04/08/2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan
Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations – Streamlining study and work authorizations
Description
Amendments are being proposed to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations) to streamline study and work authorizations for foreign nationals in Canada.
The amendment would remove the co-op work permit requirement for international students, and remove the study permit requirement for foreign apprentices that meet certain conditions. This change would reduce administrative burden and operational inefficiency of requiring foreign nationals to obtain a study and work permit to complete one educational program.
Existing authorizations to work without a work permit would be extended to international students that are waiting for a decision on their study permit extension application, and international graduates waiting for a decision on their post-graduation work permit application.
Other related housekeeping amendments would also be made to standardize international students work authorization during scheduled academic breaks, and to clarify study permit and designated learning institution requirements would also be undertaken.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
The proposed amendment to remove the study permit requirement for certain apprenticeship programs, will be done in alignment with existing provincial and territorial regulations governing apprenticeship programs and criteria will be defined via PTs and other stakeholder group consultations.
Departmental officials will be engaging with provincial and territorial governments through the whole development of the regulatory package.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The proposed regulatory amendments most directly impact international students and apprentices in Canada.
The potential impacts on Canadians of the proposed regulatory amendments, are primarily to the academic institutions in Canada that host international students (i.e. designated learning institutions) by:
introducing new reporting requirements on international students enrolled in work integrated learning,
supporting their ability attract top talent, by reducing barriers for international students to fully participate in all elements of their study program.
Minor impacts suspected to housekeeping items as we set to clarify the regulations based on concerns brought forward by our stakeholders groups – DLIs, PTs, national associations.
