Canada has introduced a major change to make life easier for international students. As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit to complete required internships or co-op placements.
Instead, students can use their existing study permit to participate in work placements that are part of their academic program, as long as the employer is approved by their institution.
This update removes extra paperwork and processing time, streamlining the experience for students and schools. Importantly, it doesn’t expand work rights—it simply makes the process more efficient.
The change applies only to post-secondary students. Secondary (high school) students will still need a co-op work permit for placements.
Overall, the policy aims to reduce administrative burden while helping international students more easily gain the work experience required for their studies.