{"id":1229,"date":"2026-04-10T12:53:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T12:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sehliglobal.ca\/news\/?p=1229"},"modified":"2026-04-10T08:57:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:57:32","slug":"canada-removes-co-op-work-permit-requirement-for-international-students-2026-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sehliglobal.ca\/news\/2026\/04\/10\/canada-removes-co-op-work-permit-requirement-for-international-students-2026-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada Removes Co-op Work Permit Requirement for International Students (2026 Update)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Canada has introduced a policy change affecting international students enrolled in programs with mandatory work placements. Effective\u00a0April 1, 2026<\/strong>, eligible post-secondary students are no longer required to apply for a separate co-op work permit.<\/p>\n

This update from\u00a0Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)<\/strong>\u00a0simplifies the process for completing required internships and co-op placements.<\/p>\n

What Is the New Rule?<\/h2>\n

Under the updated policy:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Eligible international students can complete\u00a0mandatory work placements<\/strong>\u00a0using only their\u00a0study permit<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • A separate\u00a0co-op work permit is no longer required<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • The work placement must be\u00a0part of the academic program<\/strong>\u00a0and approved by the student\u2019s designated learning institution (DLI)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    This applies to placements such as co-ops, internships, practicums, and mentorship programs.<\/p>\n

    Who Is Eligible?<\/h2>\n

    To qualify under this policy, students must meet all of the following conditions:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Hold a\u00a0valid study permit<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • Be enrolled\u00a0full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI)<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • Be in a program that:\n
        \n
      • Is\u00a0at least 6 months in duration<\/strong><\/li>\n
      • Leads to a\u00a0degree, diploma, or certificate<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Have a\u00a0mandatory work placement<\/strong>\u00a0as part of the program<\/li>\n
      • Ensure the work component is\u00a050% or less<\/strong>\u00a0of the total program<\/li>\n
      • Provide a\u00a0letter from the institution<\/strong>\u00a0confirming the work requirement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Who Still Needs a Co-op Work Permit?<\/h2>\n

        This change applies only to\u00a0post-secondary students<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Students at the\u00a0secondary school level<\/strong>\u00a0are still required to apply for a co-op work permit to participate in work placements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Work Placement Conditions<\/h2>\n

          Students must follow these conditions:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • The placement must be\u00a0approved by the educational institution<\/strong><\/li>\n
          • The work must be\u00a0required to complete the program<\/strong><\/li>\n
          • Students may work only with\u00a0employers accepted by their institution<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Programs That Are Not Eligible<\/h2>\n

            Students are not eligible for work placements under this policy if they are enrolled in:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • English or French language training programs<\/strong><\/li>\n
            • General interest courses<\/strong><\/li>\n
            • Preparatory courses<\/strong>\u00a0for another program<\/li>\n
            • Programs delivered outside Canada<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              What Happens to Existing Applications?<\/h2>\n

              Students who have already applied for a co-op work permit:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Do\u00a0not need to take any action<\/strong><\/li>\n
              • Eligible applications will be\u00a0withdrawn automatically<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                What This Change Does Not Affect<\/h2>\n

                According to IRCC:<\/p>\n