Ottawa, April 16, 2026 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a program delivery update confirming the elimination of the post-secondary co-op work permit (administrative code C32) effective April 1, 2026. Eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate work permit for co-op placements, internships, practicums, or mentorship programs – they can now use their on-campus work authorization instead.
As part of this change, IRCC will administratively withdraw all pending C32 applications , whether submitted before or after April 1, 2026. Applicants will receive a letter confirming the withdrawal and may begin their work placements immediately without waiting for the letter.
| Work Permit Type | Administrative Code | Status as of April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Post-secondary co-op | C32 | Eliminated (no longer required) |
| Research | C31 | Remains in effect |
| Secondary school co-op | C33 | Remains in effect |
Key takeaway: Post-secondary international students in Canada no longer need to apply for a co-op work permit. Their on-campus work authorization now covers student work placements, including those outside campus boundaries. Pending C32 applications will be automatically withdrawn.
On This Page
- What Is Changing? Elimination of C32 Co-op Work Permits
- Administrative Withdrawal of Pending C32 Applications
- Research Work Permits (C31): Who Is Eligible
- Secondary School Co-op Permits (C33): Still Required
- Work Locations and Conditions for Post-Secondary Students
- Outside Canada vs. In Canada: Work Placement Options
- Fees: All C31, C32, C33 Permits Are Fee-Exempt
- Previous Updates and Official Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Changing? Elimination of C32 Co-op Work Permits
The April 16, 2026, update removes the requirement for post-secondary co-op work permits (administrative code C32) under the International Mobility Program. This change aligns with the expanded definition of on-campus work announced on April 1, 2026.
Before April 1, 2026
| Student Level | Co-op Work Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary | Yes (C32) |
| Secondary | Yes (C33) |
After April 1, 2026
| Student Level | Authorization Method |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary | On-campus work authorization (no separate permit) |
| Secondary | Still requires C33 co-op work permit |
What This Means for Students
- Post-secondary students can now participate in student work placements (co-op placements, internships, practicums, mentorship programs) using their existing study permit's on-campus work authorization.
- There is no limit on work hours for these placements.
- The work placement cannot total more than 50% of the student's study program.
- The work must be an essential part of the academic, vocational, or professional training program offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Note: This provision applies only to work required for a program offered by a Canadian institution. Administrative code C32 does not apply if the employment is a requirement of a program offered by a foreign institution.
Administrative Withdrawal of Pending C32 Applications
IRCC has confirmed that all pending C32 applications – whether received before or after April 1, 2026 – will be administratively withdrawn. Officers will not review any C32 applications in the inventory.
Process for Administrative Withdrawal
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Officer identifies C32 application in GCMS (Global Case Management System) |
| 2 | Officer enters a note regarding the administrative withdrawal |
| 3 | Officer sends a letter to the applicant indicating the withdrawal |
| 4 | Officer uploads a copy of the letter in the system |
Key Points for Applicants
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Will my application be processed? | No – all C32 applications will be withdrawn without review |
| Will I get a refund? | No refund needed – C32 applications are fee exempt (no fee was charged) |
| When can I start my work placement? | Immediately – even before receiving the withdrawal letter |
| Will I receive confirmation? | Yes – you will receive a letter indicating the withdrawal |
Important: Students may begin their student work placement even if they have not yet received the administrative withdrawal letter.
Research Work Permits (C31): Who Is Eligible
Administrative code C31 (research) remains in effect. It is intended for foreign nationals who are:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| International Development Research Centre | Coming to Canada to work temporarily for the IDRC |
| Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. | Sponsored as distinguished scientists or post-doctoral fellows |
| NRC, NSERC, or NRCan | Sponsored by the National Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, or Natural Resources Canada |
| Post-doctoral Research Program | Sponsored by a department/agency associated with NRCan participating in the program |
| Research chair positions | Holders of research chair positions at a Canadian university, nominated for research excellence and partially/wholly funded by federal or provincial governments |
Fee exemption: Applicants under C31 are exempt from the work permit processing fee and the open work permit fee.
Secondary School Co-op Permits (C33): Still Required
Administrative code C33 remains in effect for secondary school (high school) international students. This includes:
- Study permit holders who need to complete work as an essential part of a Canadian program at the secondary school level
- Vocational training programs offered by a DLI in Quebec
- Programs requiring students to work to obtain their secondary/high school diploma or certificate of graduation
Not Eligible for C33
Students are not eligible for a C33 co-op work permit if they are undertaking:
- ❌ General interest courses
- ❌ Preparatory courses
- ❌ Work-study programs offered by institutions that primarily offer English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) courses
- ❌ Business-type programs containing primarily ESL/FSL courses (officers may request more information about the curriculum)
Fee exemption: Applicants under C33 are also exempt from work permit processing fees.
