Student Work Placement

Changes to co-op work permit requirements for post-secondary international students 

As of April 1, 2026, you don’t need a co-op work permit for student work placements, such as co-ops or internships, as a post-secondary international student. 

If you meet the eligibility requirements for student work placements, you may work full-time during your co-op term. Full-time co-op employment grants you full-time student status as co-op is considered a part of your study program. 

If your co-op placement is part-time, you must consult with both your Academic Advisor and your Co-op Advisor. It is essential to ensure you are enrolled in a sufficient number of academic credits to maintain your full-time student status. Part-time students are not eligible for on or off campus work, or student work placements such as co-op work. Periods of part time study, except for your final term, may affect your eligibility for a Post Graduation Work Permit.  

Students who are on Leave of Absence are not eligible for student work placement.  

If your study permit is not valid long enough to cover your entire student work placement duration, please make sure to apply for study permit extension before the expiry date printed on your current study permit, otherwise, your co-op employment may be interrupted. 

To be eligible to start your co-op term, you must: 

  • Have a valid study permit naming Northeastern University or have applied for study permit extension before the expiry of your last study permit naming Northeastern University; and 
  • Have the on-campus work conditions printed on your initial study permit; and 
  • Be registered as a full-time student; and 
  • Have a valid SIN (Social Insurance Number); and 
  • Have your co-op opportunity approved by Northeastern University; and 
  • Ensure the duration of your co-op totals 50% or less of your study program.
     

If you don’t have the conditions printed on your study permit that say you’re allowed to work on campus, you may request an amendment to have them added to your study permit. Contact an OGS Canada International Student and Scholar Advisor for further assistance.