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.
What if my work-terms are more than 50% of my program?
IRCC guidelines states that co鈥憃p, internship, or practicum work must not exceed鈥�50% of the total program of study, and the work must be an鈥痚ssential part鈥痮f the academic program. In practical terms, this usually means that the number of work terms should be鈥痩ess than or equal to鈥痶he number of academic study terms.
In the event, you plan to do an additional work term that is not essential, and will not exceed 50% of your program, some questions to consider are:
- For co-op students, what is the鈥痬inimum number of co鈥憃p terms required鈥痶o obtain the co鈥憃p designation?
- Will this additional work term coop opportunity be鈥痑pproved by SFU鈥檚 Co鈥憃p Office/Faculty?鈥�
- Having already completed the required number of work terms, are there any鈥痚xtenuating academic or enrolment related reasons鈥痶hat support pursuing an additional, optional work term?
For further guidance, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.