Canada drops separate co-op work permit requirement for eligible post-secondary international students
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Canada’s immigration department announced on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that eligible international students at post-secondary institutions no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory work placements, including co-ops and internships, with the change taking effect as of April 1, 2026.
IRCC said the measure is meant to simplify administration by allowing students to complete one study program with one permit when a required work placement is part of that program. The department stressed that the change does not expand work authorization or increase temporary resident volumes; it only removes a step it says is no longer necessary.
The department also said eligible active co-op work permit applications will be withdrawn automatically, with no action required from affected students. To qualify, students must be full-time at a designated learning institution, hold a valid study permit or have applied to extend it before expiry, be enrolled in a post-secondary program of at least six months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate, and have a mandatory work placement worth no more than 50% of the program.
IRCC added that students must have a letter from their institution confirming the placement is required, and they may work only for employers accepted by their school under the placement program. Depending on the work involved, they may also need a Social Insurance Number. Secondary school students are not covered by the new rule and still need a separate co-op work permit.
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Tahani Elghazaly5352 Posts
