Visas & Immigration: Canada

Immigration Information for Internships in Canada

For most participants — including U.S. citizens — a work permit is required for social work internships in Canada.

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.

Due to the nature of the application process, students will need to apply and pay the associated fees on their own.
Please review the following primary steps for your application process:
- You will first need to complete an application and register with our third-party visa sponsorship partner JENZA to receive a Recognised Organization (RO) letter.
- Following the receipt of an RO letter and payment of required fees to JENZA, students will then apply for a work permit (IEC Visa) through International Experience Canada (IEC) to receive their Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Admitted participants will receive instructions regarding visa processes and requirements – important documents and guidance will be shared through the IP Student Portal and JENZA.

Your passport must:
- Have at least two blank visa pages.
- Remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Canada.
You should have a fully valid passport in your possession before beginning the visa application process, which typically starts 4–6 months before your program begins.
If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services.

You will be required to pay the following fees as part of the work permit application process:
- JENZA Program Fee: $1,899 (USD)
- IEC Fee: $179.75 (CAD)
- Biometric Services: $85 (CAD)
Depending on eligibility and application requirements, students may also be required to pay additional fees for background check requests and processing, and other costs dictated by IEC.
Altogether, depending on currency conversion fluctuations, these fees can amount to around $2,100-$2,500(USD).
- Please keep in mind these fees are not included in your program fees.

One of the steps to receive a work permit will be to schedule and attend a biometrics appointment. This is where you will be fingerprinted and photographed by an authorized Application Support Center (ASC) or Visa Application Center (VAC).
- More information about the biometrics process and ASC and VAC locations can be found here.
This step cannot be completed before specifically instructed, however, please be aware that you may be required to travel to complete this step in the application process.

Participants who have lived in a country outside the United States for six months or longer, will be required to supply a country-specific background check.
- If this requirement applies to you, research the background check request process  here.
The Canadian government may also randomly select applicants and require them to submit an FBI Background Check.
- If you are selected, please contact IP-Visas@fsu.edu for instructions.

Non-U.S. citizens will be required to show proof of financial support in the amount of $2,500 (USD).
Do not obtain your financial support documentation until instructed by JENZA, as it will need to be requested within a certain timeframe prior to entry into Canada. More information will be provided by JENZA.

Immigration requirements for non-U.S. & dual citizens may be different from those of U.S. Citizens. If this applies to you, contact IP-Visas@fsu.edu for guidance.
To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.
If you currently reside outside of the United States, please contact an Immigration Coordinator at IP-Visas@fsu.edu.

Due to immigration requirements and processing timelines, you should not arrange any international travel in the 4 months leading up to your program.
If you plan to travel to Canada outside the dates of your program, you will be required to provide proof of insurance coverage for the duration of your independent travel. International Programs will enroll participants in insurance for the dates of their program, including an additional two days before the program start date, and one day after the end of the program.
- You will be provided information on how to obtain additional insurance.