On this page you will find
- Details of Canada’s new co-op work permit rule
- Who qualifies under the updated policy
- Types of eligible student work placements
- What requirements still apply
- How the change affects current applicants
Canada has removed a key administrative hurdle for international students, allowing many to complete mandatory work placements without applying for a separate permit.
The change, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, took effect on April 1, 2026 and applies to eligible post-secondary students across the country.
What has changed?
International students at the post-secondary level no longer need a co-op work permit to take part in required work placements such as internships or co-op terms.
Instead, students can complete these placements using only their study permit, provided the placement is an official requirement of their programme and approved by their designated learning institution.
This means:
- One permit now covers both study and required work placements
- Students avoid a separate application process and waiting time
- Existing co-op work permit applications will be withdrawn automatically if no longer needed
Importantly, the government says the change does not expand work eligibility or increase the number of international students in Canada. It simply removes an administrative step.
Who qualifies under the new rules?
To benefit from the new policy, post-secondary students must meet specific conditions:
- Hold a valid study permit that allows on-campus work
- Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution
- Be in a programme lasting at least six months
- Be studying towards a degree, diploma or certificate
- Have a formal letter confirming the placement is mandatory
- Ensure the placement makes up no more than 50% of the programme
Students may also need a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.
What counts as a student work placement?
Eligible placements include structured, programme-required work experience such as:
- Co-op placements
- Internships
- Practicums
- Mentorship programmes
These placements must be part of a Canadian study programme and approved by the student’s institution.
What stays the same?
Not all students are affected by the change.
- Secondary school students still need a co-op work permit
- Work placements must remain a required part of the academic programme
- Health-related placements may still require a medical exam
- Work placements cannot exceed 50% of the total study programme
There is also no weekly hour cap for work completed as part of a required placement.
A shift towards simplification
The move reflects a broader effort by IRCC to streamline processes and improve service delivery for international students.
By removing the co-op work permit requirement, Canada reduces paperwork and processing pressure while maintaining control over temporary resident numbers.
For students, the benefit is immediate – fewer forms, faster access to work placements and a simpler path through their studies.
FAQ
Do international students still need a co-op work permit in Canada?
No, post-secondary international students no longer need a co-op work permit if the placement is required for their programme. They can use their study permit instead, provided they meet all eligibility conditions set by IRCC.
Who is eligible for the new work placement rules?
Eligible students must be full-time post-secondary learners at a designated learning institution, enrolled in a programme of at least six months that leads to a credential, with a required work placement making up no more than 50% of their studies.
Are secondary school students included in this change?
No, secondary school students are not included. They must still apply for and receive a co-op work permit before participating in any required work placements as part of their studies.
What happens to existing co-op work permit applications?
Students with pending co-op work permit applications do not need to take action. IRCC will withdraw eligible applications automatically and notify applicants that a separate permit is no longer required.
Is there a limit on hours worked during placements?
There is no weekly hour limit for required student work placements. However, the placement itself must not exceed 50% of the total study programme, ensuring the focus remains on academic learning.
