Don't miss out on important International Experience Centre resources, updates and events.
Important resources
- International Experience Centre (IEC) newsletter: Don’t send us to junk! Read the IEC newsletter, landing in your inbox the first Wednesday of each month.
- Stay ahead of scammers: Fraudsters come up with new ways to deceive us everyday. Find out how to spot a scam.
- News and events: Check out our news and events below.
News
Extending an open work permit Issued under the CUAET measures
The special measures for temporary residence that were in effect until March 31, 2026, have now been extended. IRCC issued an announcement on April 1, 2026, that Ukrainian nationals or eligible family members of a Ukrainian that arrived in Canada on or before December 31, 2024, may be eligible to extend their open work permits.
Important immigration update for co-op students
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.
Updated special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada
IRCC has announced that the special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada, which had expired on February 28, 2026, have now been extended to March 31, 2027. However, the criteria for the special measures have changed.
New IRCC policies for graduate students
IRCC has announced a number of changes for international Grad students and launched a dedicated study permit page outlining these changes on November 6, 2025.
Events
Immigration Information Sessions: Post-Graduation Work Permit
Are you an international student who will be completing your program soon? Are you hoping to remain in Canada and work full-time? Join Waterloo's immigration consultants to learn what options are available to you.