Getting a student job is a smart and excellent way to make some extra money to support yourself while in Canada. Lots of universities and colleges have jobs right on campus, like work-study programs, research assistant positions, and part-time jobs. Another option is co-op and internship programs, where you can get real-world experience while studying and have a better chance at getting a full-time job after you graduate.
If you want to work off-campus, there are some rules you need to know. Let’s go over some important information and basic regulations for getting a job as a student in Canada.
Are Students From Other countries Allowed to work in Canada?
Certainly! Students from other countries studying in Canada have the opportunity to work during their studies. To check if you are eligible for work, review your study permit, as it will specify your work rights. Remember that you can only start working after your studies have commenced, and your permission to work on campus ends when your study permit expires.
On-campus work involves finding a job within your school’s premises. On-campus employers may include your school, faculty members, student organizations, and sometimes private businesses or contractors. To work on- campus, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). The good news is that there is no limit to the number of hours you can work on-campus.
On the other hand, off-campus work means finding a job outside of your university’s grounds. To be eligible for off-campus work, certain conditions must be met, such as being a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and being enrolled in a study program that lasts at least 6 months and leads to a degree or diploma. Additionally, you must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work off-campus.
For off-campus work, you can work part-time, which means up to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. However, during school breaks, you have the option to work more hours, including overtime, or even consider getting a second part-time job.
How Can I find Student Jobs in Canada?
The best place to begin your search for a student job in Canada is the internet. Start by checking your university’s website; many institutions have a dedicated section for job opportunities. Additionally, you can explore government or private job boards for available positions.
Online job boards such as Indeed, Upwork, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent resources for finding job openings in Canada. International students can use these websites to search for various types of work, including part-time, full-time, or freelance opportunities. These platforms can help you discover a wide range of job options to suit your preferences and schedule.
- Indeed is a popular job search engine that lists job opportunities for students.
- The Job Bank is a website run by the Government of Canada that lists job opportunities nationwide.
- Monster is a job search website where you can find student jobs.
- SimplyHired is a job search engine that lists job opportunities across Canada.
- TalentEgg is a search engine focusing on entry-level job opportunities for students and recent graduates.
In Canada, universities and colleges often host numerous job fairs and career events. These events are specifically tailored to showcase job opportunities that are well-suited for students. Attending these fairs gives students the chance to meet potential employers and gain insights into available job openings.
Networking plays a crucial role in finding work as well. It is essential to make an effort to connect with others and expand your network. By building meaningful connections, you open yourself up to new and exciting opportunities that may not be readily advertised. Networking can lead to valuable insights, referrals, and even job offers.
Canadian work regulations for International Students
In Canada, students from other countries, also called international students, have access to a wide range of job opportunities. However, it’s essential to be aware of specific work regulations that apply to international students seeking employment during or after their studies. Let’s briefly explore the most important regulations:
Regulations for on-campus Jobs
- If you are an international student in Canada, you can only start working on campus after your studies have begun.
- To work on campus in Canada as an international student, your study permit must include a specific condition that grants you permission to work on or off-campus.
However, If your study permit does not have the condition that allows you to work on or off-campus, you have the option to apply for an amendment to your permit to include this permission. The process to add the work authorization condition is usually free. You can make this request to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by submitting the necessary application and supporting documents. Once the condition is added to your study permit, you will be eligible to work on or off-campus as per the regulations.
Regulations for off-campus Jobs
- You can only start working on campus after your studies have begun.
- You are also to ensure that your Study Permit allows you to work off-campus. If you start working without meeting the requirements, you could be asked to leave the country!
Regulations for Jobs After Graduation
Graduate jobs in Canada for international students are available for those who fulfill certain conditions. These are the two main scenarios in which getting a graduate job is possible:
- Before your study permit expires, you apply for a work permit or a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
- You enroll in a new study program at a DLI; if your university isn’t a designated learning institution, you won’t be able to work.
Conditions to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP):
- You need to graduate from a DLI in order to apply for the PGWP. Graduating from a DLI makes you eligible but doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive the PGWP.
- You need to apply for the PGWP within 180 days (approximately 6 months) after graduating from university or receiving your final grades or marks.
- The study program you finish must last for at least 8 months.
- You can’t apply for a second PGWP if you’ve already received one after completing a previous study program.
- You need to pay the application fee of 255 CAD.
It takes around 53 days for the PGWP to be issued. Depending on the duration of your academic program, the PGWP can be valid for anywhere between 9 months and 3 years.
To learn more about studying and working in Canada, you can check the official immigration website.
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