Canada now allows international students, including those from Nigeria, to hold jobs while on a study visa.

Nigerian and other international students in Canada are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit for internships, co-ops, and practicums, thanks to a new rule that came into effect on April 1, 2026.

n

A valid study permit is now sufficient for work placements that are part of a student's course, provided they account for 50% or less of the program, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

n

However, secondary school students are still required to obtain a co-op work permit, a requirement that remains unchanged under the new rule.

n

Students who have already applied for a co-op work permit have the option to withdraw their applications, and IRCC may also cancel some of them, as the permit is no longer necessary.

n

The change is the first step in a series of wider immigration reforms being reviewed by the government, which include proposals to allow students and graduates to work while waiting for study permit extensions or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decisions.

n

Additional proposals under consideration include removing study permit rules for certain foreign apprentices, with the goal of streamlining the system and reducing paperwork.

n

According to IRCC, the aim is to simplify the process by eliminating the need for multiple permits for a single study program, and to reduce delays and confusion when students transition between study and work status.

n

If fully approved, the reforms could make it easier for international students to work during and after their studies, and reduce gaps in employment when permits expire.

n

However, no timeline has been set for the implementation of the remaining changes, which are still under consultation.

n

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

n

Meanwhile, Canada is experiencing a decline in the number of international students and foreign workers, with new arrivals dropping sharply in 2026 compared to the previous year.

n

This downward trend is expected to continue, as the federal government plans to further reduce temporary migration levels in the coming years as part of its immigration strategy.