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International Student Permit Policy Update

International Student Support

Study Permit, PAL and PGWP Information for International Students

Everything you need to know before applying, after you are accepted, and while you are studying at College of the North Atlantic. Built to be easy to follow on mobile and desktop for students and parents.

Start Here Co-op vs PGWP Work While Studying PGWP Programs FAQs
Important: Immigration rules can change. Always confirm final study permit, PAL, co-op permit and work permit requirements through official IRCC information before applying or travelling.
Apply to CNA PAL & Study Permit Co-op vs PGWP Work Rules Current Students Program List FAQs Need Help?
January 8, 2025 page update: CNA matched federal Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to existing program offerings and identified the current list of programs shown as eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you need help now, call 1-888-982-2268, email info@cna.nl.ca, or use Live Chat.

Start here

This section gives students and parents a simple path to follow. Start with your application, then review PAL and study permit steps, and finally confirm whether your program includes a required work placement.

1. Apply to CNA

College of the North Atlantic is a public college funded and operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Review program options, admission requirements and intake availability before you apply.

Explore programs

2. Get your PAL

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) request form is included with your Letter of Acceptance. Complete the form and upload it with a copy of your passport as instructed by CNA.

3. Apply for your study permit

Once accepted, submit your study permit application through IRCC as early as possible. Make sure your documents are complete and accurate before submitting.

4. Check for work placement requirements

Some programs include required clinicals, internships, field placements or work terms. If yours does, you may need a co-op work permit before that part of your program begins.

What students should do after acceptance

Once you receive your offer, use this checklist to stay on track and avoid delays.

Review your Letter of Acceptance carefully

Check your program name, intake, campus and any notes related to work-integrated learning, clinicals, internships or field placements.

Complete PAL instructions right away

Follow the PAL request instructions included with your acceptance documents. Upload the required form and passport copy as directed.

Prepare your study permit application

Apply through IRCC as soon as you are ready. Do not wait until the last minute, especially if visa processing times are longer in your country.

Confirm whether your program needs a co-op work permit

If your program includes a required work placement, you need to prepare for that permit before the placement begins.

Keep copies of all documents

Save your Letter of Acceptance, PAL, permit approvals, passport copies and any communication you may need later.

Quick facts for students and families

  • PGWP stands for Post-Graduation Work Permit.
  • A PGWP is used after graduation.
  • A co-op work permit is used during your studies if your program requires a placement.
  • CNA does not offer master's or doctoral-level programs.
  • If you already hold a valid study permit, you can continue progressing through your program.
This page is designed to make key information easier to understand. Final permit decisions and immigration requirements come from IRCC.

Co-op work permit vs. Post-Graduation Work Permit

These are not the same thing. Many students mix them up. This comparison makes the difference clear.

Used during your studies

Co-op work permit

A co-op work permit is needed if your CNA program includes a required work-integrated learning component, such as a work term, internship, clinical, practicum, field placement or similar required experience.

  • Used before graduation
  • Required for mandatory work placements
  • Can apply to paid or unpaid placements
  • Separate from your study permit
  • Check your Letter of Acceptance and Program Guide for confirmation
Used after graduation

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A PGWP allows eligible students to work in Canada after they complete their studies and receive confirmation of program completion. The permit length depends on program length and eligibility rules.

  • Used after graduation
  • Helps graduates gain Canadian work experience
  • Only available to eligible graduates
  • Depends on current eligibility rules and your completed program
  • Program eligibility is listed below with CIP codes

Do I need a co-op work permit?

If your program includes required work-integrated learning, the answer is likely yes.

You need a co-op work permit if your CNA program includes a required work component such as:

  • clinical placements
  • internships
  • field placements
  • work terms
  • required work exposures or practicum components

This applies to both paid and unpaid required work components. Students without the required co-op work permit should not participate in the work component of the program.

How to confirm

  • Check your Letter of Acceptance
  • Review the CNA Program Guide
  • Look for any required placement, practicum, clinical or internship
  • Contact CNA if you are unsure

Need help deciding? Contact CNA

Working while you study

If your study permit allows you to work, these are the main rules students most often ask about:

  • You may work up to 24 hours per week off campus.
  • You may work unlimited hours on campus, if eligible.
  • You may work full time during scheduled academic breaks, if eligible.

What is a scheduled break?

