Int’l students in Canada no longer need separate study, work permit

International students in Canada no longer need a separate study and work permit, as the country is making it easier for international students to study and gain work experience at the same time.

The change, which took effect on April 1, 2026, forms part of a broader package of reforms announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and started with the removal of the co-op work permit requirement for university students.

In simple terms, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the need for a separate co-op work permit for most university and college students. This means that instead of applying for two permits (a study permit and a work permit), students now only need one.

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In a statement, IRCC said, “The goal is to cut administrative burden and operational inefficiency that comes from requiring foreign nationals to hold two permits to complete one educational programme.”

Previously, students had to go through extra paperwork to get permission to do internships or work placements linked to their studies. However, the new rule states that a study permit alone is sufficient if the work placement is part of the course and does not exceed half of the programme.

In addition, the government is planning further adjustments, although these are not yet final. For example, it wants to allow students and graduates to keep working while waiting for decisions on their permits. This would reduce uncertainty and stress during waiting periods.

At the same time, however, Canada is also trying to reduce the total number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers. So, while the process is becoming easier for those already in the system, fewer people may be allowed into the country overall.

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Although the rules are becoming simpler and more flexible, the competition to enter and stay in Canada may still increase.

The reforms could reduce the number of applications required from international students and provide greater stability, particularly for those facing delays between permit expiry and renewal decisions. Graduates, for instance, are currently allowed to work full-time while awaiting a PGWP decision, provided they meet certain conditions, including applying before their study permit expires.

Consultations with provinces, territories, and education stakeholders are expected to take place in spring 2026, although no timeline has been announced for the implementation of the remaining proposals.

The policy shift comes amid a broader effort by the Canadian government to reduce its temporary resident population. Recent IRCC data shows a continued decline in new arrivals of both international students and foreign workers. In January 2026, total arrivals fell by 28 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

IRCC stated that the government aims to reduce the temporary resident population to less than five percent of Canada’s total population, down from 7.4 percent recorded in October 2024.