Study and Work in Canada: 15+ Jobs in Canada for International Students: Working a part-time job while you are in the college/university is a great way to not only improve your CV but also connect with new people and (most importantly) bag in some extra cool cash! …And it looks like you agree with us because you are here now, reading this.

So why don’t you allow us take you on a great journey of your life, while we explore several, student-friendly jobs you can do as you study in Canada as an international student.

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Study and Work in Canada: 15+ Jobs in Canada for International Students.

Working while studying in Canada is one of the major advantages of choosing Canada as your study destination, but there are a few things you should know before you can begin earning.

Most international students in Canada can work for up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during scheduled breaks, without a work permit. Working while studying can help you support yourself and meet new people, all while building the connections and experience that could make you stand out in your job hunt later on.

Before you start looking for your dream student job, read on to find out more about working in Canada as an international student.

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Working while studying in Canada: Eligibility

International students in Canada with a study permit who are enrolled full-time in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), can work off campus without a work permit. This means you can work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada. International students can also work on campus if they wish.

Working off campus means working for any employer outside of the university or college. Working on campus means working for any employer on the university or college’s campus, such as working for the university or college itself, for a faculty member (as a research assistant, for example), for yourself (self-employed, working on campus), for a student organization, or for a private contractor providing services on campus, for example a gym or restaurant.

It is important to note that even if you plan to work while studying in Canada, you will still need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources when you apply for a study permit. This means you have to show you have enough money to support yourself during your studies without working. Anticipated future earnings will not suffice when demonstrating sufficient financial resources, so the fact that you may plan to be working while studying in Canada will not satisfy the condition to prove financial capacity before arrival.

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Study and Work in Canada : Continued

Your study permit will state whether you are permitted to work in Canada, and the conditions of employment. This statement enables you to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada; obtaining a SIN is a key requirement before you can begin working while studying in Canada.

If your study permit is missing the statement you need in order to apply for a SIN, you can get your study permit amended for free. While this can be done after you arrive, it’s much easier to do this when you land and your study permit is first issued. When you arrive at Immigration, you can ask the officer about your permission to work if you are unsure about anything on your study permit.

You cannot work in Canada unless otherwise authorized to do so if your study program is less than six months in duration, or if you are enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program. Additionally, visiting or exchange students at a DLI are not permitted to work while studying in Canada.

It’s important to remember that you cannot start working while studying in Canada until you start your study program.

What it feels like to Study and Work in Canada for International Students.

I think we can truly say that most international students dream to study in the best work-study university in the world, so why not Canada?

If Canada were a person and not a country, she will be a beautiful woman, who will certainly be the life of the party.

Canada is currently best suited for all professionals from all walks of life because they have the best labor laws in the world.

With a well-developed economy and thousands of on-and-off-campus job opportunities, Canada has over the years positioned itself to become a magnet for professionals. So here are we list a number of study and work opportunities in Canada that we know will juice up your interest.

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Study and Work in Canada for International Students : ON-CAMPUS JOBS

Who wants a boring nine-to-five office job… Plus school workload? I know I don’t.

Here are some on-campus jobs that can also afford you the needed time to focus on your study, work without a work permit, or fulfill a federal work-study requirement, while also cashing in regular paycheques.

1. MAILROOM ATTENDANT JOBS

Average Salary: $27,078 / Yr

Almost all college dormitories have some sort of mailroom where students can receive letters and packages. Working in the mailroom is a good way to meet people in your dormitory. If you work in another residence, it’s an excellent way to connect with peers who you might not meet otherwise.

Since there tends to be a bit of downtime while working in the mailroom, you might also be able to get some reading done or some assignments completed while you’re making money. Continue to apply for mailroom work in Canada

What a great win-win situation, right?

2. LIBRARY ATTENDANT JOBS

Average Salary: $43,524/ Yr

It time to put your ushering skills in the church to another use and make money while you are at it.

