Studying abroad, especially in a country like Canada, can be costly. Being a student in a foreign country can be scary at times. Keeping up with the necessities may require spending more money than usual. You may be hesitant to request additional funds from your parents or sponsor. You might want to become more self-sufficient and support your family on your own. With high tuition fees, living costs, and other leisure activities, one way to alleviate the burden is to work part-time, either on or off campus. Another advantage of working part-time is that it can help you get a better job when you apply for PR. The Canadian visa allows students to work for up to two years.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Canada
- Types of Part-Time Jobs Available for International Students
- On-Campus Part-Time
- Off-Campus Part-Time
- Eligibility Criteria for Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students
- Part-Time Job Salary in Canada for International Students
- Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Canada 2022
- Rules and Regulations for a Student to Work in Canada
- How Much Do Part-Time Jobs in Canada Pay?
- Minimum Wages by Province in Canada
- How to Find Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students?
- Top Cities in Canada to Study and Work
Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Canada
Students who work part-time are usually paid in hours. Your hourly wage could be around $10. A student visa also allows you to conduct academic work on campus. You could help your professor with his or her research. You don't need a work permit and can work longer hours. This type of work typically pays less but allows you to gain work experience. After six months of study, students can also choose to work off-campus.
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Types of Part-Time Jobs Available for International Students
Part-time job pay can vary depending on the work. The average salary for a part-time job is CAD 22 per hour, but students are paid by the hour for part-time work, which is around CAD 10/hour. Part-time wages can also vary by city.
- Clerk
- Cook
- Sales associate
- Merchandiser
- Web designer
- Teacher
- Restaurant Cashier
- Babysitter
- Nanny
- Front desk agent
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On-Campus Part-Time
- In most cases, if your preferred school has more than one campus, you may only work at your study campus. If you want to work somewhere else, you can.
- Part-time job postings and advertisements on campus are usually easy to find on notice boards or on the Canadian university's official website. For an effective job search, join a student club or committee, volunteer, and attend information sessions, webinars, and other campus activities.
- Working while studying in Canada is a popular option for international students as your study programme should be nearing completion if you want to pursue on-campus work with top Canadian universities. Furthermore, your study permit should permit you to work on or off campus.
Off-Campus Part-Time
Many international students wonder if it is possible to find part-time work in Canada outside of school. It is doable if you have access to the industry you want to work in. Try to broaden your company's network and make connections with leaders or individuals who can help you. When studying in Canada, working off-campus is restricted. International students are permitted to work off-campus if they meet the following criteria:
- Before you start working, you and your employer must confirm whether you can work off-campus without a work permit. If you start working off-campus before meeting the requirements, you may be forced to leave Canada.
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Eligibility Criteria for Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students
On-Campus Eligibility Requirements
To work on campus without a work permit, international students must be full-time post-secondary students at a:
- CEGEP is a public post-secondary school, similar to a university or college.
- Private college-level school in Quebec that follows the same rules as public schools and receives at least 50% of its funding from the government, or
- Canadian private schools are authorised by provincial law to confer degrees
- You must have a valid Canadian study permit and
- Also, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
International students are not permitted to work on campus:
- When you finish your full-time studies,
- When your student visa expires
- If you are on authorised leave from your studies
- If you are transferring schools and are not currently enrolled.
Off-Campus Eligibility Requirements
If you meet the following requirements, you can work off-campus without a work permit:
- A full-time student at a recognised educational institution
- Enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme, or in a secondary-level vocational training programme (Quebec only)
- The study program lasts at least 6 months and results in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a Social Security Number (SIN)
Working off-campus is only possible for international students studying part-time in Canada if they:
- you're in the final semester of your studies and don't need a full course load to finish your course
- You were a full-time student in your course in Canada until the end of the semester.
International students who are on a medical leave of absence or who are changing schools and are not studying are not permitted to work off-campus. Off-campus part-time jobs in Canada are only possible for students.
Part-Time Job Salary in Canada for International Students
Students in Canada who work part-time jobs on campus are permitted to work up to 35 hours per week. Part-time students are only allowed to work 10 hours per week. Those working off-campus part-time jobs in Canada, on the other hand, are allowed to work 20 hours per week as international students. Work hours are not limited during the summer or scheduled break. Students may also work two part-time jobs.
Part-time job salaries can vary depending on the work and role. Part-time jobs in Canada typically pay between 14 and 25 CAD per hour. This range, however, can vary depending on the city in which one works.
JOB ROLE |
OFF-CAMPUS/ ON-CAMPUS |
SALARY in CAD |
Office Assistant |
on-campus |
15/hr |
Front desk agent |
Off-campus |
15/hr |
Merchandiser |
Off-campus |
16/hr |
Lab technician |
On-campus |
18-25/hr |
Delivery Driver |
Off-campus |
17/hr |
Teaching Assistant |
On-campus |
33/hr |
Funds and Grants administrator |
On-campus |
15/hr |
Restaurant Cashier |
Off-campus |
14/hr |
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Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Canada 2022
Throughout the term, various professors and schools hire assistants to assist them with various tasks. Helping students, updating paperwork, creating lessons, and upgrading students are all tasks. The applicant must have completed a year of college, have experience in the course, and have excellent skills.
Here are some of the high-paying jobs for international students in Canada:
1. Freelancer (24/hr CAD)
A freelancer can be anyone, such as a web designer, writer, or graphic designer. Freelancing can be done in any industry. If the industry is creative, you will be paid well.
2. Tutor (10-20/hr CAD)
Do you have any specific interests regarding a subject? Do you like to instruct others? If you said yes, tutoring is ideal for you. Tuition can be provided to students in elementary school, high school, or anywhere in between.
