CANADA ALLOWS STUDY PERMIT HOLDERS TO TAKE CO-OP JOBS WITHOUT EXTRA PERMIT
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By: Fasasi Hammad
International students in Canada, including Nigerians, will no longer be required to obtain a separate co-op work permit for internships, co-ops, or practicums following a new policy that came into effect on April 1, 2026.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students can now use a valid study permit for work placements that are part of their academic programme, provided such placements do not exceed 50% of the course. However, secondary school students are still required to secure a co-op work permit.
Students who have already submitted applications for a co-op work permit have the option to withdraw them, while IRCC may cancel some pending applications since the permit is no longer necessary.
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This policy marks an initial step in a broader set of immigration reforms currently under review. Proposed changes include allowing students and graduates to work while awaiting decisions on study permit extensions or Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), as well as easing study permit requirements for certain foreign apprentices. These proposals are still being considered.
IRCC explained that the aim is to simplify the process by cutting down on paperwork and eliminating the need for multiple permits within a single study programme. The move is also expected to reduce delays and confusion when students transition between study and work statuses.
If fully implemented, the reforms could improve access to work opportunities during and after studies, while also reducing gaps caused by permit expirations. However, no timeline has been announced for the remaining changes.
The government has also introduced other updates to its immigration framework, including increased fees for permanent residence, citizenship, and related services.
Meanwhile, Canada has recorded a decline in the number of international students and foreign workers, with arrivals dropping significantly in 2026 compared to the previous year, continuing an overall downward trend. The federal government says it intends to further cut temporary migration levels in the coming years as part of its broader immigration strategy.
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