Turn Study Into Experience.
Understand the new 2026 rules for required co-ops, internships, practicums and other DLI-approved student work placements.
Understand the New Rules.
Since April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students generally work in required placements without a separate co-op permit. Secondary students still require one.
Valid Study Status
Hold a valid study permit or have applied to extend it before expiry, and remain eligible to study in Canada.
Required Placement
The work experience must be required to complete your program—not simply an optional job or extracurricular internship.
DLI Confirmation
Keep a school letter confirming that the placement is a required component for the degree, diploma or certificate.
Work Conditions
Confirm the required work wording appears on your study permit and address any medical-exam or SIN requirements.
Check Your Placement Route.
Select the situation closest to yours. The result is a planning guide—not a legal eligibility decision.
A Separate Co-op Permit Is Usually Not Required
From April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students can participate in required DLI-approved placements without a separate co-op work permit.
Confirm Every Requirement.
The new permit exemption works only when the student, program and placement satisfy the current student-work-placement rules.
Student and DLI
Be a full-time post-secondary student at a Canadian DLI in an academic, vocational or professional program.
- Full-time studies
- Canadian DLI
- Valid status
Mandatory Work
The work must be a required curriculum component and approved through the institution’s placement program.
- School approval
- Program requirement
- Accepted employer
Program Percentage
The total student work placement cannot exceed 50% of the overall study program.
- Placement duration
- Program schedule
- 50% maximum
Permit and Health
Check work conditions, SIN eligibility and whether the placement setting requires an immigration medical exam.
- Permit wording
- SIN
- Medical exam
Prepare Your Placement File.
Use this private checklist to organize the status, school and placement records needed before work begins.
Do You Need a Permit?
Choose your study level and whether the placement is mandatory. This quick check reflects the general April 2026 framework and does not replace an individual assessment.
Move From Class to Career.
A clear sequence keeps the school requirement, immigration conditions and employer placement aligned.
Confirm It Is Mandatory
Ask your DLI to confirm the placement is required to earn your credential.
Check Your Authorization
Review study level, permit validity, work wording and the 50% program limit.
Align School and Employer
Keep the employer, duties, dates and institutional approval documented together.
Complete Final Checks
Address SIN and medical-exam requirements before beginning the placement.
Recognize Your Situation.
The correct step depends on your study level, whether the work is mandatory and whether you already hold a permit.
Post-secondary Placement
You may work without a separate co-op permit if every current student-placement condition is satisfied.
Verify all conditionsSecondary Co-op
You still need a co-op work permit, valid study permit and school confirmation. The co-op permit itself has no application fee.
Prepare the permit routeOptional Internship
Optional employment is not a qualifying student work placement and may need separate on-campus, off-campus or work-permit authority.
Check another work routeUse the April 2026 Rules.
Older websites may still say every international student needs a co-op permit. Confirm the current study-level and placement conditions before acting.
Protect Your Authorization.
A school placement does not override immigration conditions. Confirm you remain eligible throughout the work period.
Remain Eligible to Study
Stop the placement if you stop studying full-time, your permit expires, or you take an authorized leave, subject to applicable exceptions.
Read the Permit Wording
If the necessary work condition is missing, request an amendment before working or applying for a SIN.
Use an Approved Placement
You may work for an employer accepted by your school’s student placement program, including an off-campus employer.
Check Medical Requirements
Hospital, health-care, child-care and other public-health-sensitive placements may require an immigration medical exam.
Get Clear Answers.
Review the most important questions about the new rule, required placements, secondary-school permits, hours and existing applications.
Discuss your questions →As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students generally do not need a separate co-op work permit for required student placements. They must still meet every placement condition.
International students at Canadian DLIs at the secondary-school level still need a co-op work permit for required student work placements.
Not under the student-work-placement rules. The placement must be required to complete the study program and confirmed by the DLI.
There is no weekly hour limit for an eligible student work placement, but the total placement component cannot exceed 50% of the study program.
An existing co-op permit may be used for its full validity. If a post-secondary application is pending and is no longer required, IRCC says it may be withdrawn or IRCC may withdraw it and send an explanatory letter.
Prepare Your Student Placement.
Connect your study status, mandatory-program evidence, employer details and work conditions before the placement starts.