Removal of co-op work permit requirement for certain post-secondary international students

IRCC removes co-op work permit requirement for certain post-secondary students, with no changes to eligibility or work limits.

As of 1 April 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has removed the requirement for certain eligible post-secondary international students to hold valid co-op work permits to pursue a co-op placement. This change removes a duplicative administrative step only. It does not expand who may work in Canada, increase permitted work hours, or modify eligibility criteria for work-integrated learning for co-op placements. Secondary school students are not included and continue to require a co-op work permit to complete co-op placements that are part of their program.

Summary

For additional information, or if you wish to discuss this further, please contact your EY Law LLP professional. Visit eylaw.ca.

The information shared through EY Law LLP Immigration Alerts is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice.