ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS: STUDYING AND WORKING IN CANADA
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 天美mv天美 study permit to participate in an 天美mv天美-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 webpage.
As an international student, it is important to understand your 天美mv天美 enrolment status. Changes to full-time enrolment in an academic term will also affect your ability to work and eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What is Full-time Enrolment Status at 天美mv天美?
Each institution determines the minimum course load required for full-time enrolment status. At 天美mv天美, students are considered full-time for immigration purposes in a given term, if they are in the following scenarios:
- Undergraduate Students鈥�(including post-baccalaureate programs)
- Graduate Students
- Formal Exchange Program Students
- Co-op Students
- Visiting International Research Students
- Students Approved for a Reduced Course Load
Undergraduate Students鈥�(including post-baccalaureate programs)
You are considered a full-time student for immigration purposes if you are enrolled in a minimum of 9 units in a given term.
Note: A full course load for undergraduate students at 天美mv天美 is generally 15 units per term.
Graduate Students
You are considered full-time if you are:
- enrolled in鈥�per term fee鈥�program, or
- enrolled in鈥痑 thesis, project, capstone course or field exams, or
- enrolled in 6 or more units per term in鈥痑 per unit fee program.
Formal Exchange Program Students
Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a鈥�full-time鈥疐ormal Exchange Program (FEP) or Field School鈥�(outbound exchange and field school).
Co-op Students
Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a鈥�full-time co-operative education placement (Co-op), approved internship or 辫谤补肠迟颈肠耻尘鈥痑蝉 per program requirements.
Visiting International Research Students
Visiting International Graduate Research Students鈥�() enrolled in Grad 800.
Students Approved for a Reduced Course Load
If you registered with the 鈥�Centre for Accessible Learning and have been approved for a reduced course load (less than 9 units) you are considered a full-time student for the term(s) covered by your approval.
Note: If your confirmation of enrolment (COE) or transcript does not indicate your enrolment status that is equivalent to a full-time courseload, please contact an International Student Advisor鈥痜or support.
The information on this page has been reviewed by International Student Advisors and was last updated on March 26, 2026.