04/09/2026
🚨 BIG CHANGE for International Students in Canada 🇨🇦
Starting April 1, 2026, IRCC is making a major shift in how student work placements are handled.
👉 Co-op Work Permits are NO LONGER required for post-secondary students.
💼 What’s Included?
You can now complete mandatory placements without a separate permit:
• Co-ops
• Internships
• Practicums
• Mentorship programs
✅ What You Need Instead
To qualify, you must:
✔️ Hold a valid study permit with work authorization
✔️ Be enrolled full-time at a DLI
✔️ Be in a program that requires the placement
✔️ Ensure placement is ≤ 50% of your program
⏱️ No Hour Limits
Unlike off-campus work rules:
👉 No weekly hour cap for these placements
(as long as it’s part of your program)
🔥 Why This Matters
• Faster onboarding into placements
• No delays waiting for co-op permits
• Reduced processing burden for students & schools
• More flexibility in career-building
⚠️ Key Reminder
This applies ONLY to mandatory program placements
—not regular off-campus jobs.
💬 Final Take
This is one of the most student-friendly updates we’ve seen in years.
Less paperwork.
More opportunity.
Faster integration into the workforce.
If you're planning to study in Canada — this just made your journey a lot smoother.
