Nigerian, other foreign students can now work with study permit in Canada

Nigerian and other international students in Canada will no longer need a separate co-op work permit for internships, co-ops, and practicums under a new rule that took effect on April 1, 2026.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said a valid study permit is now enough for work placements that are part of a student’s course, as long as they make up 50% or less of the program. Secondary school students still need a co-op work permit.

Students who already applied for a co-op work permit can withdraw their applications, and IRCC may also cancel some of them since the permit is no longer required.

The change is the first step in wider immigration reforms being reviewed by the government. Other proposals include allowing students and graduates to work while waiting for study permit extensions or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decisions, and removing study permit rules for some foreign apprentices. These ideas are still under consultation.

IRCC said the goal is to reduce paperwork and make the system easier by removing the need for multiple permits for one study program. It also hopes to reduce delays and confusion when students move between study and work status.

If fully approved, the reforms could make it easier for international students to work during and after their studies, and reduce gaps when permits expire. However, no timeline has been set for the remaining changes.

The government has already introduced other updates in its immigration plan, including fee increases for permanent residence, citizenship, and other services.

At the same time, Canada is seeing fewer international students and foreign workers. New arrivals dropped sharply in 2026 compared to the previous year, continuing a broader downward trend.

The federal government says it plans to further reduce temporary migration levels in the coming years as part of its immigration strategy.

Vanguard News