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 911³Ô¹Ï study permit to participate in an 911³Ô¹Ï-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.
What happens if my co-op/practicum/internship doesn't match 911³Ô¹Ï’s  academic calendar ?
As a general rule, your work term should align with 911³Ô¹Ï’s academic calendar, meaning the work term must take place between the first day of classes for a given term and the last day of the final exam period for the same term. â¶Ä¯
If your work term dates do not fully align with 911³Ô¹Ï’s academic calendar,  you may be able to continue working using your off-campus work eligibility as mentioned below:  
- If you are considered a full-time student during your work term and will continue as a full-time student in the next term, you may be eligible to work full-time during a scheduled break between the two terms, provided you meet all .
- Example:   If your Spring term work term runs from January 5 to May 10, and the Spring term ends on April 25 while the summer term begins on May 15, the period between April 25 and May 15 may be considered a scheduled break. â¶Ä¯
During this time, you may be eligible to work full-time, provided you are enrolled full-time in the academic terms immediately before and after the break and continue to meet all other off-campus work eligibility requirements. â¶Ä¯â€¯
Please refer to 911³Ô¹Ï’s academic calendar for the specific start and end dates of each term. â¶Ä¯
Key Reminders:
You cannot use your on-campus work authorization to continue working for your co-op/practicum/internship outside of 911³Ô¹Ï’s academic calendar‾·²¹³Ù±ð²õ.
- For questions about your work term requirements and the associated dates, please contact your Co-op Advisor or your graduate program for more information.
- For any immigration-related questions, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist. â¶Ä¯