Effective April 1, 2026, international students participating in co-op, internship, or practicum programs included in college, university, or graduate school programs no longer need a separate Work Permit. Students can now work with a valid Study Permit under a school-approved employer as part of their academic program.

Previously, students were required to hold both a Study Permit and a Work Permit. This change reduces the visa requirement to just one, simplifying administrative procedures. The change will not increase the number of students allowed to work in Canada or affect the number of temporary residents; it only removes the need for a separate Work Permit application.

Students who are currently waiting for a co-op Work Permit application decision do not need to take any action. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will automatically cancel all in-progress co-op Work Permit applications that meet the eligibility criteria.

Note: High school students participating in co-op programs still require a Work Permit.

A work-integrated learning placement is a required, school-approved practical experience included in a student’s academic program. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Co-op placements 
• Internships 
• Practicums 
• Mentorship programs 

These placements are available only to students enrolled in a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Students enrolled at schools outside Canada are not eligible.

To participate, the placement must be a mandatory requirement of the academic program. Students must meet all the following criteria:

• Their initial Study Permit includes the condition allowing on-campus employment. 
• The school issues written confirmation that the placement is a required component of the program. 
• The student holds a valid Study Permit or has applied for an extension before the current permit expires. 
• They are enrolled full-time at a DLI. 
• The academic program is at least six months in duration, at the college, university, or graduate level, and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. 
• High school students must check specific co-op participation requirements. 
• The placement accounts for no more than 50% of the total program duration. 

Schools may require proof that all students must complete the placement to obtain their credential.
Depending on the type of work required, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) may also be necessary.

Even if eligible for work-integrated learning, students cannot work unless their Study Permit includes one of the following conditions:

“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 missing, students must submit an Amend application to add the condition. No fee is required.

Amendment (Amend) applications refer to a process used to correct or update errors or omissions in documents issued by Canadian immigration authorities, such as study permits or work permits, when the mistake was made by the immigration office.

If a co-op Work Permit application is in progress but is no longer required due to this change:

• The application can be withdrawn. 
• IRCC may cancel the application and provide a letter explaining that a Work Permit is no longer necessary for Study Permit holders in co-op programs. 

Students may work with any employer approved by the school’s work-integrated learning program, including off-campus locations.
For placements in hospitals or other locations where public health protection is critical, a medical exam may be required.

There is no weekly hour limit for co-op or practicum participation. However, total placement hours cannot exceed 50% of the program’s duration.