Canada | Simplified work permit requirements for postsecondary international students

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 All pending co-op work permit applications will be automatically withdrawn by IRCC.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.  

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