This will require that you stand throughout an eight-hour shift in a hush of silence, working as a library attendant might be an ideal job for you, especially if you tend to spend lots of your time in the library. (but if you were the kind of student my friend Cynthia was, then it’s probably not a great fit).

Library attendants generally have the responsibility of maintaining an environment conducive to work: making sure students aren’t talking loudly, or being disruptive with food or drinks. Also, most library attendants are able to get their own school work done while getting paid to oversee the library.

Isn’t that just so cool?

3. TEACHING ASSISTANT JOBS

Average Salary: $26.42 per Hour

If you are qualified and fluent in English and French, you can actually bag the best jobs as a teacher assistant.

Most colleges and universities hire undergraduates or graduate students to work as teaching assistants, in fields as wide-ranging as Journalism, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology. If you’ve performed especially well in one class or have a relationship with a professor, inquire about the possibility to apply to become a teaching assistant.

4. WEB DEVELOPER JOBS

Average salary: $62,522

This could be both an off and on-campus job. Web developers are experts in code, building everything from computer programs to apps on your phone. With Canada’s global talent stream offering two-8 to a Canada work permit.

If you have a computer, and a web developing skill, then this job will be best suited for you.

It will not only afford you the opportunity to make money but seeing that you can control your working hours, you also can have enough time to study. Find a web developer job in Canada.

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Study and Work in Canada for International Students : OFF-CAMPUS JOBS

5. BARTENDER JOBS

Average Salary: $28,236/ Yr

If you’re up for the hustle-and-bustle of a college café, friendly and love to meet new faces, consider working as a bartender. Not only will you likely get your daily caffeine fix, for free, but what a clever way to save money, especially if you tend to spend $5 a day on a latte—but you’ll also get to know the “café” regulars and meet new people.

In addition, the skills you’ll learn as a bartender, like talking to strangers, making espresso drinks, working as a cashier, and counting change, are easily translatable to other café and restaurant jobs that you might want to pursue post-graduation for extra cash.

So what do you think? Jobbank is popular for finding such opportunities

6. DRIVER JOBS

Average salary: $44,836

A “side hustle” that you can pursue on your own time and use to add to your regular income, for example, an Uber driver might be the perfect fit.

Commercial drivers of all kinds are in-demand in Canada, from long-haul truck drivers to forklift drivers. With the proper licenses, you should find employment easily.

An example is the popular Uber driving job, which can fetch you a reasonable daily, weekly or monthly income.

7. RECEPTIONIST JOBS

Average salary: $31,304

Receptionists are in demand as the first face customers see of any business, making the role of vital importance. Customer services and tech skills are required in this position. All of which are skills to help you post-graduation.

8. MERCHANDISER JOBS

Average salary: $48,610

Merchandisers work for retail stores, stores deciding which new stock to bring in and how it should be presented on the shop floor.

Retail shops are always looking to hire; you could pick one which has a friendly working hour and can afford you the time to focus on your study.

9. HEAVY-DUTY MECHANIC JOBS

Average salary: $70,000

Heavy-duty mechanics work with large machinery in maintenance and repair. Sectors include energy and manufacturing, central to Canada’s economy.

10. GENERAL LABOUR JOBS

Average salary: $29,250

General labour jobs are in demand all over Canada. They clean, move materials and equipment, plus take on physically demanding jobs.

General Requirements to Work in Canada.

Working in Canada isn’t as hard as many think, students in Canada are given the provision to work for the institution itself, or for a private business located on the campus.

The country has also eased out the off-campus work permit program, and international students can work part-time during regular academic sessions for 20 hours a week and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, and spring break.

Canadian law requires you to opt for a work visa or permanent staying permit in the country.

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Quick Tip on How to Get Valid Canadian Work/Study Permit.

