Co-op work permits simplified: most students no longer need a separate application
Canada · Study abroad · From 2026-04-01
| Country / region | Canada |
|---|---|
| Category | Study abroad |
| Date | From 2026-04-01 |
| What happened | From 2026-04-01, international students at eligible post-secondary institutions taking a co-op or internship generally no longer need a separate co-op work permit, though the position and student-status requirements still apply. |
| Impact on applicants | One fewer application and one fewer fee. But the placement must still comply with study-permit conditions and does not replace post-graduation work permit planning. |
| Source | IRCC (2026-04-01) ↗ |
Source: IRCC (2026-04-01) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
FAQ
Co-op work permits simplified: most students no longer need a separate application — what happened?
From 2026-04-01, international students at eligible post-secondary institutions taking a co-op or internship generally no longer need a separate co-op work permit, though the position and student-status requirements still apply.
What does this mean for applicants?
One fewer application and one fewer fee. But the placement must still comply with study-permit conditions and does not replace post-graduation work permit planning.
Where does this information come from?
IRCC (2026-04-01), verified by us on 2026-09-20.
Policy changed — should my plan change too?
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