Ottawa, April 9, 2026 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a major simplification for international students: eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit to participate in student work placements such as co-op placements, internships, practicums, and mentorship programs.
- 01What Is Changing?
- 02Who Is Eligible (and Who Is Not)
- 03What About Secondary School Students?
- 04What Happens to Pending Co-op Work Permit Applications?
- 05Where Can Students Work?
- 06How Many Hours Can Students Work in Placements?
- 07What If Your Study Permit Lacks the Right Conditions?
- 08Social Insurance Number (SIN) Requirements
- 09If You Need to Start Your Work Placement from Outside Canada
- 10How to Apply for a Co-op Permit (Secondary Students Only)
- 11Official Resources
- 12Frequently Asked Questions
- 13Bottom Line
The change took effect retroactively on April 1, 2026.
Key impact: Students now require only one permit (their study permit) to complete a single study program that includes mandatory work placements. This removes an unnecessary administrative step without increasing the number of students authorized to work or affecting temporary resident volumes.
What Is Changing?
Prior to April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students whose programs required co-op placements or internships had to apply for a separate co-op work permit in addition to their study permit. This created administrative duplication and processing delays.
As of April 1, 2026:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Study permit + separate co-op work permit | Study permit only |
| Two applications, two processing times | One permit covers both study and work placements |
| Separate fees (though co-op permits were fee-exempt) | No separate application needed |
What this change does NOT do:
- It does not increase the number of students authorized to work
- It does not affect temporary resident volumes
- It does not change eligibility criteria for work placements
Official statement: "This change simplifies the administrative process for students by requiring only one permit to complete a single study program. It does not increase the number of students who are authorized to work or affect temporary resident volumes; it simply removes an administrative step that is no longer necessary."
Who Is Eligible (and Who Is Not)
Eligible for Student Work Placements (No Co-op Permit Needed)
As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students can participate in student work placements without a co-op work permit if they meet all of the following conditions:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Study permit conditions | Your study permit must include conditions allowing on-campus work (or both on/off campus) |
| Letter from DLI | Your designated learning institution (DLI) must confirm the work placement is required for your program |
| Valid study permit | You have a valid study permit OR have applied to extend it before it expired |
| Full-time student | You are enrolled full-time at a DLI |
| Program length | Your program is at least 6 months long, at post-secondary level, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate |
| Work placement limit | The work placement totals 50% or less of your total study program |
What Is a Student Work Placement?
Student work placements include, but are not limited to:
- ✅ Co-op placements
- ✅ Internships
- ✅ Practicums
- ✅ Mentorship programs
These are work experiences that are required for your study program and approved by your DLI.
Who Is NOT Eligible
You cannot participate in a student work placement if you are taking:
- ❌ English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) courses
- ❌ General interest courses
- ❌ Courses to prepare for another study program
- ❌ Courses at an institution outside Canada
Important: Students in these categories who wish to work in Canada must apply for a regular work permit.
When Must You Stop Working?
You must stop your student work placement if:
- You stop studying full-time (unless in your final semester)
- Your study permit expires
- You are on an authorized leave from your studies
- You are switching schools and not currently studying
You can return to your work placement if you start studying again and still meet all eligibility requirements.
What About Secondary School Students?
Secondary school (high school) international students are NOT covered by this change.
If you are an international student at a DLI at the secondary level, you still need a co-op work permit to participate in student work placements.
Secondary Student Co-op Permit Eligibility
Secondary students can apply for a co-op work permit if they meet all of the following:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Valid study permit | Yes |
| Work required for program | The work placement is required to complete your study program in Canada |
| Letter from school | Confirms all students in your program need work placements to graduate |
| Work placement limit | Co-op or internship totals 50% or less of your study program |
Fee: No fee for a co-op work permit.
What Happens to Pending Co-op Work Permit Applications?
If you already applied for a co-op work permit but no longer need one under the new rules:
For Post-Secondary Students
| Scenario | What IRCC Will Do |
|---|---|
| Application pending and eligible | IRCC will withdraw the application automatically |
| You want to withdraw yourself | You can withdraw your application voluntarily |
IRCC will send a letter explaining that you no longer need a co-op work permit to participate in student work placements.
For Secondary Students
Secondary students still need co-op work permits. Pending applications will be processed normally.
Where Can Students Work?
Under the new rules, eligible post-secondary students can work for any employer accepted by their school's student work placement program – even if the employer is off campus.
Medical Examination Requirement
If your student work placement is at a hospital or another location where public health protection is important, you may need a medical examination (unless you have already completed one).
How Many Hours Can Students Work in Placements?
There is no weekly hour limit for student work placements.
However, there is an overall program limit:
Your work placement cannot total more than 50% of your study program.
For example, if your program is 4 years (8 semesters), your total work placement time cannot exceed the equivalent of 4 semesters.
Off-Campus Work Hours (Separate from Placements)
This change does not affect the regular off-campus work hour limits for international students. Students should continue to follow the standard off-campus work rules (currently 20 hours per week during academic sessions, with changes expected in Fall 2026).
