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 麻豆视频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.
How can I apply for a Co-op Work Permit?
You can apply for your co-op work permit together with your study permit application from outside Canada (whether it is your initial application or reapplication) or your study permit extension from inside Canada.
As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) instructions, you are required to submit your work permit application online unless you are otherwise exempted. For more information regarding the exceptions to this rule, please visit the IRCC webpage, ""
Current students:
Your Co-op/Practicum Coordinator will issue a letter for you to include with your work permit application to IRCC. Co-op work permits are free (fee exempt).
| If you are an undergraduate student, you must be accepted into the co-op program first before you can apply for a co-op work permit. Visit here for more information on how to apply to Co-op at SFU. |
For instructions on how to apply for a co-op work permit within Canada, please refer to the following online resources:
New Graduate Students:
If your graduate program has a mandatory practicum/internship/co-op component, you may apply for a co-op work permit with your initial study permit application from outside Canada.
You must include the Study/Work Permit Information Form (the 2nd page of your Offer of Admission package from the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office) as your 鈥淓vidence of Work Requirement in Study鈥� to request a Co-op/Internship work permit, in addition to your study permit.