Nigerian and other international students in Canada can now undertake work placements using only their study permits, following a new policy introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The policy, which took effect on April 1, 2026, eliminates the requirement for a separate co-op work permit for internships, practicums and similar placements that form part of an academic programme.
Under the new arrangement, students are allowed to work as long as such placements do not exceed 50 per cent of their course requirements. However, secondary school students are still required to obtain co-op work permits.
The immigration authority noted that students who had already applied for co-op permits may withdraw their applications, adding that some pending requests could be cancelled since the permits are no longer mandatory.
The development forms part of broader immigration reforms currently under review by the Canadian government, aimed at simplifying procedures and improving flexibility for international students.
Proposals under consideration include allowing students and recent graduates to work while awaiting decisions on study permit extensions or Post-Graduation Work Permits, as well as easing permit requirements for certain foreign apprentices.
According to IRCC, the reforms are designed to streamline the system by reducing multiple permit requirements for a single programme, while also addressing delays and administrative bottlenecks.
If fully implemented, the measures are expected to enhance access to employment opportunities during and after studies, while minimising interruptions caused by expiring permits.
Meanwhile, Canada has recorded a decline in the number of international students and foreign workers entering the country in 2026, reflecting a broader policy shift to reduce temporary migration levels in the coming years.
