Immigration
Changes to Co-op Work Permits for International Students
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has an important update for international students in post‑secondary programs with required work placement.
What are required work placements?
IRCC defines  as work experiences that are essential to completing your program of study and are approved by your designated learning institution (SFU).
These may include co-op placements, internships, practicums, or mentorship programs.
What has changed
As of ´ˇ±č°ůľ±±ô 1, 2026, eligible post‑secondary international students no longer need a separate co‑op work permit to complete a required co‑op, internship, or practicum. Students that meet may use the on-campus work authorization on their 51ÉçÇřşÚÁĎstudy permit to participate in an SFU-approved work term.
Key Highlights
- Work terms must be approved by SFU: Required work terms can take place on or off campus, as long as they are approved by SFU.
- Program requirements still apply: Students still require a SFU Co-op Confirmation Letter/Letter of Acceptance that confirms a work term is an essential component of the program and must make up 50% or less of the total study program.
- No changes to work hours: There is no weekly hour limit for work terms.
Below is a comparison table that shows the changes before and after April 1, 2026.
| Topic | Before April 1, 2026 | As of April 1, 2026 |
| Document | Two permits were required: a study permit + co‑op work permit. | Valid study permit or you applied to extend your study permit before it expired (maintained status). Must include on‑campus work authorization. |
| Work hours allowed | There is no weekly hour limit during a work term. | No change. |
| Co-op confirmation letter/ Letter of Acceptance | Required to apply for a co‑op work permit. | Still required. 51ÉçÇřşÚÁĎstudents must have a co-op confirmation letter or a Letter of Acceptance indicating that the work term is an essential component of the program. |
| Maximum time for work terms | Work terms must be 50% or less of the total study program and must be an essential part of your program. | No change. |
| Where students can work | SFU-approved work terms, even if they are off-campus. | No change. |
Eligibility Requirements
- You have conditions printed on your initial study permit that say you’re allowed to.
- If you intend to work in healthcare, education or agricultural settings, you’ll need to complete an immigration and check that your study permit has no restrictions on working in these areas
- You have a co-op confirmation letter/Letter of Acceptance from SFU confirming that the work term is a program requirement.
- International 51ÉçÇřşÚÁĎCo‑op students will automatically receive a Co‑op Confirmation Letter from their Co‑op office after accepting an 51ÉçÇřşÚÁĎco‑op work term.
- You have a valid study permit or you applied to extend your study permit before it expired ().
- You are a full-time student at SFU in the term you will undertake the work term.
- Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a full-time co-operative education work term (Co-op), approved internship or practicum (as per program requirements) are considered full-time for immigration purposes at SFU.
- Your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate at SFU.
- Your work term makes up 50% or less of your total study program and is an essential part of your program.
What to check before starting your work term
Before beginning a co‑op term, internship, or practicum, please ensure that you have a:
- âś… Valid study permit or are on .
- ✅ Check that your study permit includes on‑campus work authorization.
- âś… Confirm the work term is approved by SFU.
- âś… Ensure the work terms are 50% or less of your program and is an essential part of your program.
- âś… Ensure you have a valid (SIN)
What work authorization is required on the study permit?
IRCC must include either one of the following conditions on your study permit:
- “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”
- “This permit does not authorize the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”
You c˛ą˛Ô˛Ô´ÇłŮ work if you don’t have one of these conditions on your study permit. You can apply to have these conditions added to your permit for no fee. See how to . Please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for more information and assistance.
Additional Considerations
IRCC Medical Exams
Depending on the type of work, you may need an immigration if your work term is in health-care or hospital settings, working with children or seniors, agricultural work or education. This applies even if the work is unpaid. If your study permit says, “Not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health service field occupations” you cannot start your co-op term, internship, or practicum until that condition is removed.
Some employers - particularly in health authorities, education, and related sectors - may apply medical clearance requirements more broadly across roles, regardless of specific job duties.
If you already applied for a co-op work permit
International students with pending decisions on their co-op work permit applications will not need to take any action. IRCC will withdraw all eligible and active co-op work permit applications.
SIN
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) may still be required, depending on the nature of the work. For more information on how to apply for a SIN, refer to this page.
If you already have a valid co-op work permit
International students who currently have a valid co-op work permit also do not need to take any action. It will not be required to extend a co-op work permit in the future.