Immigration News - Global mobility, Student visas, Canada Canada | Simplified work permit requirements for postsecondary international students Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) April 10, 2026 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that eligible postsecondary international students no longer need a separate work permit to participate in co-op placements and internships required by their program. Key takeaways: This change is in effect as of April 1, 2026. All pending co-op work permit applications will be automatically withdrawn by IRCC. To be eligible, students must be full-time students at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a valid study permit. Students are required to obtain a letter from their DLI confirming the work placement is a requirement of their study program. This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.