A scheduled break is a period in your academic calendar when there are no classes or required academic activities. This can include breaks such as summer break, winter break or reading week.

Always check your CNA academic calendar for your actual scheduled break dates.

Before you start working

  • Confirm your study permit conditions
  • Make sure you are still meeting student status requirements
  • Check whether your work is on campus, off campus or part of your program
  • Keep your course load and academic status in good standing

Current CNA international students

This section is for students who are already studying at CNA or already hold a valid study permit.

Does the student cap affect my enrolment?

If you already hold a valid study permit and are progressing through your current program, these changes do not stop you from continuing and completing your studies.

Am I eligible for a PGWP?

Current students and applicants may still be eligible to apply for a PGWP based on the rules that apply to their studies and completed program.

Public or private institution?

College of the North Atlantic is a public institution. CNA does not offer master's or doctoral-level programs.

Programs eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Search the CNA programs listed with their federal CIP codes. This layout is mobile-friendly, easier to scan, and can be connected to your existing program data source.

Responsive Searchable Program List
Program Name Credential CIP Code
Agriculture Technician Co-op Diploma 1.0000
Agriculture, general
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician Diploma 47.0607
Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology/technician
Aircraft Structural Repair Technician Certificate 11.1003
Computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance
Architectural Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0101
Architectural engineering technology/technician
Carpenter Certificate 46.0201
Carpentry/carpenter
Civil Engineering Technology (Co-op) Diploma 15.0201
Civil engineering technology/technician
Community and Therapeutic Recreation Diploma 44.0201
Community organization and advocacy
Community Leadership Development Diploma 44.0201
Community organization and advocacy
Computing Systems Engineering Technology (Co-op) Diploma 15.1201
Computer engineering technology/technician, general
Construction / Industrial Electrician Certificate 46.0302
Electrician
Cook Certificate 12.0500
Cooking and related culinary arts, general
Early Childhood Education Diploma 19.0709
Child care provider/assistant
Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op Diploma 15.0303
Electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technology/technician
Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (Co-op) Diploma 15.0303
Electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technology/technician
Electronics Engineering Technology (Biomedical) Diploma 15.0401
Biomedical technology/technician
Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op) Diploma 15.0507
Environmental/environmental engineering technology/technician
Heating Systems Technician Diploma 47.0201
Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician/Truck and Transport Mechanic Certificate 47.0302
Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician
Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate 49.0202
Construction/heavy equipment/earthmoving equipment operation
Hydrogen Technician Diploma 47.0799
Energy systems maintenance and repair technologies/technicians, other
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Certificate 47.0303
Industrial mechanics and maintenance technology/technician
Machinist Certificate 48.0501
Machine tool technology/machinist
Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma 15.0805
Mechanical/mechanical engineering technology/technician
Mental Health and Addictions Diploma 51.1599
Mental and social health services and allied professions, other
Mining Engineering Technician Diploma 14.2101
Mining and mineral engineering
Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Certificate 51.2602
Home health aide/home attendant
Plumber Certificate 46.0503
Plumbing technology/plumber
Power Engineering Technology Diploma 14.4802
Power plant engineering
Practical Nursing Diploma 51.3901
Licensed practical/vocational nurse training (LPN, LVN, RPN, Cert., Dipl., AAS)
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Certificate 15.0501
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technology/technician
Software Development (Co-op) Diploma 11.0201
Computer programming/programmer, general
Solar PV Installer Certificate 47.0703
Solar energy system installation and repair technology/technician
Steamfitter / Pipefitter Certificate 46.0502
Pipefitting/pipefitter and sprinkler fitter
Welder Certificate 48.0508
Welding technology/welder
Welder / Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Diploma 48.0508
Welding technology/welder
Welding Engineering Technician (Co-op) Diploma 15.0614
Welding engineering technology/technician
Wind Turbine Technician Certificate 47.0704
Wind energy system installation and repair technology/technician
Agriculture Technician Co-op

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 1.0000

Agriculture, general

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 47.0607

Airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology/technician

Aircraft Structural Repair Technician

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 11.1003

Computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance

Architectural Engineering Technology

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0101

Architectural engineering technology/technician

Carpenter

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 46.0201

Carpentry/carpenter

Civil Engineering Technology (Co-op)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0201

Civil engineering technology/technician

Community and Therapeutic Recreation

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 44.0201

Community organization and advocacy

Community Leadership Development

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 44.0201

Community organization and advocacy

Computing Systems Engineering Technology (Co-op)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.1201