3. Salesperson (15-50/hr CAD)
If you are good at persuading others, this is the job for you. It pays the highest hourly rate in Canada for international students. Your income is entirely dependent on where you work. Sell more and profit more.
4. Translator (21-22/hr CAD)
If you are fluent in multiple languages, you can volunteer as a translator. You must be able to speak, write, and read a specific language fluently in order to be the one. You can either join the organisation or work on your own.
5. Teacher's assistant (15-25/hr CAD)
Various professors and schools hire assistants to assist them with various tasks throughout the term. Helping students, updating paperwork, creating lessons, and upgrading students are all part of the job. The applicant must have completed a year of college, have experience in the course, and have exceptional skills.
Rules and Regulations for a Student to Work in Canada
On-campus
In Canada, you can only work on campus if your study permit allows it. You can, however, work without a work permit if you meet the following criteria:
- If you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Have enrolled in a programme that lasts at least 6 months and results in a diploma, certificate, or degree.
- Have enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme at the secondary level.
Please keep in mind that you will not be permitted to work on campus if you:
- You are not a full-time student.
- Your study permit has run out of time.
- You have been granted permission to take a study break.
- You are changing schools and are not currently enrolled.
Off-campus
In Canada, you can only work off-campus only if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a student at a recognised educational institution (DLI).
- You are a secondary-level vocational training student or a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training student.
- You are enrolled in a 6-month programme that leads to a diploma, certificate, or degree.
- You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- You are studying part-time because you are in your final semester and do not require a full course load, or you were a full-time student until the final semester.
How Much Do Part-Time Jobs in Canada Pay?
Part-time Student jobs pay an average of CA$42,565 per year or CA$22 per hour. Part-time jobs for students are typically paid by the hour at around CA$10 per hour. The pay varies from place to place.
JOB PROFILE |
SALARY PER HOUR (IN CAD) |
Nanny |
14 |
Sales assistant |
12 |
Cook |
13 |
Office Assistant |
14-15 |
Dog walker |
14 |
Librarian |
25 |
Clerk |
15-16 |
Babysitter |
14 |
Minimum Wages by Province in Canada
In Canada, the minimum wage varies by province and territory. Each jurisdiction has its own labour laws that govern minimum wage, employee rights and working conditions, the minimum age to work, overtime rules, trade unions, and other factors.
ONTARIO
In Ontario, the minimum wage is currently $14.35 per hour. The minimum wage is expected to rise to $15.50 on October 1, 2022, based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
ALBERTA
Alberta has one of the highest minimum wages in Canada, at $15.00 per hour.
MANITOBA
Manitoba has one of the lowest minimum wages in Canada, at $11.95 per hour. The province's Consumer Price Index is used to determine minimum wage increases.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
In British Columbia, the current minimum wage is $15.20 per hour. On June 1, 2022, it is expected to rise to $15.65 per hour.
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan's current minimum wage is $11.81 per hour, and it is indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
PROVINCE |
AVG MIN WAGE/HOUR |
Ontario |
$14.25 CAD |
Alberta |
$15.00 CAD |
British Columbia |
$14.70 CAD |
Nova scotia |
$12.55 CAD |
New Brunswick |
$11.70 CAD |
Yukon |
$13.72 CAD |
Manitoba |
$12.00 CAD |
Saskatchewan |
$11.50 CAD |
How to Find Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students?
Exploring the options available on the university website is one of the simplest ways to find part-time jobs in Canada. On-campus job postings may be available in university halls or other specially designated areas. These are a few websites where you can find part-time jobs in Canada:
- Charity Village: Find jobs or volunteering opportunities
- Talent Egg: Jobs for college students or recent graduates
- Good Work: Find 'green' jobs focused on sustainability and positive environmental changes
Top Cities in Canada to Study and Work
Quebec
Quebec, a French-speaking province, is famous for its European grandeur and architecture. Quebec hosts numerous festivals, the largest of which is Winter Carnival. Even the city organises a variety of winter sports. It is not only the most affordable city in Canada for international students, but it is also well-known for its educational facilities.
Toronto
If you are enrolled in a course at any Toronto university, you are not alone. Surprisingly, 17 per cent of international students enrolled in its universities are from other countries. Toronto is well-known for its food festivals, art, and historical monuments. It is one of the best cities in Canada for Indian students to study and a significant place to live. It is, without a doubt, the world's 34th most student-friendly city.
Ottawa
Ottawa is a well-known student-friendly city. As a result, it has a diverse and active student body. It is well-known for skating and skiing, both of which are classified as winter sports. It takes centre stage in terms of job opportunities. It is a low-cost city with excellent job opportunities.
Vancouver
Vancouver is not only an expensive city, but it is also one of the most student-friendly cities in the world. It is ranked 17th. The pleasant environment and picturesque beauty are two factors that contribute to Vancouver's popularity.
Montreal
If you want an excellent education and premier universities, Montreal is the place to be, with around 350,000 students visiting the city each year. Cultural extravaganzas and festivals are what make it popular. Locals speak French, English, and other languages.
CITY |
QS RANKING |
Ottawa |
=53 |
Montreal |
=9 |
Toronto |
13 |
Vancouver |
18 |
Quebec |
=113 |
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Kickstart your academic journey now! Studying abroad could be a long and tedious process however at AECC with expert counsellors your dreams can be achieved with ease. The Counsellors will guide you through every step and help you attain your dreams at ease. They will assist with visas, courses, universities, and more.