NEW IRCC RULES: Easier CO-OP Work Permits

Since April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students are not required to obtain a co-op work permit for work placement, which is the work experience required by your designated learning institution (DLI) to complete your study program.

If you’ve already submitted a co-op work permit application but no longer need it under the new rules, you can withdraw your application.

As a post-secondary student, you can participate in a work placement if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Your original study permit includes a condition allowing you to work on campus

• You have a letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming that the placement is required for your program

• You hold a valid study permit, or you applied to extend it before it expired

• You are enrolled as a full-time student at a DLI

• Your program is at least 6 months long, offered at the post-secondary level, and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate

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Juliana Dueck is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and owner of Entry Canada Immigration Consulting Inc. since 2014.

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