International Student Work Eligibility

**Important Update: As of April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have removed the co-op work permit requirement for eligible post-secondary international students participating in a required student work experience, such as co-op. 

To be eligible, students must meet all the following conditions: 

• • Their study permit includes a condition allowing them to work on campus
  • They have a letter from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming that the work placement is a requirement of their program of study
  • They have a valid study permit, or applied to extend it before it expired
  • They are a full-time student for immigration purposes
  • Their program of studies is at least 6 months long at the post-secondary level that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • The work placement components make up 50% or less of the length of their program of study
  • They many complete their student work experience with an on-campus and off-campus employer, there is no weekly hour limit to work performed.

What work authorization are required on the Study Permit?

To legally work in your co-op position, IRCC must include 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.”

Note: If your study permit does not include the required work condition and you have questions about how to address these situations, please contact The Global Engagement Office as soon as possible for support in requesting an amendment. 

What if I already have a Co-op Work Permit?

• If you already hold a valid co-op work permit, you may continue to use it, but you will not need to renew it once it expires. It will not be required to extend a co-op work permit in the future.  
• If you have a pending application for a co-op work permit submitted before April 1, 2026, IRCC will automatically withdraw it as it is no longer required. 

Requirements to Start Co-op Work Term

Requirements to Start Co-op Work Term 

Before you begin your first work term, you must ensure you have the following in place: 

1. Valid Study Permit: Ensure your permit is active and has the correct work authorization conditions. 
2. Co-op Confirmation Letter: The Interdisciplinary Co-op Office provides this letter to verify your placement is a program requirement.  
3. Social Insurance Number (SIN): You must have a valid SIN to work in Canada. 
4. Medical Exam: If your co-op position involves working with children, seniors, or in healthcare/agriculture, you must have a medical exam on file and the appropriate “no restrictions” condition on your Study Permit before starting your position. Learn more about medical exams.