Mandatory Work Placements

Work experience is a required component of some programs of study. As of April 1, 2026 eligible post-secondary students no longer require a separate work permit to authorize them to complete this work.

Tips for study permit applications when you have a mandatory work placement

If you are asked in the study permit application process whether your program has a mandatory work placement, answer truthfully.
If your personal checklist asks for proof of your mandatory work placement, you can upload the proof provided by your academic program.
If your study permit application form asks if you are also requesting a work permit, answer ‘no’.
If your work placement is in the area of health or education, you should plan to complete an Immigration Medical Exam to avoid conditions on your permit that would prohibit work in those areas.

Eligibility Criteria

You are generally bound by the regular on and off-campus work rules. To be eligible to work more hours than those rules allow, you must:

be a full-time student (unless you are in your final term of study);
be in a degree, diploma, or certificate program that is at least 6 months in length;
have a valid study permit, or are waiting for an extension that you applied for before the expiry date;
have a remark or condition on your permit authorizing work on campus;
have a letter from your Faculty or program indicating that a placement, co-op or internship is a required part of your academic program; and,
be in a work placement that makes up no more than 50% of your program of study.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I currently hold a work permit that will expire before my work placement is complete?

It is not necessary to apply for an extension of your existing co-op work permit as long as you meet the criteria noted above.

What if I have already submitted an application for a co-op work permit, or I request one in the future?

Because post-secondary students no longer require a co-op work permit, you can withdraw your co-op work permit application or it may be withdrawn automatically by IRCC.

I have a remark written on my permit that says that I’m not authorized to work in childcare, schools or health services, but my placement is in one of those settings. What should I do?

If you want to work in a health-care setting, primary/secondary school setting, or other jobs where the protection of public health is important, you must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME). The remark on your existing co-op work permit or study permit is likely due to you not having an IME previously. To get the remark removed, you will need to apply to change the conditions of your co-op study permit and complete an IME with a panel physician (either before you apply, known as an upfront medical exam, or before a decision is made on your new application). An upfront medical exam may speed up the processing of your application (over completing the exam after submitting the application). You should not begin work that is not authorized by your existing permit until you receive your new permit that has the restrictions removed.

I still have questions, where do I go for more help?

Check out our Resources page for more support.