Because visa applications can change, it is best to contact the UBC Science Co-op office for assistance before proceeding with your visa application.
Here are the general working visa application instructions for popular destinations:
United States
Visa Type: J-1
Minimum Processing Time: 1.5 month
Application Instructions:
Students can apply for a J-1 visa via Cultural Vistas.
Submit your application online via this link:
https://culturalvistas.org/programs/us/j-1-internships-training/
Approximate Fees:
Program Administration fees $900 USD (for up to 6 months), $1,100 USD (6 to 12 months)
Expedited 5 day processing service is an additional $1,000
SEVIS fee $220
Health Insurance plans and fees - $60/month for the Standard Lite plan OR $100 per month for the Enhanced plan
*Fees are subject to change by Cultural Vistas
Germany
Visa Type: Youth Mobility Visa (before arrival), Residence Permit (after arrival)
Minimum Processing Time: 1 month
Application Instructions (For Canadians):
Canadian students will be required to mail your Youth Mobility Visa application to the German Consulate in Toronto.
Relevant forms and instructions can be found on this page: https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en/consular-services/visa
Document Checklist (Sept 2022 Version)
All documents need to be notarized before mailing to the consulate. Contact the Co-op Office for assistance and to review your documents before sending your application.
We also have a recommended notary public to handle your YMV application at an affordable rate.
Please note that after you have successfully acquired your Youth Mobility Visa, it is only valid for three months. Upon arrival in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence Permit to cover your entire duration of employment. Report to the local aliens office and inquire about the application process there. There will be another fee for this application.
Approximate Fees:
$115 Euros for YMV + Notary Public Charges + Courier Charges
Application Instructions (For International Students):
International students however will not be eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa. International students who wish to work in Germany will need to fly to Toronto to apply for an Internship Visa in-person, which will be valid for the entire stay in Germany.
Internship Visa information can be found on the German Consulate website here
Internship Visa document checklist (May 2022)
Please contact the Co-op office before initiating your application.
Before you book your flights to Toronto, you will need to book a visa appointment online: http://www.canada.diplo.de/Vertretung/kanada/en/01/GK__Toronto/appointm…
Allow for at least 2 months process time.
Italy
Visa Type: Canada -Italy Youth Mobility Agreement / Holiday Working Visa
Minimum Processing Time: 1 month
Visa Type Questionnaire: http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en#BMQuestionario
Singapore
Visa Type: Temporary Employment Pass (TEP)
Minimum Processing Time: up to 3 months
Co-op students can obtain their work authorization for Singapore through the Ministry of Manpower by applying for a Temporary Employment Pass (TEP). This application is done jointly with your host company and the information can be found here:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/training-employment-pass
Australia
Visa Type: Training and Research Visa (Subclass 402)
Minimum Processing Time: 3.5 months
Employers can apply for a Training & Research Visa (Subclass 402) to bring a Science Co-op student overseas to work in Australia. This visa is currently closed to new applications.
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/402-
Another option is for students to consider using the Working Holiday Visa but it is not the most recommended visa for Co-op Internships.
Austria
Visa Type: National D Visa
Minimum Processing Time: 2 months
Application instructions can be found on the Austria Embassy's website: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/travel-stay/entrance-and-residence-in-austria/visa
Visa D is a suitable visa for students to work in Austria for four months. Students committed to working longer than six months would apply for a residence permit upon arrival.
Police criminal record check is required: https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/how-do-i/obtain-criminal-records-check-police-information-check
For any other country destinations, see more information on International Experience Canada website or contact the Co-op Office for further assistance.