Higher-Education Internships No Longer Require a Separate Co-op Work Permit Starting in April

GTA International Students Still Need to Check Study Permit Conditions and Program Requirements Before Starting Work

TORONTO, April 22, 2026 –  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that, starting April 1, 2026, eligible international students in higher education will no longer need to apply separately for a co-op work permit when taking part in co-op placements, internships, or other work-integrated learning that is required by their program.

For international students in the Greater Toronto Area planning to begin summer internships or program-related placements, the new rule means a simpler process. However, before officially starting work, students still need to confirm their study permit conditions, school documentation, and the nature of the placement in order to avoid compliance risks caused by misunderstanding the policy.

New Rule Simplifies the Process: No Separate Co-op Work Permit Require

According to IRCC, the policy change is intended to reduce administrative processing. Eligible students may now complete mandatory work placements within the same study program using a valid study permit, without having to wait separately for approval of a co-op work permit.

For students who have already secured internship positions and are preparing to start in May or during the summer, the new rule may reduce delays that would otherwise affect their start date.

The Placement Must Be a Program Requirement and Approved by the School

IRCC makes clear that removing the co-op work permit requirement does not mean all internships or work placements can begin automatically. Students must still meet all of the following conditions:

• The work placement must be a required part of the study program
• It must be formally approved by a designated learning institution (DLI)
• The student must hold a valid study permit, or have submitted a renewal application before it expired
• The study program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
• The internship or work placement must not make up more than 50 percent of the total study program

Study Permit Work Conditions Remain the Key Requirement

IRCC emphasizes that whether a student may take part in a placement still depends on the work conditions listed on the study permit.

• The study permit must clearly include conditions allowing the student to work
• If the student is eligible but the condition is not listed, they may apply to IRCC to have it added
• If the study permit does not include the relevant condition, the student may not take part in the work placement

Three Key Points Students Should Check Before Starting

For students preparing to begin an internship, international student offices at schools generally recommend confirming these three points first:

1. Whether the study permit includes conditions allowing work
2. Whether the school can issue formal proof that the placement is a required part of the program
3. Whether the internship period is no more than 50 percent of the total program length

If anything is unclear, students should confirm through their school or official IRCC channels before starting work, and keep records of the relevant documents.

Students Who Already Applied for a Co-op Work Permit Do Not Need to Take Extra Steps

For students who have already submitted a co-op work permit application, IRCC says:

• If the application is still being processed and the student qualifies under the new rule, no extra action is required
• IRCC will automatically withdraw eligible applications
• Students may also choose to withdraw applications they no longer need themselves

Some Students Still Need a Co-op Work Permit

IRCC also states that the policy change does not apply to:

• International students at the secondary school level
• Students enrolled in language programs or non-degree interest courses
• Students in preparatory programs serving as a transition into another program
• Students enrolled in programs offered by institutions outside Canada

These groups must still apply for a co-op work permit if they take part in work placements.

Off-Campus Part-Time Work Is Still Subject to Hour Limits

If the work is not a required part of the program and is instead regular part-time or off-campus work, students must still follow the existing study permit rules.

According to IRCC, eligible international students during regular academic terms:

• May usually work off campus up to 24 hours per week
• Must still follow hour limits if the program does not include a formal scheduled break

Practical Reminder: Check Conditions First, Then Start Work

For international students and parents in the GTA preparing for summer internships, the key point of this policy change is not simply that “students can now work without a permit.” The real issue is whether:

• The placement qualifies as a required part of the program
• The study permit allows the relevant work
• The student has formal documentation from the school

If the conditions are not fully clear, students are advised to confirm everything before starting work and to keep copies of their study permit, school documentation, and employer arrangements in order to reduce compliance risks.

(LJI by Yuanyuan)