Co-op Work

Last updated: April 10, 2026

As of April 1, 2026, co-op work permits are no longer required for the U of A students. You can participate in work placements that are part of your study program as long as you meet all of the following requirements:

  • You have conditions printed on your initial study permit that say you’re allowed to work on campus, either:
    • “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v), or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”, OR
    • “This permit does not authorize the holder to engage in off-campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”
  • You have a letter from your program that confirms the work placement is a requirement of your study program.
  • You have a valid study permit, or you applied to extend your study permit before it expired.
  • You are a full-time student at the U of A.
  • Your study program is at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • The work placement of your study program totals 50% or less of your study program.

Placements that fall under the IRCC co-op program include, but aren’t limited to, co-op placements, internships, practicums, or mentorship programs. The department is responsible for issuing a letter to students confirming that work placements are an essential part of the program.

The letter must confirm:

  • The internship/co-op placement is an integral part of your program of study (you will not be able to graduate from your program if you do not complete the work placement component)
  • The amount of work is not more than 50% of the total program of study (e.g., an internship can not be longer than 24 months in a four-year program)

Learn more on the IRCC website

Important Considerations

Your study permit must have “on-campus working” remarks. If this is not included on your study permit, you must apply for an amendment or study permit extension. Consult with an International Student Specialist.

If you wish to participate in an internship other than for the requirements of your degree, this internship would be considered off-campus work (maximum 24 hours per week).
If your placement is in the health services field (e.g., nursing, pharmacy students) or in the K-12 education field (BEd students), you must ensure that there are no conditions on your study permit that would restrict you from working in your respective field as part of your program. If such a condition exists, you must change the condition on your study permit by applying for a study permit extension.
You need a social insurance number (SIN) to work in Canada. If your SIN has expired because you are on maintained status, you may still work with your expired SIN, but if your study permit extension application is refused, you must stop working immediately.

If you have a co-op work permit application currently in process, it is advised to cancel the application via the IRCC web form.

Withdraw or cancel your application