International students in Canada, including Nigerians, will no longer be required to obtain a separate co-op work permit for internships, co-op placements, or practicums, following a new policy that came into effect on April 1, 2026.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, students can now rely solely on a valid study permit to undertake work placements that form part of their academic programme, provided such placements do not exceed 50 per cent of the course requirements. However, secondary school students are still expected to apply for a co-op work permit.

The agency noted that students who had already submitted applications for co-op permits may withdraw them, while some pending applications could be cancelled since the permit is no longer necessary.

This policy adjustment represents an initial step in a broader set of immigration reforms currently under consideration. Proposed changes include allowing students and recent graduates to work while awaiting decisions on study permit extensions or Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), as well as exempting certain foreign apprentices from study permit requirements. These proposals, however, are still undergoing consultation and have not yet been finalised.

IRCC explained that the reform aims to simplify procedures by eliminating the need for multiple permits within a single academic programme. It is also intended to reduce administrative delays and confusion as students transition between study and work statuses.

If fully implemented, the broader reforms could ease access to employment opportunities for international students during and after their studies, while also minimising disruptions caused by expiring permits. No official timeline has been announced for the rollout of the remaining measures.

The Canadian government has already introduced additional changes within its immigration framework, including increases in fees for permanent residency, citizenship, and related services.

Meanwhile, the country is experiencing a decline in the number of international students and foreign workers, with arrivals dropping significantly in 2026 compared to the previous year. Officials say this trend aligns with plans to gradually reduce temporary migration as part of a revised immigration strategy.