As of April 1, 2026, international students in Canada no longer need a co-op work permit to participate in internships, practicums, or co-op placements. Your study permit now covers it, as long as the placement is required by your program and makes up 50% or less of it.

Previously, students had to hold both a study permit and a separate co-op work permit.That's one less application, one less fee, and one less thing to track while managing school, job search, and visa timelines.

Canada's government recently announced a new, temporary work permit that would help the Quebec region retain skilled professionals. The permit allows eligible employees to keep on working for up to 12 more months in their current position. 

The European Commission’s new Visa Strategy aims at enhancing both short-stay visas and long-stay work/residence permits.

The strategy includes—among other benefits—faster and new digital visa procedures, extended multiple-entry visas for trusted travelers, better conditions for skilled talents such as researchers, highly skilled professionals and students, as well as enhanced support to non-EU nationals facing challenges in the visa application process.