Computer engineering technology/technician, general

Construction / Industrial Electrician

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 46.0302

Electrician

Cook

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 12.0500

Cooking and related culinary arts, general

Early Childhood Education

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 19.0709

Child care provider/assistant

Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0303

Electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technology/technician

Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (Co-op)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0303

Electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technology/technician

Electronics Engineering Technology (Biomedical)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0401

Biomedical technology/technician

Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0507

Environmental/environmental engineering technology/technician

Heating Systems Technician

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 47.0201

Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician/Truck and Transport Mechanic

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 47.0302

Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician

Heavy Equipment Operator

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 49.0202

Construction/heavy equipment/earthmoving equipment operation

Hydrogen Technician

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 47.0799

Energy systems maintenance and repair technologies/technicians, other

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 47.0303

Industrial mechanics and maintenance technology/technician

Machinist

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 48.0501

Machine tool technology/machinist

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0805

Mechanical/mechanical engineering technology/technician

Mental Health and Addictions

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 51.1599

Mental and social health services and allied professions, other

Mining Engineering Technician

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 14.2101

Mining and mineral engineering

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 51.2602

Home health aide/home attendant

Plumber

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 46.0503

Plumbing technology/plumber

Power Engineering Technology

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 14.4802

Power plant engineering

Practical Nursing

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 51.3901

Licensed practical/vocational nurse training (LPN, LVN, RPN, Cert., Dipl., AAS)

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 15.0501

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technology/technician

Software Development (Co-op)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 11.0201

Computer programming/programmer, general

Solar PV Installer

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 47.0703

Solar energy system installation and repair technology/technician

Steamfitter / Pipefitter

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 46.0502

Pipefitting/pipefitter and sprinkler fitter

Welder

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 48.0508

Welding technology/welder

Welder / Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 48.0508

Welding technology/welder

Welding Engineering Technician (Co-op)

Credential: Diploma

CIP Code: 15.0614

Welding engineering technology/technician

Wind Turbine Technician

Credential: Certificate

CIP Code: 47.0704

Wind energy system installation and repair technology/technician

This list is based on CNA's current PGWP program mapping and matched federal CIP codes. Students should always confirm final eligibility requirements with IRCC.

Frequently asked questions

Short, plain-language answers for the questions international students and parents ask most often.

For international applicants

A PAL request form is included with your Letter of Acceptance. Complete the form and upload it with a copy of your passport through the process provided by CNA. CNA then works with the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to support PAL generation.

Apply for your study permit as soon as possible after you receive your acceptance documents and any required supporting documents. Review IRCC requirements for your country carefully and make sure your file is complete before you submit.

If eligible, you may work up to 24 hours per week off campus, unlimited hours on campus, and full time during scheduled academic breaks. Always check your current study permit conditions before starting work.

If eligible, yes. Students can generally work full time during scheduled academic breaks such as winter break, summer break or reading week. Always confirm your own permit conditions and academic schedule.

A scheduled break is a period in your academic calendar when there are no classes or required academic activities. Check CNA's academic calendar for your exact break periods.

If you are changing schools, you must update your Designated Learning Institution information through your IRCC account using the process required by IRCC.

For current CNA international students

If you already hold a valid study permit and are actively enrolled, these changes do not stop you from continuing your current program at CNA.

A co-op work permit is for required work placements during your studies. A PGWP is for eligible graduates after they complete their studies. One is used during your program, and the other is used after graduation.

Review your Letter of Acceptance and the program description in the CNA Program Guide. If your program includes a required clinical, internship, field placement, practicum or work term, you likely need a co-op work permit.

Eligibility depends on current rules and the program you complete. Review the PGWP-eligible program list on this page and confirm your situation using official IRCC guidance.

College of the North Atlantic is a public institution funded and operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

No. CNA does not offer master's or doctoral-level programs.

Check the current CNA Program Guide and admissions information for program availability, open intakes and application details.
This page is written in simpler language to help students and families understand the process more easily. Final immigration decisions and eligibility requirements are determined by IRCC.

Need help now?

Support for international students and applicants

Phone:
1-888-982-2268

Email:
info@cna.nl.ca

Live Chat:
Use CNA contact options

Program Guide:
Browse programs

Best for students: save this page, keep your permit documents together, and confirm requirements early.
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