the many experiences that you can add to your resume!

Independent Travel In Canada

Have your Canadian internship already mapped out?

  • Find a work placement or internship before applying.
  • Start the application process.
  • Make travel and accommodation arrangements, and buy health-care insurance (once you have received your Letter of Introduction).

Please note: International Experience Canada does not help with financing, travel plans or your job search.

Still have questions? Check our FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.

Footer

Date Modified:
2013-05-13