Overview

As the Canadian government continues to refine its policies for managing international students, several notable changes to off-campus work regulations have been introduced in 2026. These updates not only affect international students directly but also have implications for student recruitment, academic advising, and career planning conducted by education partners and institutions.

In particular, the simplification of mandatory co-op internship requirements and the strengthening of compliance monitoring mechanisms are developments that partners should closely follow.

Maintaining the 24-Hour Weekly Work Limit

Under current regulations, eligible international students may continue to work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms.

During scheduled breaks recognized by their institution—such as summer, winter, or spring breaks—students may work full-time without hourly restrictions. However, to qualify as an authorized break, the period must be included in the institution’s official academic calendar, and students must be enrolled in both the academic term preceding and following the break.

Understanding these regulations is essential when advising students, particularly those who plan to work part-time to help cover living expenses while studying in Canada.

Removal of the Co-op Work Permit Requirement for Many Programs

One of the most significant changes, effective April 1, 2026, is that post-secondary students at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are no longer required to obtain a separate Co-op Work Permit in certain circumstances.

Students may be exempt from the Co-op Work Permit requirement if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Hold a valid Study Permit;
• Be enrolled in a program that is at least six months in duration;
• Have a work placement component that represents no more than 50% of the total program length;
• Receive confirmation from the institution that the work placement is a mandatory graduation requirement.

This change is expected to reduce administrative burdens for international students while providing greater flexibility for programs that incorporate practical training and workplace experience.

However, the exemption does not apply to secondary school students or those enrolled in language programs such as ESL (English as a Second Language) or FSL (French as a Second Language).

Canada Strengthens Compliance Monitoring

Alongside efforts to streamline administrative processes, the Canadian government has also intensified compliance monitoring measures for international students.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can now cross-reference enrollment data from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with employment and tax records maintained by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify compliance with work-hour restrictions.

As a result, instances of students exceeding the permitted number of work hours are more likely to be detected than in previous years.

Important Exceptions to Be Aware Of

In addition to the general rules, several exceptions remain in place:

• Remote Work for Employers Outside Canada

If a student works remotely for an employer located outside Canada, those hours are generally not counted toward the off-campus work limit under current regulations.

• Final Academic Term

Students in their final academic term who are enrolled part-time because they only have a few remaining courses to complete may continue to work off campus within the permitted limits.

Considerations for Education and Recruitment Partners

As Canada places increasing emphasis on the oversight of international students, staying informed about policy changes is essential not only for maintaining accurate advising practices but also for enhancing the overall student experience.

Recruitment agencies, language centers, educational institutions, and immigration consulting firms should proactively incorporate these updates into their advising processes. Doing so will help students better understand their rights, responsibilities, and potential risks while studying and working in Canada.

Providing accurate guidance from the outset can support students in building more effective academic, career, and long-term immigration pathways within an increasingly regulated environment.

AMV Consulting will continue to provide timely updates on developments across international education markets, helping our partners strengthen recruitment outcomes, improve student support, and deliver informed strategic guidance in a rapidly evolving landscape.