Instruction Guides
Effective April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the requirements for co-op work permits. Eligible international students at post-secondary institutions are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit to complete co-op terms, internships, or practicums. Eligible students may use the on-campus work authorization on their SFU study permit to participate in an SFU-approved work placement.
Work placements must still constitute no more than 50% of the total study program and be an essential component of the program. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work for their work placement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please visit the IRCC – Work in a student work placement webpage.
Due to ongoing regulatory changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the information and handouts below may be updated frequently as information is released. Check this page often for up to date information.
Please Note: The below information is only applicable to current international students at SFU. While we do our best to ensure that information provided is accurate and current, please be aware that these are not legal documents and all information provided is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the individual guides above to see when the information was last updated.
For updated policies and legal information, it is your sole responsibility to refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or other official direct sources, as applicable. If you have any questions or concerns, please check with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
Refer to the IRCC website, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program website, as well as SFU's international student news website outlining recent updates.
Visas and Study Permits
Study Permit Extension
- Study Permit Extension - Current SFU students
- Study Permit Extension - Incoming/New students in Canada
- Instruction Guide: Study Permit Extension Applications - all students
- Study Permit Extension: Proof of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Exemption - Current SFU students and students transferring to SFU to study in a graduate degree program (Master's or PhD)
Information for Families
Medical Insurance in Canada
MSP & Benefits
Other Topics
Tax, Tenancies, Volunteering & more
Employment and Work Permits
Work On/Off Campus & more
- Working On and Off Campus
- Self-employment, entrepreneurship, and starting a business as an international student in British Columbia
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Instruction Guide: Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications
- Application Timeline: Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: New Requirements Diagram (November 2024)
- Letter of Explanation
- Working After Graduation (webpage)
- Video guides for PGWP application (video)