Work Locations and Conditions for Post-Secondary Students
Under the new rules, post-secondary students can perform their student work placements in locations not restricted by campus boundaries .
| Work Type | Authorization | Hour Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Student work placement (co-op, internship, practicum, mentorship) | On-campus work authorization (R186(f)) | No limit |
| On-campus employment (campus jobs) | On-campus work authorization | No limit |
| Off-campus employment | Standard off-campus work authorization | 24 hours/week (during academic sessions) |
Students may accept employment on campus in addition to their student work placement work.
Conditions for Student Work Placements
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Essential part of program | DLI acceptance letter must clearly establish that work is required for all participants to receive their degree/diploma/certificate |
| Maximum duration | Work cannot form more than 50% of the total program of study |
| Full-time studies | Students must remain enrolled in full-time studies (except final semester) |
| Valid study permit | Study permit must include on-campus work authorization conditions |
Outside Canada vs. In Canada: Work Placement Options
For Students Outside Canada
Students who are outside Canada can work while their study permit is being processed. With school and employer agreement, they can either:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Remote work for Canadian employer | Accept a Canadian work placement and begin working remotely from their home country |
| Work for home country employer | Work for a company in their home country |
For Students Inside Canada
Work that is an essential part of a post-secondary program can be performed in other locations not restricted by campus boundaries . Students may use their on-campus work authorization for their student work placements, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
Fees: All C31, C32, C33 Permits Are Fee-Exempt
| Administrative Code | Permit Type | Fee Status |
|---|---|---|
| C31 | Research | Fee exempt |
| C32 | Post-secondary co-op (eliminated) | Was fee exempt |
| C33 | Secondary school co-op | Fee exempt |
Source: IRPR R299(2)(e) and R303.2(2)(a)
Previous Updates
This instruction page was previously updated on:
- November 10, 2025
The April 16, 2026, update represents a major policy shift eliminating the C32 co-op work permit for post-secondary students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do post-secondary students still need a co-op work permit (C32)?
No. As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit. They can use their on-campus work authorization for student work placements.
What happens to my pending C32 application?
IRCC will administratively withdraw all pending C32 applications. You will receive a letter confirming the withdrawal. No refund is needed because there was no fee.
Can I start my work placement before receiving the withdrawal letter?
Yes. You may begin your student work placement immediately, even without the withdrawal letter.
Do secondary school students still need a co-op work permit?
Yes. Secondary school (high school) students still need a C33 co-op work permit. The elimination of C32 does not apply to them.
What is a C31 work permit?
C31 is for researchers coming to Canada under specific programs (e.g., International Development Research Centre, Atomic Energy of Canada, NRC, NSERC, NRCan, or research chair positions). It remains in effect.
Is there a fee for C31 or C33 work permits?
No. Both C31 and C33 work permits are fee exempt.
Can I work off campus in addition to my co-op placement?
Yes. You can work on campus (including placements) with no hour limit, and also work off campus up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
What if my study permit doesn't have on-campus work conditions?
Check your study permit. It should include conditions allowing on-campus work. If not, you may need to request an amendment. You cannot work without the proper conditions.
Does this change affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility?
No. PGWP eligibility rules remain unchanged. Your work placement experience may still count toward PGWP requirements if it meets the criteria.
Where can I find the official instructions?
The official instructions are available on the IRCC website under "Work related to a research, educational or training program [R205(c)(i) – C31, C32 and C33] – Canadian interests – 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 and student work placement work | IRCC website |
| International Mobility Program | canada.ca/immigration/international-mobility-program |
Bottom Line
IRCC has officially eliminated the post-secondary co-op work permit (C32) effective April 1, 2026, and will administratively withdraw all pending applications.
Key takeaways for different audiences:
| Audience | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary students with pending C32 | Application will be withdrawn automatically. Start your placement now – no need to wait. |
| Post-secondary students planning co-op | No C32 application needed. Use on-campus work authorization. Ensure study permit has correct conditions. |
| Secondary school students | Still need C33 co-op work permit. No change. |
| Researchers (C31) | No change. Still need C31 work permit (fee exempt). |
| Employers | Post-secondary students can start placements immediately. No need to wait for co-op permit approval. |
This change reduces administrative burden for students, simplifies the process for employers, and aligns with IRCC's broader effort to streamline the International Student Program.