Canada has removed the requirement for a separate co-op work permit for post-secondary international students from April 1, 2026, marking the first step in a broader plan to expand work authorisation. The change allows eligible students to take part in internships, co-ops and practicums using only their study permit, while more proposals are under consultation.
The amendments were announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of efforts to simplify study and work rules. The government is also examining wider changes, including expanding work rights for those waiting on permit decisions.
Co-op permit rule scrapped
Under the new rule, post-secondary students can complete work placements if these are required by their programme and make up 50% or less of it. A valid study permit with on-campus work conditions is sufficient. Secondary school students will still need a co-op work permit.
Students who have already applied for a co-op work permit can withdraw their applications. IRCC may also cancel pending applications and inform applicants that the permit is no longer needed.
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The government is consulting on further changes. These include extending work authorisation to international students awaiting a study permit extension decision and graduates waiting for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It also plans to remove the co-op permit requirement fully, allow certain foreign apprentices to train without a study permit, and standardise work rules during academic breaks.
At present, students in programmes with work-integrated learning must hold both a study permit and a co-op work permit. Foreign apprentices are also required to obtain a study permit for training, even if they already have a work permit, except in specific construction trades.
More flexibility, fewer permits
There is also a transition period for graduates. According to IRCC, graduates can work full-time while waiting for a PGWP decision if they have completed their programme, were eligible to work off campus during their studies, and applied before their study permit expired.
IRCC says the objective is to reduce duplication in the system. “The goal is to cut administrative burden and operational inefficiency that comes from requiring foreign nationals to hold two permits to complete one educational program.”
If implemented fully, the proposed measures would reduce the number of applications students need to file and provide more clarity on work rights during permit processing periods. IRCC also said educational institutions may face new reporting requirements for students enrolled in work-integrated programmes.
The co-op permit removal has already taken effect, but other proposals are still under discussion with provinces, territories and education stakeholders. No timeline has been announced.
The amendments were announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of efforts to simplify study and work rules. The government is also examining wider changes, including expanding work rights for those waiting on permit decisions.
Co-op permit rule scrapped
Under the new rule, post-secondary students can complete work placements if these are required by their programme and make up 50% or less of it. A valid study permit with on-campus work conditions is sufficient. Secondary school students will still need a co-op work permit.Students who have already applied for a co-op work permit can withdraw their applications. IRCC may also cancel pending applications and inform applicants that the permit is no longer needed.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
The government is consulting on further changes. These include extending work authorisation to international students awaiting a study permit extension decision and graduates waiting for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It also plans to remove the co-op permit requirement fully, allow certain foreign apprentices to train without a study permit, and standardise work rules during academic breaks.
At present, students in programmes with work-integrated learning must hold both a study permit and a co-op work permit. Foreign apprentices are also required to obtain a study permit for training, even if they already have a work permit, except in specific construction trades.
More flexibility, fewer permits
There is also a transition period for graduates. According to IRCC, graduates can work full-time while waiting for a PGWP decision if they have completed their programme, were eligible to work off campus during their studies, and applied before their study permit expired.IRCC says the objective is to reduce duplication in the system. “The goal is to cut administrative burden and operational inefficiency that comes from requiring foreign nationals to hold two permits to complete one educational program.”
If implemented fully, the proposed measures would reduce the number of applications students need to file and provide more clarity on work rights during permit processing periods. IRCC also said educational institutions may face new reporting requirements for students enrolled in work-integrated programmes.
The co-op permit removal has already taken effect, but other proposals are still under discussion with provinces, territories and education stakeholders. No timeline has been announced.
