Immigration
Working in Canada
Effective April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the requirements for co-op work permits. Eligible international students at post-secondary institutions are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit to complete co-op terms, internships, or practicums. Eligible students may use the on-campus work authorization on their 911勛圖 study permit to participate in an 911勛圖-approved work placement.
Work placements must still constitute no more than 50% of the total study program and be an essential component of the program. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work for their work placement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please visit the webpage.
Am I required to complete an immigration medical exam (IME) to get a Co-op work permit?
In some cases, there may be restrictions on the type of job you can hold unless you complete and pass an immigration medical exam (IME) as part of your work permit application. include workers in the health services fields, teachers in primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children.
If you wish to work in agricultural occupations, a medical exam will be needed if you have visited or lived in a for six months or more.
If a medical exam is required, it must be conducted by a . For detailed information about IME, please visit IRCC website .
Medical exam results are valid for 12 months. If you have already passed an IME which remains valid, or will not be working in the occupations outlined on the IRCC website, you do not require a medical exam.
NOTE: On October 12, 2022, a temporary public policy exempting some in-Canada applicants from submitting an IME as part of their application when their previous IME has expired. This exemption applies to applicants who live in Canada and are applying for temporary residence (e.g. study permit, work permit) or permanent residence and is in place until October 6, 2024. To benefit from this exemption applicants must have completed an IME on or after October 6, 2017, and IRCC found your medical exam to indicate a low risk or no risk to public health or public safety. More information can be found here.