To get a valid work/study permit in Canada, you should have the following requirements;

You should be a full-time student at a post-secondary public school (college or university, or CEGEP), or at a private college-level school that operates under the same rules as public schools and is at least 50% funded by government grants, or at a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law.
You should have a social insurance number.
Your study program should be academic, vocational, or professional, it should last at least six months and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
You can only work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks (for example, winter and summer holidays or spring break).
You also should be between the ages of 18 – 35.
Your country of origin must also have an agreement with Canada.
Also, have a valid travel document or passport.
Two photos of yourself and photos of accompanying family members (if any).
Evidence that you meet the requirements for your prospective job
Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec, if required.
Proof of relationships with all spouses, children, or common-law partners.
Completed application for work permit made outside of Canada, if applying from outside of Canada
completed document checklist
Completed family information
Completed schedule 1 – application for a temporary resident visa form. This form must be completed by the principal applicant, his/her spouse or common-law partner, and all dependant children older than 18. This form must only be completed by foreign nationals who require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada.
Completed statutory declaration of common-law union. Note: you must only complete this form if a representative will be conducting business on your behalf. All dependant children older than 18 who are using a representative must also complete this form.

Working while studying in Canada: Finding a job

Being eligible to work in Canada may seem like the easy part – the next step is to find a job. Employers in Canada are often keen to hire students for part-time positions, and there is a rich variety of positions out there.

Learn more about finding a job in Canada.

Before you start looking for jobs or applying, you’ll need to prepare your resume (CV) and cover letter. Your resume and cover letter are your best chance of catching a potential employer’s attention and standing out as the best candidate for the job. Make sure your resume is up to date and formatted for the expectations of Canadian employers. Your cover letter is your chance to reveal your personality and achievements. Write a tailored cover letter for each position, highlighting how you fit the precise criteria they’re looking for. If you’re applying online the cover letter can form your introductory email, to which you attach your resume as a PDF.

There are several places you can start looking for jobs. Websites such as Indeed, Monster and Craigslist have hundreds of postings for part-time employment. Your city or town may have its own portal for jobs, such as at recreation centres, libraries, or in administration.

You could also walk around your neighbourhood and see if shops or restaurants are advertising in the window for employees. If you try this method, take paper copies of your resume with you, and wear smart clothes appropriate to the business (for example a collared shirt, and avoid blue jeans) and know your availabilities. If somewhere looks promising, feel free to ask to speak to someone about the position. This is a great opportunity to make a good first impression face-to-face, and could turn into an on-the-spot job interview. Networking your way to success in this way is a tried and tested formula, and we have a comprehensive guide on networking techniques to help you on the way.

There is a strong culture of working while studying in Canada, and you shouldn’t hide the fact that you’re a student. Remember that your studies come first, and don’t be shy to ask for the time off that you need during exam periods or in preparation for a big deadline. Students who work while studying have the same labour rights as all workers in Canada, and you should know what your labour rights are, as well as the minimum wage in your province. Make sure you receive payslips and the proper record of employment, so you can file your tax return.

After studying

Once you’ve finished your studies, you may need to stop working in Canada immediately. However, there are several ways you may continue working under different conditions.

If you plan to stay and work in Canada, you may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing you to work anywhere in Canada for any employer for up to three years after you graduate. If you’re eligible and if you want to stay in Canada and work, you need to apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that you’ve finished your study program.
If you are starting a new study program (for example, continuing to a Master’s after completing a Bachelor degree), you can continue working between the study programs if you:
- were eligible to work off campus during your previous study program;
- still have a valid study permit, or applied for an extension before your permit expired;
- have received written confirmation that you completed your program;
- have received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a DLI; and
- will start your new study program within 150 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your previous program.
If you don’t apply for the PGWP and then decide you want to come back to work temporarily, you may be eligible for one or more of the International Experience Canada (IEC) categories, which offer young people from various countries the opportunity to work in Canada for a year or two, depending on the category and country of citizenship.

Working while studying in Canada can be rewarding beyond the wage you earn. Graduating from a university or college in Canada with additional work experience could make you stand out from the crowd during your job hunt. Whether you’re aiming to stay in Canada or work elsewhere after graduation, Canadian work experience can be a valuable asset to your future goals.

All the best in your journey to study and work in Canada.

Study and Work in Canada: 15+ Jobs in Canada for International Students