ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS: STUDYING AND 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 SFU 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 IRCC – Work in a student work placement webpage.
Working off campus: Requirements
In order to work off campus you must meet all of the following requirements:
- SFU’s definition of full time or regularly scheduled break (see Full Time Status and Regularly Scheduled Break) in the term you wish to work off campus
- You have a valid study permit that includes a condition stating you may work off campus
- You are enrolled in a program of 6 months or more that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
Review IRCC’s self-assessment tool to check your eligibility to work off campus.
Note: IRCC recognizes students enrolled for any number of units in their final term of study to be eligible to work off campus provided they have maintained full time status for the duration of their program of study (click here for more information on eligibility). If you are not full time, it is your responsibility to check with your department advisor to confirm that the term you would like to work is indeed your final term.
If you are eligible to work off campus, you may work a maximum of 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks.
The definitions, permitted hours, and eligibility requirements differ for working on or off campus. You may be eligible to work only on campus, off campus, or both. Review our Working On and Off Campus handout for more information.
You may also view our Instruction Guides page for more details.
On November 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a change to the off-campus work hours.
As of November 8, 2024, the off-campus work hours has been increased from 20 to 24 hours per week during an academic session. For more information, please review our News and Updates post here.
i Questions about working off campus? Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.