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.
Can I participate in a work term (co-op/internship/practicum) in my final academic term?
While IRCC does not restrict students from completing a work term in their final academic term, students are advised to ensure that their placement complies with IRCC requirements and aligns with SFU’s academic calendar.
Students must confirm with their Co‑op office or academic department whether they are permitted to participate in a co‑op/practicum/internship during their final term.
Practicums, internships, and co-op work terms should align with SFU's official academic term dates, even if an employer's work schedule starts or ends on different dates.
Example:
If you are completing a co-op/practicum/internship that is scheduled from January 5 to April 30, please note that your authorized co-op work period should align with SFU’s academic calendar. For example, if the Spring term begins on January 5 and the final day of the examination period is April 25, your co-op/practicum/internship should end on April 25.
Students are responsible for referring to the SFU’s academic calendar to confirm the official start and end dates of each term.
In case, your co-op/practicum/internship contract ends after the last day of your final term (but before your Credential Completion Letter [CCL] is issued), you have following options:
- You may be eligible to work part-time (up to 24 hours/week) using your off-campus work eligibility if your study permit is still valid and you meet IRCC off-campus work eligibility requirements.
- Once your CCL is issued, you have officially completed your program and cannot work under the study permit’s work conditions.
- You must stop working immediately, unless you have applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and meet eligibility requirements to begin working after submitting your PGWP application. If eligible, you may work full-time while your PGWP application is being processed.
Key Reminders
- IRCC considers you a student only while you are actively enrolled and before your program is officially completed.
- Keep track of SFU term dates and the timing of your CCL.
- For questions about your co-op placement work term requirements and the associated dates, please contact your Co-op Advisor or your graduate program for more information.
- For any immigration-related questions, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.