Working and Studying in Canada – For International Students

International students can acquire valuable experience, establish professional relationships, and generate additional income that can be allocated to their educational expenses or used to indulge in a luxurious experience by working in Canada while pursuing their studies.

Nevertheless, there are limitations on the activities and employment opportunities that are available to individuals who are enrolled in an educational program in Canada. Before commencing your employment search, there are several critical factors that you must be cognizant of.

Working while studying in Canada?

You must ensure that you are eligible to work in Canada while you are still enrolled in school before you begin working there. Refusing to comply may result in your being requested to depart the country. Your study permit will specify whether you are exclusively permitted to work on campus or if you are also permitted to work off campus.

International students should be able to secure employment on campus without the need to obtain a work permit if each of these conditions is satisfied. (It is crucial to remember that you will be prohibited from working on campus after the conclusion of your full-time education.)

Check Also: Latest Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program 2024

Benefits for Working and Studying in Canada

• World-Class Institutions: Canada is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.
• Diverse Programs: A diverse selection of courses and degrees in disciplines such as engineering, business, healthcare, and technology are available.
• Prospects for Research: Emphasis is placed on research and innovation, with government-funded initiatives and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Part-Time Employment: Students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during scheduled vacations, which allows them to sustain themselves financially.
• On-Campus and Off-Campus Employment: Numerous universities provide on-campus employment opportunities, while off-campus employment is accessible with a valid study permit.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Allows pupils to acquire Canadian work experience after graduation, with a validity of up to three years, contingent upon the duration of their academic program.
• Growing Economy: The demand for skilled laborers is particularly high in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering, which are experiencing economic growth.
• Experience Valued Worldwide: Canadian work experience is globally recognized, which improves career prospects.
• pathways to Permanent Residency: The transition to permanent residency is facilitated by programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Express Entry System, and pathways for international graduates.

You are a full-time post-secondary student at either

• a public post-secondary institution,
• a private college-level institution in Quebec that receives a minimum of 50% of its funding from the government, or
• a private institution in Canada that is authorized to confer degrees by provincial law.
• You possess a valid study permit.
• A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is assigned to you.

International students are permitted to work off-campus without a work permit if they satisfy all of the following criteria. (Remember that you are not permitted to commence employment in Canada until your academic program commences.)

• You enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and pursue your studies on a full-time basis.
• You are currently enrolled in a secondary vocational training program (exclusively in Quebec) or a post-secondary professional, vocational, or professional training program.
• You are enrolled in a study program that offers a degree, diploma, or certificate and has a minimum duration of six months.
• You have already initiated your academic pursuits.
• A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is assigned to you.

To be considered a part-time student, you must satisfy all of the aforementioned criteria and be studying part-time solely because you are in the final semester of your program and do not require a full course burden to complete it.

Types of work permitted for students

On-campus work

The term “on-campus jobs” refers to employment opportunities that are conducted within the structures of your institution. Working on the campus where you are currently enrolled is typically the only option if your institution has multiple campuses. However, you are permitted to work in other locations if you are a teaching or research assistant or if your work is associated with a research grant.

An on-campus employer maybe your school, a faculty member, a student organization, a private contractor who provides on-site services, or even you if you operate a business on campus. No one can determine the number of hours you are permitted to work on campus. This section provides additional information regarding employment opportunities on campus.

Off-campus work

During ordinary school terms or semesters, it is typically permissible to work up to 20 hours per week if you satisfy all the prerequisites for working off campus. During school holidays, such as winter and summer vacations, you have the option to work additional hours or take on two part-time jobs that result in a higher number of hours than you typically work.

The temporary suspension of the 20-hour-per-week limit is in effect from November 2022 to December 2023. During this period, international students in Canada are permitted to work off-campus for an additional number of hours, up to the utmost permissible by provincial employment standards, which typically range from 40 to 48 hours per week.

To be eligible, you must be a full-time student both before and after a hiatus. This implies that you are not granted credit for the vacations preceding and following your academic term. This section provides additional information regarding employment opportunities that are not located on campus.

Internships and co-op placements

Work experience is a component of the curriculum for certain academic programs. If this is the case for your program, you are eligible to file for a co-op or intern work permit provided that you satisfy the following criteria:

• You possess a valid study permit.
• To complete your academic program in Canada, you must engage in employment.
• Your school has issued a letter mandating that all students in your program complete work placements in order to graduate.
• Your co-op or internship is equivalent to or less than half of your academic program.

Some exceptions have been made by the Canadian government for co-ops and apprenticeships that are conducted in remote areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is where you can obtain additional information regarding these.

How to Balance Work and School in Canada

• Effectively allocate your time. In the initial year of school, it is particularly simple to accumulate an excessive amount of work and academic responsibilities. It may be advantageous to allow yourself some time to adjust to your new schedule before seeking additional employment.
• Seek opportunities to acquire new languages, such as French or English, or to engage in activities that are pertinent to your profession. Jobs can be more than just a source of income. Acquire knowledge beyond the confines of the classroom and establish connections that will prove advantageous in your profession.
• Consult with your supervisor regarding your employment prospects in the future. Companies in Canada frequently offer full-time positions to former apprentices or part-time employees with whom they have previously collaborated. Utilize your internship or part-time employment to establish a presence.
• Asking your supervisor for a LinkedIn recommendation and engaging in work networking will demonstrate to prospective employers that you are an exceptional candidate. Numerous positions are filled by Canadian recruiters. Networking is the most effective method for identifying job opportunities. Industry professionals. If you are not hired, they may have a connection to someone who is.
• Demonstrate initiative. Request additional labor or a particular project from your supervisor. Inquire or be denied! I would like to request your help. The majority of Canadian organizations prioritize collaboration and solicitation of assistance.
• A method of acquiring knowledge and interacting with new individuals is to request assistance from a colleague or manager.

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