Difference between S-1 and SW-1 Visa

When you apply for a study permit, you can get two types of student visa. One is S-1 and other is SW-1. Some students start to stress themselves over the type of visa they get but it doesn't really make much difference. As its name indicates, S-1 stands for Study Visa and SW-1 visa stands for Study and Work visa or study permit with work permit. Usually, students who have a compulsory co-op in their program are issued SW-1 visa. On the other hand, students who have an optional co-op or internship in theri program are given S-1 visa. But sometimes, even students who have mandatory co-op also get just S-1 visa. Don't worry if you are one of them. 

With S-1 visa, you have to apply for co-op work permit after coming here. If you have SW-1 visa, there is no need to apply for co-op work permit and you can start working in your internship without additional permit. 

Thing to keep in mind - When you are applying for study permit, you will be asked whether you have a co-op or not in your program. If you tick yes, you will need co-op letter from your college in order to get SW-1 visa. Co-op letter is a small letter in which it is written that internship is a part of your program. It is clearly written in some of the offer letters that you have a co-op or internship in your program. If it is written in your offer letter, you might not need any other co-op letter. Otherwise, you will have to mail your college and apply to get co-op letter. It is better to mail college and get co-op letter first if you have an optional co-op in your program. Even if you are not sure that you are going to take co-op, get co-op letter if it is possible. This way, you can directly get SW-1 visa. 

There is not any other big difference between these two kinds of visa. You don't need to worry if you get either of them. Plus, application for co-op work permit is also free. There is no charges. Even if you get S-1 visa, you can apply for co-op work permit for free after coming here.