News

As of April 1, 2026, a separate co-op work permit is no longer necessary. IRCC has announced that moving forward, co-op students may instead use the work authorizations included on their valid study permit to perform co-op work placements. IRCC will no longer be issuing co-op work permits. Instead, you can use your valid study permit, as long as it has a condition or remark which indicates you may perform on-campus work.

An internal communication was sent from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 24, 2025, which acknowledges the issue of prolonged processing times for study permit extensions. Under rules introduced in November 2024, international students changing designated learning institutions (DLI) have to receive approval for their study permit extensions before beginning studies at the new DLI. IRCC is providing an update which would allow students to begin studies at a new DLI.

There are still measures in place for Ukrainians with a valid temporary residence status who arrived in Canada under the CUAET measures before March 31, 2024. 

IRCC has announced that the special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada, previously set to expire on February 28, 2025, have now been extended to February 28, 2026. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a statement on November 15, 2024, declaring that international students in Canada may now work up to 24 hours per week for off-campus employment.  This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.  This change in policy is effective from November 15, 2024 onward.

As a result of the ongoing conflict between the Government of Israel and Hezbollah, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced temporary measures to support Lebanese nationals already in Canada who are currently unable to return home. 

On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced several changes which will impact international students and workers in Canada. 

As of September 1, 2024, the Global Experience Certificate (GEC) is closed to new applications.

As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced temporary special measures to support nationals of Israel and Palestine already in Canada with a valid temporary status.   

As of June 21, 2024, foreign nationals seeking a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) are no longer able to apply at a port of entry as a result of new ministerial instructions.