At Immigration to Canada, we understand the advantages that come with studying in Canada. The country offers an exceptional education system combined with the chance to earn income and gain significant work experience. Whether you prefer working on-campus or off-campus, international students in Canada can take advantage of these opportunities without the need for a separate Canadian work visa. Here’s a guide on how you can balance work and studies in Canada.
International students have the opportunity to work on-campus at their respective universities or colleges. This allows them to easily manage their work and study schedule, making it convenient to earn money while pursuing their education.
For those who wish to explore job opportunities outside the campus, off-campus employment is an excellent option. International students can work off-campus without needing a separate work permit, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.
Many Canadian educational institutions offer co-op programs and internships as part of their curriculum. These programs allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, further enhancing their professional skills and employability.
To work in Canada as an international student, you must be enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution (DLI). Additionally, ensure that your study permit includes a condition that allows you to work either on or off-campus.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially declared a temporary relaxation of the work hour limitations for international students in Canada. Currently, international students permitted to work off-campus are limited to less than 20 hours per week. This cap will now be increased to 40 hours per week. As Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, stated, this change provides international students with a significantly improved opportunity to financially sustain themselves during their studies.
Work Without a Permit:
At Immigration to Canada, we assist international students in understanding their on-campus work options without needing a permit. Full-time students at public post-secondary institutions, such as colleges and universities, or private institutions that adhere to the same regulations as public ones, have this opportunity. To qualify, ensure you have a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Remember, you can start working only after your study program has officially begun. Here are some of the employers you can work for:
Work for the Educational Institution:
Be Your Own Boss:
Work for a Private Entity:
As an international student with a study permit, you may work up to 40 hours per week off-campus. To be eligible for this opportunity, ensure you meet the following conditions:
If you are a part-time student, you must meet all the above criteria and be in your final semester without a full course load. Gaining work experience off-campus, especially through internships, can be extremely beneficial for your career growth.
Some academic programs mandate that students acquire practical work experience as part of their coursework. To fulfill this requirement, students need to secure both a work permit and a study permit. Eligibility criteria include ensuring that the job is an integral part of the academic program, coupled with obtaining a certified letter from a relevant academic official. It is important to note that students enrolled in English or French language courses, or those participating in general interest or preparatory courses, do not qualify for this option.
Canada allows international students to bring their spouse or common-law partner to Canada during their studies. If you are enrolled full-time and possess a valid study permit at a recognized public post-secondary institution, or a comparable private institution, your spouse or partner is eligible for an open work permit. This permit allows them to seek employment in Canada without needing a pre-arranged job offer. They can work for the duration of your study permit, providing valuable support and contributing to your household.
As a student, securing a job in Canada involves some essential preparations. One of the most crucial requirements is obtaining your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Step 1: Obtain Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
To work legally in Canada as a student, you will need a nine-digit SIN. You can apply for this number online at no cost by submitting the necessary documents. It’s important to safeguard your SIN to prevent identity theft. Only share your SIN when it’s legally mandated.
Documents Required for SIN for International Students:
Step 2: Establish a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is one of the first tasks for international students arriving in Canada. This account will secure your earnings and provide convenient access to your money. Many Canadian banks offer student accounts with low or zero monthly fees and free transactions. Some top banks for international students include:
Step 3: Craft Your Resume and Cover Letter
Even without prior work experience, having a well-prepared resume and cover letter is crucial. Highlight your educational background, skills, and any volunteer or extracurricular activities. If you have work experience from your home country, include references or recommendation letters from previous employers.
Step 4: Explore Job Opportunities Online, On-Campus, and Locally
Many international students find part-time, freelance, or holiday jobs through online job portals such as Indeed and Workopolis. Additionally, check your college or university’s social media for career pages, like the University of Toronto Student Life Programs & Services Facebook page, which posts job opportunities.
You can also inquire about job openings at local coffee shops or grocery stores. Networking with friends and peers can uncover job leads. On-campus jobs are convenient and look impressive on your resume; positions like research assistants or peer tutors are particularly beneficial. Approach different college departments that hire students or promote your tutoring services on campus notice boards.
Step 5: Secure a Co-op Work Permit for Mandatory Internships
If your study program mandates a co-op or internship for graduation, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit. This can be done concurrently with your study permit application if your acceptance letter specifies the requirement. If you’re already in Canada, you can apply for the co-op permit separately. Note that students in ESL or FSL programs, or those in general interest or preparatory courses, do not qualify for co-op work permits.
Yes, you can run your own business or be self-employed while studying in Canada. But you must still follow the rules of your study permit, especially regarding your working hours. Even if you are self-employed, any time you spend earning money counts as 'work time' and cannot exceed 20 hours per week during your academic terms.
Yes, you can work full-time during your winter or summer breaks. Normally, you can only work up to 20 hours a week while studying. However, during breaks between school terms, you are allowed to work full-time. Make sure you were a full-time student before and after the break to meet your study permit conditions. Note that you cannot start working before your first school term begins.
Yes, you can have multiple part-time jobs while studying. For example, you could be a tutor, work in a café, and be a delivery driver all at the same time. However, the total hours you work across all jobs must not exceed 20 hours per week during the school term.
Yes, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit if you are a full-time student with a valid study permit in Canada. This permit allows them to work for any employer while you study, without needing a job offer first.
If your study permit is about to expire, you should apply to extend it at least 30 days before it expires. You will need to provide documents like proof of enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and financial proof that you can support yourself while studying. You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
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