What is Practicum and Work Experience as a Student? 

A student work placement is a required component of an academic program that is approved by your designated learning institution (DLI). It provides students with practical, hands-on experience related to their field of study. 

Work placements may include practicum, co-op placements, internships, clinical training, or other forms of applied learning. These opportunities are available only to students enrolled at a Canadian DLI and do not apply to students studying at institutions outside of Canada. 

While many Vancouver Community College (VCC) programs include a mandatory work placement component, not all programs offer practicum or co-op opportunities. 

If your VCC program includes a required student work placement, you must ensure that you meet all placement requirements and that your study permit includes the appropriate conditions authorizing you to work. Details about internship/work practicum can be found in your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). 

VCC Programs with Practicum and Work Experience 

Many VCC programs include a mandatory student work placement component as part of the curriculum. These placements provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities related to your field of study. 

Refer to the list below to find programs that include a student work placement requirement. 

Practicum and Work Experience Required 

Certificate 
Administrative Professional 
Asian Culinary 
Artisan Baking 
Esthetics and Spa Therapy 
Hairstylist 
Legal Administrative Assistant 
Medical Office Assistant 
Baking and Pastry Arts – Pastry 

Dual Certificates 
Baking and Pastry Arts 

Diploma 
Health and Wellness Professional – Cosmetology  
Culinary Arts 
Culinary Arts and Food Service Management 
Dental Technology Sciences 
Early Childhood Care and Education 
Fashion Design and Production 
Graphic Design  
Health Care Assistant  
Hospitality and Food Service Systems Management  
Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant  
Optician 

Bachelor’s Degree 
Bachelor of Applied Music 

Post-Degree Diploma 
Business Management 
Hospitality Management 
 

Early Childhood Education and Health Sciences programs  

Students participating in work placements that involve working with children or in healthcare settings, such as Early Childhood Education, Health Care Assistant, Optician, or Dental Technology Sciences programs, are strongly recommended to complete an immigration medical examination (IME). This is recommended even if applicants from their country of origin are exempt from a medical exam when applying for a study permit. 

Failure to complete an IME may result in study permit conditions that do not authorize participation in a student work placement, making you ineligible to complete required practicum or clinical components of your program. 

Who can participate in a Practicum and Work Experience 

To be eligible for a student work placement, the placement must be a required component of your study program. 

As a VCC student, you may participate in a student work placement if you meet all of the following requirements: 

• You have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from VCC confirming that the internship/work practicum is required to complete your program (Field 24) 

• Your program is at least 6 months in length, at the post-secondary level, and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate  

• The work placement makes up 50% or less of your total program of study 

• You hold a valid study permit, or you applied to extend it before it expired  

• Your study permit includes a condition allowing you to work on campus  

• You are enrolled as a full-time student at a VCC, unless you are in your final semester 

You may also need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). 

When You Must Stop your Practicum and Work Experience 

You must stop participating in your student work placement if any of the following apply: 

• You stop studying full-time (unless you are in your final semester)  

• Your study permit expires  

• You are on an authorized leave from your studies  

• You have transferred schools and are not currently studying  

You may resume your work placement only if: 

• You return to full-time studies, and  

• You continue to meet all eligibility requirements 

If Your Study Permit Is Missing Work Conditions 

If you are eligible to participate in a student work placement but your study permit does not include the appropriate work conditions, you must request an amendment before starting any work. You are not authorized to work without the required conditions on your study permit. 

Eligible conditions include: 

• “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.” 

• “This permit does not authorize the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.” 

How to Request to Amend a Study Permit 

There is no fee to Request to Amend Valid Temporary Resident Document. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying. 

1. Read the Instruction Guide (IMM 5218) and download the application forms 

2. Provide your correct and complete current mailing address (this is where your amended study permit will be sent)  

3. Complete, sign, and date your application forms  

4. Mail your application 

5. Tip: Include the document checklist as a cover page and organize documents in the same order 

Important Considerations 

If you already applied for a co-op work permit  

As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students no longer need a co-op work permit for student work placements (including co-op and internships).  

If you already applied for a co-op work permit: 

• You may withdraw your application, or  

• Your application may be withdrawn automatically, and you will receive a letter confirming that a co-op work permit is not required 

Where you can complete your student work placement  

You may complete your student work placement with any employer approved by your VCC program department, including off-campus employers. 

Work Placement Hours 

There is no weekly hour limit for student work placements. However: 

• You must follow the total number of hours required by your program  

• You must stop once you complete the required hours  

• Your placement must not exceed 50% of your program duration  

You may continue working separately if you meet On and Off Campus Work eligibility. 

Next Steps 

• Please review your study permit to ensure all your information is accurate and that Vancouver Community College is listed as your DLI. 

• Confirm that your study permit includes one of the required work conditions listed above 

• Upload a copy of your study permit to your myVCC account: Tutorial – How to Upload Document in myVCC. 

• Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if applicable).  

• Visit the VCC Career Guidance page to help you prepare your Resume and Cover Letter.