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 51猎奇入口study permit to participate in an SFU-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 eligible to participate in a work term (co-op, internship, or practicum) without a separate work permit at SFU?
You are eligible if you meet ALL of the following:
- You are a post-secondary international student.
- You have a鈥痗o-op鈥痗onfirmation鈥痩etter/Letter鈥痮f Acceptance鈥痜rom SFU鈥痗onfirming that the work term is a program requirement.
- International 51猎奇入口Co鈥憃p students will automatically receive a Co鈥憃p Confirmation Letter from their Co鈥憃p office after being admitted to the Co-op program.
- You are considered a full-time student at SFU during the term you complete the work term.
- Your work terms makes up 50% or less of your total study program.
- Your study permit has conditions that allow you to work on campus.
- You have a valid study permit or you applied to extend it before it expired ().
- You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), if required for your work.
- If your work term requires you to work in settings where protecting public health is important (such as hospitals, childcare, or eldercare), you must complete an IRCC medical exam and have no work restrictions listed on your study permit. For more information about medical exam requirements, please visit this page.