Working During studying in Canada: One of the biggest benefits of picking Canada as your study destination is that you can work During you are there. However, there are a few things you need to know before you can start working.
Without a work visa, the majority of overseas students in Canada are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during designated breaks. You may meet new people, support yourself, and develop the kind of relationships and experiences that will help you stand out when you go job hunting later on by working During you study.
Continue reading to learn more about working in Canada as an international student before you start hunting for your ideal student job.
Working During studying in Canada: Eligibility
When enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, international students holding a study permit are able to work off campus without requiring a work permit. This implies that you can work anywhere in Canada for any employer in any profession. If they so choose, international students are also able to work on campus.
Working for any firm off-campus entails doing so During attending a university or college. Working on campus refers to working for any employer located on the campus of the university or college. This includes working for the institution itself, for a student organization, for a faculty member (as a research assistant, for example), for yourself (as a self-employed worker on campus), or for any other employer located on the campus. for example, a restaurant or gym.
It is crucial to remember that when you apply for a study permit in Canada, you will still need to provide proof of your ability to pay for your studies. This is true even if you intend to work During you are there. This means that you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to sustain yourself During you study. The requirement to demonstrate financial capacity prior to arrival cannot be satisfied by anticipated future earnings; therefore, the fact that you may intend to Working During studying in Canada will not be sufficient.
The terms of employment and whether you are allowed to work in Canada will be outlined in your study permit. With the use of this statement, you can apply to Service Canada for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is necessary in order for you to start Working During studying in Canada.
You can get your study permit changed for free if it is missing the statement required to apply for a SIN. It is considerably simpler to do this as soon as you land and receive your study permit; however, you can still accomplish this after you arrive. If you have any questions regarding anything related to your study permit, you can ask the immigration officer when you get there about your ability to work.
If your study program lasts less than six months or if you are enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program, you are not permitted to work in Canada unless you have been granted permission to do so. Furthermore, it is not allowed for visiting or exchange students at a DLI to Working During studying in Canada.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that you must begin your study program before you can begin Working During studying in Canada.
Finding a job During studying in Canada
Finding a job after receiving your work permit in Canada may seem like the simple part. In Canada, there is a wide range of part-time jobs available, and employers are frequently eager to hire students.
Prepare your cover letter and resume (CV) before you begin applying for jobs or seeking one. Your best opportunity of grab the attention of a potential employer and make a strong impression as the best applicant for the position is through your resume and cover letter. Ensure that your resume is current and formatted in accordance with Canadian hiring standards.
You have the opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and personality in your cover letter. For every job, develop a customized cover letter that emphasizes your suitability for the exact requirements they have. When applying online, the cover letter can serve as your email introduction, to which you can attach a PDF copy of your résumé.
There are numerous locations where you might begin your employment search. There are hundreds of job advertising for part-time work on websites like Indeed, Monster, and Craigslist. There might be a career portal specifically for employment in administration, libraries, and leisure centers in your town or city.
Another option is to take a stroll in your neighborhood and check if any businesses or eateries are posting job openings in their windows. If you choose to use this approach, make sure you have paper copies of your resume with you, dress professionally (a collared shirt, for example, and steer clear of blue jeans), and be aware of your availability.
Feel free to ask to talk with someone about the opportunity if something seems promising. This might potentially lead to an in-person job interview, so it’s a fantastic chance to create a solid first impression. This is a tried-and-true method of networking your way to success, and we have a thorough tutorial on networking tactics to assist you along the path.
In Canada, there’s a strong tradition of Working During studying in Canada, so it’s OK to disclose your status as a student. Keep in mind that your studies come first, and don’t be afraid to request the time off you require before an important deadline or during exam season. The same labor rights apply to students who work while they study as they do to all other workers in Canada, and you should be aware of both your rights and the minimum wage in your jurisdiction. In order to file your tax return, make sure you receive paystubs and the appropriate record of employment.
Tallying the money
In Canada, a lot of companies pay their workers directly into your bank account through direct debit. As a result, in order for your employer to pay you, it is crucial that you have a bank account established and that you keep track of your account information. Our guide to Canadian banking contains additional information about your possibilities.
Permit for cooperative work
There is a significant exception to the usual rule that foreign students studying in Canada do not require a separate work permit in order to work. To graduate from some study programs, a student must finish a co-op or internship work placement. In this case, in addition to their study permit, overseas students also need a co-op work permit.
A letter from your institution or university stating all students in your program must complete work placements in order to receive their degree is required in order to obtain a Co-op work permit.
Your study permission may be issued along with the Co-op work permit. Your work permit application may be completed concurrently with your study permit application if your admission letter specifies that a co-op or internship placement is necessary as part of your academic program.
Once you receive your study permit, you can apply online or on paper for a Co-op work permit. Since placement is a requirement of your study program and they most likely assist a large number of international students in obtaining this permit each year, your institution or college ought to be able to assist you with this.
After study
After completing your studies, you might have to quit your job in Canada right away. You can, however, carry on working in a number of ways and in various settings.
You might be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which would let you work for any employer for up to three years after graduation, anywhere in Canada.
if you intend to remain and work there. After getting formal proof that your study program is complete, you have 180 days to apply if you are eligible and wish to remain in Canada and continue working.
You can carry on working between study programs if you are beginning a new one (for instance, pursuing a Master’s after finishing a Bachelor’s).
- received written confirmation that your program was completed;
- received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a DLI;
- were permitted to work off campus during your previous study program;
- still have a valid study permit, or applied for an extension before your permit expired;
- and will begin your new study program within 150 days of receiving confirmation that your previous program was completed.
You might be qualified for one or more International Experience Canada (IEC) categories if you decide to return to work temporarily after not applying for the PGWP. IEC gives young people from different nations the chance to work in Canada for a year or two, depending on the category and citizenship country.
Beyond the money you make, working while studying in Canada can be beneficial. Gaining extra work experience after graduating from a Canadian university or college may help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. Canadian job experience can be a great advantage to your future aspirations, regardless of whether you plan to remain in Canada or find employment abroad following graduation.
Is it possible to apply for immigration to Canada using work experience you obtained while a student?
The immigration program for which you are applying will determine this. For example, the Federal Skilled Worker program accepts job experience as a student, but the Canadian Experience Class program does not.