New Update for International Students: Co-op Work Permit No Longer Required for Post-Secondary Programs Starting April 1, 2026

Canada has announced a significant policy change that will benefit many international students. Beginning April 1, 2026, post-secondary students who must complete a work placement as part of their program no longer need to apply for a separate co-op work permit. This adjustment is intended to reduce paperwork, shorten processing times, and make it easier for students to complete the practical training required for graduation.

This update applies only to students in colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions. Secondary school students still need a co-op work permit. 

Below is a clear explanation of what this change means and how it affects your studies.

What Counts as a Student Work Placement 

A student work placement is a work experience that your school requires you to complete in order to graduate. These placements are approved by your designated learning institution and can include:

• Co-op terms 
• Internships
• Practicums
• Mentorship or training programs

Who Can Participate Without a Co-op Work Permit

You may take part in a required placement without applying for a co‑op work permit if all of the following conditions are met:

• Your study permit includes conditions that allow you to work on campus
• Your school confirms in writing that the placement is required for your program
• You have a valid study permit or you applied to extend it before it expired
• You are studying full time at a designated learning institution
• Your program is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate 
• The placement makes up half or less of your total program length

Secondary School Students

This update does not apply to secondary school students. If you are in high school and your program includes a required work placement, you must still apply for a co-op work permit.

Who Is Not Eligible

You may not qualify for a student work placement if:

• Your study permit does not include work conditions
• Your program does not require work placement
• Your placement is more than half of your total program

If you are eligible but your study permit is missing work conditions, you may need to request an amendment. 

If You Already Applied for a Co-op Work Permit

If you submitted a co-op work permit application before April 1, 2026, but you no longer need it:

• You may withdraw your application
• IRCC may also withdraw it for you and send a letter confirming that the permit is no longer required.

Where You Are Allowed to Work

You may work with any employer that your school approves for the placement. This can include off-campus employers.

If your placement involves working in a hospital or another environment where public health protection is important, you may need a medical exam unless you already completed one. 

Hours You Can Work During a Placement

There is no weekly limit on the number of hours you can work in a required placement. However, the placement cannot exceed half of your total program length.