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 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.
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 co-op confirmation letter/Letter of Acceptance from SFU confirming that the work term is a program requirement.
- International SFU Co‑op students will automatically receive a Co‑op Confirmation Letter from their Co‑op 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 (maintained status).
- 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.