Ottawa, April 16, 2026 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a significant program delivery update that expands the definition of on-campus work for post-secondary international students. As of April 1, 2026 , eligible students can now participate in student work placements – including co-op placements, internships, practicums, and mentorship programs – using their existing on-campus work authorization, without needing a separate co-op work permit.
- 01On This Page
- 02What Has Changed? Expanded Definition of On-Campus Work
- 03Eligibility Requirements for On-Campus Work and Placements
- 04What Is Considered "On-Campus Work" Now?
- 05Work Locations: Campus, Placements, Research, and Remote
- 06Employer for On-Campus Work
- 07Occupations Allowed Under the New Rules
- 08Working On-Campus Plus Off-Campus (24-hour limit)
- 09Secondary School Students: Still Need Co-op Permits
- 10Previous Updates
- 11Frequently Asked Questions
- 12Official Sources
- 13Bottom Line
This change simplifies the process for post-secondary students, removes administrative duplication, and aligns with IRCC's broader effort to streamline the International Student Program.
| Key Change | Before April 1, 2026 | After April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op work permit requirement | Required for post-secondary co-op placements | Not required |
| Student work placements | Required separate application | Covered under on-campus work authorization |
| Secondary school students | Co-op permit required | Still require co-op permit (no change) |
| Work hours limit | No limit for co-op | No limit for on-campus or placements |
Important: This change does not increase the number of students authorized to work or affect temporary resident volumes. It simply removes an unnecessary administrative step.
On This Page
- What Has Changed? Expanded Definition of On-Campus Work
- Eligibility Requirements for On-Campus Work and Placements
- What Is Considered "On-Campus Work" Now?
- Work Locations: Campus, Placements, Research, and Remote
- Occupations Allowed Under the New Rules
- Working On-Campus Plus Off-Campus (24-hour limit)
- Secondary School Students: Still Need Co-op Permits
- Previous Updates and Official Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Has Changed? Expanded Definition of On-Campus Work
The April 16, 2026, update makes several key changes to IRCC's internal instructions for officers:
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Removed co-op work permit requirement | As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit (C32) for work placements. |
| Expanded definition | On-campus work now includes student work placements (co-ops, internships, practicums, mentorship programs) that are essential to a post-secondary program. |
| Title change | Page renamed from "Study permits: Working on campus" to "On-campus and student work placement work [R186(f)] – Authorization to work without a work permit – International Mobility Program." |
| Format update | Page reformatted to be consistent with the International Mobility Program's preferred format. |
| Clarified guidance | Updated eligibility requirements, work locations, and occupations. |
Official Statement
*"As of April 1, 2026, the definition of on-campus work has been expanded to include student work placements (such as co-ops and internships) in locations where work that is an essential part of a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program offered by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada will be performed."*
"Post-secondary students who are already in Canada may now participate in their student work placement using their on-campus work authorization, provided they meet all the eligibility requirements."
Eligibility Requirements for On-Campus Work and Placements
To work on campus (including student work placements) without a work permit, post-secondary students must meet all of the following conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Full-time studies | Engaged in full-time studies at an eligible DLI |
| Valid study permit | Study permit must include on-campus work authorization conditions |
| Type of institution | Public post-secondary institution (college, trade school, university, CEGEP), certain private institutions in Quebec (900+ hour programs leading to DVS/AVS), or Canadian private institution authorized to confer degrees (if enrolled in a degree program) |
| Final academic session | Students who need only a part-time course load to complete their program are still considered full-time in their final session |
Eligible Institutions (Full List)
- Public post-secondary institution (college, trade/technical school, university, CEGEP in Quebec)
- Private post-secondary institution in Quebec operating under same rules as public institutions
- Private secondary/post-secondary institution in Quebec offering 900+ hour programs leading to a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
- Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral) – but only if the student is enrolled in a degree program
When On-Campus Work Is NOT Permitted
Students cannot work on campus or in student work placements:
- ❌ On the day they stop studying full-time (unless final semester)
- ❌ When their study permit expires
- ❌ If they are on an authorized leave from studies
- ❌ If they are switching schools and not currently studying
Students can return to work only when they resume studying and meet all requirements.
What Is Considered "On-Campus Work" Now?
The updated definition of on-campus work includes three categories of work locations:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Campus locations | Employment facilities within the boundaries of the educational institution's campus(es) in the same municipality |
| Student work placements | Co-op placements, internships, practicums, mentorship programs that are essential to the study program (can be outside campus boundaries) |
| Research locations | Teaching or research assistant work at affiliated facilities such as libraries, hospitals, or research institutes |
There is no limit on work hours for on-campus work (including student work placements). Students may participate in different forms of on-campus work.
Work Locations: Campus, Placements, Research, and Remote
Campus Locations
- Students can work on the campus of the institution where they are registered as full-time students.
- If the institution has multiple campuses in the same municipality , students can work at different campus locations.
- If campuses are in different cities , students are restricted to the campus where they are registered.
Student Work Placements (New)
Student work placements are work experiences that are an essential part of a study program and related to the field of study. They include:
- ✅ Co-op placements
- ✅ Internships
- ✅ Practicums
- ✅ Mentorship programs
Conditions for student work placements:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Essential part of program | Must be required to complete the study program (letter from DLI may be requested) |
| Duration limit | Work placement cannot total more than 50% of the study program |
| Location | Can be outside the boundaries of the educational institution |
Not eligible for student work placements under this authorization:
- ❌ English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) courses
- ❌ General interest courses
- ❌ Courses to prepare for another study program
Research Locations
- Students may work as teaching or research assistants on campus or in affiliated buildings outside campus boundaries (e.g., libraries, hospitals, research facilities).
