An administrative step that cost international students money and weeks of waiting has been removed. From 1 April 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for the work placements their program requires.
There is a condition, though — and it is printed on your study permit. If it isn’t there, this doesn’t apply to you, and working would be unauthorised.
What changed
Previously, if your program included a mandatory placement, you needed a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit: a separate application, a separate fee, a separate wait. For post-secondary students, the study permit alone is now enough.
IRCC has been explicit that this does not increase how many students may work, or how much. It removes a step that was no longer serving a purpose. One study program, one permit.
What counts as a student work placement
Work experience that is required to complete your program and approved by your designated learning institution (DLI). That includes, but isn’t limited to:
- co-op placements
- internships
- practicums
- mentorship programs
This applies to students at a Canadian DLI only. If you’re studying at an institution outside Canada, it doesn’t cover you.
The conditions — all of them must be met
- Your initial study permit carries a printed condition allowing you to work on campus.
- You have a letter from your DLI confirming the placement is a requirement of your program.
- Your study permit is valid, or you applied to extend it before it expired.
- You are a full-time student at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program.
- The placement makes up 50% or less of your total program.
The two conditions that catch people out
The printed condition on your permit
Take the first one seriously. If your study permit does not carry the work condition, this change does not apply to you. Read the conditions printed on your own permit before you begin any placement.
The 50% rule
If the placement component of your program exceeds half the program, you don’t qualify. Some vocational and professional programs are structured exactly that way. Ask your institution before you enrol, not after.
You may also be asked for a letter from your DLI confirming that every student in the program must complete a placement to receive their credential.
If you already applied for a co-op work permit
Do nothing. IRCC has said it will withdraw all eligible and active co-op work permit applications itself. Don’t withdraw yours — just wait.
And if you already hold a co-op work permit, you can keep using it for its full validity.
Secondary school students are not included
This applies to post-secondary students only. Secondary school students still need a co-op work permit for placements and must apply separately.
Social insurance number
Depending on the work your program requires, you may still need a Social Insurance Number. That’s separate from work authorisation and you apply for it on its own.
Frequently asked questions
When did the co-op work permit requirement end?
1 April 2026, for post-secondary students who meet the conditions.
Does this mean I can work more hours?
No. IRCC has stated the change doesn’t increase how many students may work or by how much. The placement must still be a required part of your program.
My co-op application is still pending — what should I do?
Nothing. IRCC will withdraw eligible and active applications itself.
Is my existing co-op work permit cancelled?
No. Existing holders can continue using it until it expires.
What if my placement is more than half my program?
Then you don’t qualify for a student work placement. The placement must be 50% or less of the total program.
Does this apply to high school students?
No. Secondary school students still need a separate co-op work permit.
In short
This saves you a fee and a wait, but it also shifts responsibility. No officer now checks your eligibility before the placement begins — you do. Make sure all five conditions hold.
If you’re unsure whether your study permit carries the right condition, or whether your program crosses the 50% line, have it checked by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before you start.
Sources
- IRCC notice on simplifying the co-op work permit requirement for post-secondary international students, 9 April 2026
- Work in a student work placement — Government of Canada
