Maple News reports that Canada is moving to expand work authorization for international students and graduates, with proposed amendments published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on April 1, 2026. The reforms enter a consultation phase, with IRCC planning to engage stakeholders in early spring 2026.
Under the plan, international students on co-op terms would be able to work without a separate work permit, and applicants for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) would receive extended work authorization while their applications are processed.
Foreign apprentices would also benefit from increased work authorization without needing a permit.
The amendments would remove the co-op work permit requirement for international students, so one permit would cover both study and work as part of the program. They would also remove the study permit requirement for foreign apprentices who meet certain conditions, and standardize how work authorization applies during scheduled academic breaks.
Today, students enrolled in programs with co-op or work-integrated learning components must hold both a study permit and a separate co-op permit. Similarly, foreign apprentices typically need a study permit to complete their training, with an exception for select construction trades apprentices in Canada.
IRCC notes a gap between graduation and PGWP issuance. Under current rules, graduates can work full-time while waiting for a PGWP decision if they completed their program, were already eligible to work off campus during studies, and applied before their study permit expired.
As IRCC prepares to gather feedback from stakeholders in early spring 2026, observers say the reforms could help Canada attract and retain international talent and support domestic startups by smoothing entry to the workforce. Maple News will monitor the consultation process and report on any final policy changes.