- Work must be strictly related to the student's research grant.
Remote Work
- Students eligible for on-campus work can work remotely for employers located within the boundaries of their educational institution.
- Employers are encouraged to provide a teleworking agreement as confirmation.
Employer for On-Campus Work
The employer can be any of the following:
| Employer Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| The institution | University, college, CEGEP |
| A faculty member | Research assistant roles |
| A student organization | Student union, clubs |
| The students themselves | Self-employment taking place on campus |
| A private business | Campus bookstore, cafeteria |
| A private contractor | Providing services to the institution on campus |
| Employer for student work placements | Approved by the DLI |
Note: On-campus employers include businesses whose premises serve the general public, as long as the place of business is located on the institution's campus or is part of a DLI-approved student work placement.
Occupations Allowed Under the New Rules
Full-time post-secondary international students may work without a permit in any occupation as long as they are working in one of the following contexts:
| Context | Details |
|---|---|
| On campus | No restriction on number of jobs |
| Research or teaching assistant | At off-campus facilities (teaching hospitals, clinics, research institutes) with formal affiliation to the learning institution, work related to research grant |
| Student work placement activities | Co-op placements, internships, practicums, mentorship programs approved by the DLI |
Medical Examination Requirement
Students who have not submitted an immigration medical examination (IME) as part of their study permit application must undergo an IME if their on-campus work occurs in:
- A hospital, or
- Any other location where the protection of public health is essential.
Working On-Campus Plus Off-Campus (24-hour limit)
Students may work on campus (including student work placements) with no hourly limit , and simultaneously work off campus up to the standard limit of 24 hours per week (as of current rules), provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
| Work Type | Hour Limit |
|---|---|
| On-campus work (including placements) | No limit |
| Off-campus work | 24 hours per week (during academic sessions) |
| Combined | Students can do both concurrently |
Important: The off-campus work hour limit is separate. Students must still comply with the conditions printed on their study permit regarding off-campus employment.
Secondary School Students: Still Need Co-op Permits
The new rules do not apply to secondary school (high school) international students. They still require a co-op work permit to participate in student work placements.
| Student Level | Co-op Work Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary (college, university, CEGEP) | No – covered by on-campus work authorization |
| Secondary (high school) | Yes – must apply for co-op work permit |
Previous Updates
This instruction page was previously updated on:
- March 1, 2022
The April 16, 2026, update represents the first major revision in over four years and reflects the government's commitment to streamlining the International Student Program.
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 can participate in co-op placements, internships, practicums, and mentorship programs using their on-campus work authorization. No separate co-op work permit is needed.
Does this apply to secondary school students?
No. Secondary (high school) international students still need a co-op work permit.
Is there a limit on hours for student work placements?
No. There is no weekly hour limit for on-campus work or student work placements. However, the total work placement cannot exceed 50% of the student's entire study program.
Can I work for any employer during a student work placement?
Yes, you can work for any employer approved by your DLI's student work placement program, even if the employer is off campus.
Do I need a medical examination?
If your work placement is in a hospital or other public health-sensitive location, and you did not submit an IME with your study permit application, you will need to undergo an immigration medical examination.
Can I work on campus and off campus at the same time?
Yes. There is no limit on on-campus work hours, and you can also work off campus up to the standard 24 hours per week, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements.
What if my study permit doesn't have the right on-campus work conditions?
Check your study permit. It should include a condition allowing on-campus work. If not, you may need to request an amendment. You cannot work without the proper conditions.
I already applied for a co-op work permit. What should I do?
If you applied for a co-op work permit but are eligible under the new rules, IRCC may withdraw your application automatically. You can also withdraw it yourself. You do not need the permit.
Does this change affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility?
No. The PGWP eligibility rules remain unchanged. Your work placement experience may still count toward PGWP requirements if it meets the criteria (e.g., authorized work, full-time status, etc.). Consult the PGWP guidelines for details.
Where can I find the official instructions?
The official instructions are available on the IRCC website under "On-campus and student work placement work [R186(f)] – Authorization to work without a work permit – International Mobility Program."
Official Sources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| IRCC Program Delivery Updates | canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals.html |
| On-campus work instructions | IRCC website (search "on-campus work") |
| Student work placements | canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/intern.html |
Bottom Line
IRCC has significantly simplified work authorization for post-secondary international students by eliminating the need for a separate co-op work permit and expanding the definition of on-campus work.
Key takeaways:
| For Post-Secondary Students | For Secondary Students |
|---|---|
| ✅ No co-op work permit needed for placements | ❌ Still need co-op work permit |
| ✅ Can work in co-ops, internships, practicums, mentorships | ✅ Process unchanged |
| ✅ No hourly limit for on-campus or placement work | ⚠️ Must apply separately |
| ✅ Can also work off-campus (24 hours/week) |
For students already in Canada: You can immediately participate in student work placements using your existing on-campus work authorization, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
For students planning to come to Canada: Your study permit will include on-campus work authorization. Ensure your DLI confirms that work placements are required for your program.
For employers: You no longer need to wait for a co-op work permit to be issued. Students can start their work placements as soon as they meet eligibility requirements.
This change reflects IRCC's commitment to reducing administrative burden, improving efficiency, and making the International Student Program more responsive to the needs of students and employers.