What If Your Study Permit Lacks the Right Conditions?
To participate in student work placements (and to apply for a SIN), your study permit must include one of the following two conditions:
| Condition Text |
|---|
| "May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria." |
| "This permit does not authorize the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria." |
If Your Study Permit Does NOT Have These Conditions
You cannot work – even if you are otherwise eligible.
What to do: Request an amendment to your study permit to add the conditions. There is no fee for this amendment.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) Requirements
To work in Canada – including student work placements – you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
SIN Eligibility
You can apply for a SIN only if your study permit includes one of the two condition statements listed above.
How to Apply for a SIN
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online (recommended) | Fastest option. Apply for first-time SIN or update existing SIN (e.g., expiry date, status change) |
| In person | At a Service Canada Centre (slower) |
| By mail | Slowest option |
You should apply online to either:
- Submit a SIN application for the first time, or
- Update your existing SIN (expiry date or status in Canada)
If You Need to Start Your Work Placement from Outside Canada
If your study permit application is still being processed and you need to complete a mandatory work placement:
Option 1: Work Remotely
With your school's and employer's agreement, you can begin working remotely from your home country.
Option 2: Work for a Home Country Employer
You can complete your placement with a company in your home country.
Important Restriction
You cannot complete a co-op placement in Canada without a co-op work permit (for secondary students) or without meeting the new eligibility rules (for post-secondary students).
If You Haven't Applied for a Co-op Permit Yet
If you are applying from outside Canada and your study permit application is still being processed:
- You cannot submit a co-op work permit application separately
- Use the web form to submit a new letter of acceptance showing admission to a program with a mandatory work component
If your study permit is already approved but you don't have a co-op work permit:
- You can complete a co-op placement outside Canada
- You cannot complete one inside Canada without a co-op permit (secondary) or without meeting the new rules (post-secondary)
How to Apply for a Co-op Permit (Secondary Students Only)
Secondary school students who still need a co-op work permit should follow these steps:
Step 1: Apply Online (in most cases)
You will need:
- A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of documents
- A valid credit or debit card
Step 2: Read the Instruction Guide
Even when applying online, read the guide to understand how to complete each field.
Step 3: Prepare Answers for the Online Tool
Answer questions to generate a personalized document checklist.
Step 4: Know the Fees
There is no fee for a co-op work permit.
Step 5: Create or Sign In to Your IRCC Account
Use your account to:
- Pay fees (if any)
- Submit your application
- Check your status
Paper Applications
You can submit a paper application only if:
- You cannot apply online due to a disability, or
- There is a problem with the online application
Applying with Your Study Permit
If you haven't applied for your study permit yet, you can apply for both at the same time. Your DLI acceptance letter must confirm that a co-op or internship is part of your program's curriculum.
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Full eligibility criteria | canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/intern.html |
| Apply for a SIN | Online via Service Canada |
| Request study permit amendment | IRCC web form |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do post-secondary international students need a co-op work permit now?
No. As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit. Your study permit is sufficient.
Does this apply to secondary school students?
No. Secondary (high school) international students still need a co-op work permit.
What if I already applied for a co-op work permit?
IRCC will automatically withdraw eligible and active co-op work permit applications for post-secondary students. You will receive a letter explaining that you no longer need one.
Can I work for any employer during my placement?
Yes, you can work for any employer accepted by your school's student work placement program, even if the employer is off campus.
Is there a weekly hour limit for work placements?
No. There is no weekly hour limit. However, your total work placement cannot exceed 50% of your entire study program.
What if my study permit doesn't have the right conditions?
You must request an amendment to add the required conditions. There is no fee for this amendment. You cannot work without these conditions.
Do I need a SIN?
Yes. You need a SIN to work in Canada. Apply online through Service Canada once your study permit has the correct conditions.
Can I start my work placement from outside Canada while my permit is processing?
Yes, if your school and employer agree, you can work remotely from your home country or work for a home country employer. You cannot complete a placement in Canada without the proper authorization.
Does this change affect my off-campus work hours?
No. This change only affects mandatory student work placements (co-op, internship, etc.). Regular off-campus work hour limits remain unchanged.
Bottom Line
Canada has eliminated the separate co-op work permit for post-secondary international students effective April 1, 2026.
Key takeaways:
- ✅ One permit now suffices – study permit covers mandatory work placements
- ✅ No action needed for those with pending co-op permit applications (IRCC will withdraw them)
- ✅ No fee – co-op permits were already fee-exempt
- ✅ Secondary students still need co-op permits – this change does not apply to them
- ✅ Study permit conditions matter – without the right conditions, you cannot work
For post-secondary international students: Check your study permit for the required work conditions. If they are missing, request an amendment. Then apply for your SIN and start your placement.
For secondary school students: Continue to apply for co-op work permits as before. The process remains unchanged.
This streamlining reflects IRCC's broader effort to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency, and deliver better client services – all while maintaining the integrity of the International Student Program.
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