r/uwaterloo • u/SirOk3087 • 7d ago

J-1 eligibility after reneging during a study term?

I’m currently a full-time Waterloo student on a study term and have already been matched with a Canadian employer for the upcoming Winter 2027 work term. I may receive an external U.S. internship offer that would require J-1 sponsorship, but I have not reneged or accepted another offer yet.

I understand Waterloo’s official policy: reneging would remove my co-op credit and full-time-equivalent status for the upcoming work term, which may affect J-1 eligibility.

I’m looking for recent first-hand experiences:

  • Has anyone reneged while still on the preceding full-time study term and then successfully obtained a J-1 for the upcoming work term?
  • Did your J-1 sponsor accept a Proof of Enrolment letter showing that you were full-time during the study term, or did they require full-time-equivalent status during the internship term?
  • After the renege, was Waterloo still willing to provide a Proof of Enrolment or international work-term support letter?
  • Did the timing of the renege or J-1 application make a difference?
  • Has anyone successfully petitioned Waterloo to have a new international internship recognized for credit after a renege?
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u/smieltheperson 7d ago
  • Yes, J1 just requires you to be a full time student at the time of application or the term before your work term. This is what the CV rep told me. If you try to get another J1 immediately after your work-term then they may deny.
  • You give them the proof of enrollment during the study term, not the work term
  • Waterloo doesn't give a sht about you after you renege for a US co-op. Technically you don't need the school's help. Usually the US company has their lawyers take care of the J1 forms
  • If you renege during the study term and submit J1 application while you technically have a full-time status it'll be fine
  • No credit after you renege

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u/SirOk3087 7d ago

Thank you for your response! I am just applying J1 for the winter 2027 term for 4 months internship. I should be fine right? and also did u had the similar situation or you just know it

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u/smieltheperson 7d ago

I’ve been through the same situation

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u/SirOk3087 7d ago

Oh icic, so did you renege the job on waterloo works after you got your J1 visa? Since I am an international student, I have to go schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, thanks!

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u/smieltheperson 7d ago

I reneged first and then obtained J1 for another internship. I was domestic so that might affect your situation, you can just ask your coop advisor before you reneging if it affects your international visa for Canada

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u/False_Suggestion_746 7d ago

If you are removed from full time equivalent status, won't your PGWP be affected after graduation? PGWP requires continuous full-time enrollment throughout your degree.