What Changed on April 1, 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that as of April 1, 2026, a post-secondary international student does not need a co-op work permit for a student work placement, such as a co-op or internship.
IRCC says co-op work permit holders can keep using their permit for its entire validity. Secondary students still need a co-op work permit.
Student Work Placements
IRCC describes student work placements as work experiences that are required for the study program and approved by the designated learning institution (DLI). They can include co-op placements, internships, practicums and mentorship programs.
Conditions for Post-Secondary Students
IRCC lists these conditions, and all of them must be met:
- Conditions printed on the initial study permit say the student is allowed to work on campus.
- A letter from the DLI confirms the placement is a requirement of the study program.
- The student has a valid study permit, or applied to extend it before it expired.
- The student is full-time at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program.
- The work placement totals 50% or less of the study program.
Depending on the type of work, IRCC says a social insurance number may also be needed. A placement at a hospital, or another place where the protection of public health is important, needs a medical exam unless the student has already had one.
Who Is Not Eligible
IRCC says a student cannot do a placement while taking English or French as a second language courses, general interest courses, courses to prepare for another study program, or courses at an institution outside Canada.
When a Placement Must Stop
IRCC says a student must stop on the day they stop studying full-time, unless they are in their final semester. A placement must also stop when the study permit expires, during an authorized leave, and while the student is switching schools and not studying. The student can return after studies restart if they still meet all the requirements.
Off-Campus Work
Off-campus work needs no work permit if the student meets all of IRCC's requirements, including being a full-time student at a DLI in a program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
The limit is 24 hours per week during regular school terms. During a school-scheduled break of at least 7 consecutive days, an eligible student can work unlimited hours, up to a total of 180 days in a calendar year.
Key Differences
Purpose
A student work placement must be required to complete the study program and approved by the DLI.
Hours
IRCC says there is no weekly hour limit for a student work placement, but the placement cannot total more than 50% of the study program. Off-campus work is limited to 24 hours per week during regular terms.
Employer
IRCC says a student on a placement can work for any employer accepted by the school's student work placement program, even off campus.
Other Ways to Work
IRCC's off-campus page says that, in addition to off-campus work, a student could also be eligible to work in a student work placement.
Secondary Students
IRCC says an international student at a DLI at the secondary level needs a co-op work permit for a student work placement. The conditions include a valid study permit, work that is required to complete the program, a letter from the school, and a placement that totals 50% or less of the program.