What Changed as of April 1, 2026?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has eliminated the requirement for a separate co-op work permit for post-secondary international students participating in student work placements that are a mandatory part of their study program.

Previously, students needed both a study permit and a co-op work permit to complete these placements. Now, students can participate using their valid study permit alone — as long as all eligibility conditions are met.

This change simplifies the administrative process and does not increase the number of students authorized to work in Canada, nor does it affect temporary resident volumes.

Work placements must be required by your study program and approved by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This applies only to students studying at a Canadian DLI — not students enrolled at institutions outside Canada.

Who Is Eligible? (Post-Secondary Students)

To participate in a student work placement without a co-op work permit, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Work conditions on your study permit
  Your initial study permit must include conditions stating you are allowed to work on campus.
  
• DLI confirmation letter
  You must have a letter from your Designated Learning Institution confirming the work placement is a mandatory requirement of your study program.
  
• Valid study permit
  You must hold a valid study permit, or have applied to extend it before it expired.
  
• Full-time student status
  You must be enrolled as a full-time student at a DLI.
  
• Qualifying study program
  Your program must be at least 6 months long, at a post-secondary level, and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  
• Work placement does not exceed 50% of program
  The total duration of your work placement must be 50% or less of your overall study program.
  

IRCC may also request a letter from your DLI confirming that all students in your program are required to complete work placements to obtain their credential.

Secondary School Students — Different Rules Apply

This policy change does not apply to international students at the secondary (high school) level. Secondary school students still need a co-op work permit to participate in any student work placement.

To apply for a co-op work permit as a secondary school student, you must meet all of the following:

• Valid study permitYou must hold a valid study permit.
• Work required to complete your programThe work placement must be a mandatory component of your secondary school program in Canada.
• School letter confirming requirementYour school must confirm in writing that all students in your program must complete work placements to obtain their secondary school diploma or certificate.
• Work placement does not exceed 50%The co-op or internship must total 50% or less of your overall study program.

Who Is NOT Eligible for Student Work Placements?

You cannot participate in a student work placement if you are taking any of the following types of courses or programs:

• English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) courses
• General interest courses not leading to a credential
• Courses designed to prepare you for another study program
• Courses at an institution located outside of Canada

If you are not eligible for a student work placement but wish to work in Canada, you must apply separately for a work permit through the appropriate stream.

You may return to your placement once you resume full-time studies and continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Government of Canada. You need a SIN to work legally in Canada and to access certain government benefits and services.

To apply for a SIN, one of the following conditions must be printed on your study permit:

If you are eligible for a student work placement but neither condition appears on your study permit, you must request a free amendment to add the conditions before applying for a SIN.

Already Applied for a Co-op Work Permit?

If you submitted a co-op work permit application before April 1, 2026, and you are a post-secondary student who no longer needs one under the new rules, you have two options:

No action is required on your part. You may proceed with your student work placement using your valid study permit once all eligibility conditions are met.