Work Permits Update — May 14, 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026
As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory work placements (co-ops, internships, practicums) — a valid study permit with on-campus work conditions is sufficient, provided the placement is required by the program and totals 50% or less of the program.
Canada's 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets the LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program (IMP) target at 170,000 new admissions — a 32% increase from what was planned under the prior 2025–2027 plan — while the LMIA-based Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has been cut to 60,000, a 27% reduction.
Additional proposed changes — including extended work authorization for students awaiting study permit extensions and graduates awaiting PGWP decisions — are still in the public consultation phase as of April 2026.
What You Should Do
- If you are a post-secondary international student who previously applied for a co-op work permit, you may now withdraw that application since it is no longer required as of April 1, 2026. Contact IRCC or check your IRCC account at ircc.canada.ca to withdraw the application.
- Secondary school students are not covered by this change — they still need a co-op work permit for placements. Confirm your school level before assuming the exemption applies.
- If you are an employer hiring foreign workers, assess whether your role qualifies for an LMIA-exempt category under the International Mobility Program (IMP) — LMIA-exempt permits are faster, cheaper (no $1,000 LMIA fee), and prioritized under the 2026 plan. Review eligible categories at canada.ca/international-mobility-program.
- Monitor IRCC's consultation updates on expanded work authorization for PGWP and study permit extension applicants — sign up for IRCC news at canada.ca/ircc-news to be notified when these proposals move to implementation.
Sources
Topics Covered
Student Work Authorization Simplification: Effective April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students no longer need a co-op work permit for mandatory program placements. A study permit with on-campus work conditions is now sufficient, provided the placement is program-required and is 50% or less of the program.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Expansion: The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan raises the IMP (LMIA-exempt) target to 170,000 — up 32% from the prior plan — while cutting the TFWP (LMIA-based) target to 60,000, a 27% reduction. For every LMIA-based permit, Canada will now issue nearly three LMIA-exempt permits.
More Work Permits Updates
Work Permits Update — June 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
Work Permits Update — June 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
Work Permits Update — June 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
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