Do you know a study permit in Canada allows you to do part-time jobs, which can help you earn an average base salary of CAD 48,332 annually? Canada, known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, offers a plethora of part-time job opportunities to support your financial needs as an international student. These part-time jobs also help you gain practical experience and immerse yourself in Canadian work culture even without a work permit.
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The country offers you on-campus and off-campus part-time employment. However, you will have to meet the government criteria to work without a separate work permit in Canada. Hence, it’s important for Indian students to know the government regulations and eligibility requirements that they must fulfill while aspiring to work alongside their studies in Canada.
Government Regulations for Part-Time Jobs in Canada
The key Government regulation that applies to on and off-campus part-time jobs in Canada for international students includes a nine-digit Social Insurance Number, commonly known as SIN. It is provided to you by the Canada Government, granting you the government services and benefits allowing you to work in Canada. To apply for SIN in Canada, you must request Canada Service officials for an amendment to your study permit. You must have any one of the following conditions mentioned on your study permit:
Might accept an employment offer on or off-campus if the student is eligible, per paragraph R186 (f), (v), or (w), and the work can be ceased if the student is no longer eligible.
This permit does not grant the holder to participate in off-campus employment within Canada. It only allows for on-campus employment if the eligibility criteria outlined in R186(f) are met. If the criteria are no longer satisfied, the individual must discontinue working.
Might work 20 hours off-campus or full-time at the time of breaks if a student meets the criteria mentioned in paragraph 186 (v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
On-Campus Part-time Jobs in Canada
On-campus, as the name suggests, involves working on the college or university campus. There might be a possibility for your institution to have more than one campus. In such cases, you can work only on the campus where you study. However, you can work at other campuses if you are working as a teaching staff or research assistant.
Working part-time on campus allows you to work for the school, student organization, faculty member, private business, or a private contractor providing on-campus services to the institution.
On-Campus Work hours
International students find on-campus part-time jobs more convenient, as it saves their traveling costs and time. Also, there is no limit to the number of hours you want to work on campus, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
On-Campus Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following eligibility criteria to work on-campus at your school without a work permit:
Must have a valid study permit.
Must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Must be a full-time post-secondary student at any of the following:
Public post-secondary school in Quebec.
Private post-secondary schools operating under the same rules as public schools in Quebec.
Whether private or public, a secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec providing programs of 900 hours or more that lead to a gain of an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS) or a diploma of vocational studies (DVS).
A Canadian private school has the legal authority to grant degrees as per provincial law. Still, it only applies to students enrolled in a degree program authorized by the province. It's important to note that not all programs the private institution offers may fall under this authorization.
Following are a few of the best on-campus part-time job profiles and their respective wages in Canada:
On-Campus Job Profile
Average Wage Per Hour*
Teaching Assistant
CAD 18.69
Education Assistant
CAD 22.15
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
CAD 19.10
Administrative Assistant
CAD 19.12
Office Administrator
CAD 19.43
Cashier
CAD 14.33
Housekeeper
CAD 15.99
Laundry Attendant
CAD 15.68
*Source: Payscale
Off-Campus Part-time Jobs in Canada
Part-time off-campus jobs allow you to work for employers outside your school, which includes working in restaurants, cafes, stores, someone’s house, or any organization. You are only allowed to work off-campus without a work permit if your study permit clearly mentions your eligibility for it. Hence, you do not require a separate work permit.
Off-Campus Work Hours
During regular semesters and terms you are allowed to work for 20 hours a week. At the same time, you can work full-time during the summer and winter holidays or a spring or fall reading week. You can also work overtime or even take 2 part-time jobs at a time that adds more than the usual number of hours and you would also be able to earn for your cost of living in Canada.
You’ll have to apply for a new study permit in Canada. While applying online, the checklist will include extending your stay, applying to change conditions, or staying in Canada. On the application form, you need to tick the box that states “apply for a study permit for the first time or extend my study permit” and fill out all the details.
You will also have to write a letter stating, ‘why do you need to remove the conditions from the permit?’
How to Find a Part-Time Job in Canada for International Students
Following are several resources that can help you find a part-time job in Canada:
Social Media Platforms: Many online social media platforms are available that advertise part-time job opportunities in Canada. Some popular platforms include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Telegram, showcasing the organization's and employer's requirements for hiring a part-time employee.
Job Portals: Numerous online job portal apps and websites specialize in promoting part-time job opportunities in Canada. Some popular platforms include Indeed.ca, Monster.ca, Glassdoor, and Workopolis. You can create profiles on these platforms, upload your resume, and search for part-time job listings in Canada.
Networking: Networking is an effective strategy for discovering job prospects. Informing your friends, family, and acquaintances about your job search can be beneficial. Additionally, you can establish connections and expand your professional network by actively participating in networking events and industry conferences for job opportunities.
Job Fairs and Career Events: Job fairs and career events are excellent opportunities to connect with potential employers directly. You can research and attend local job fairs or career expos that cater to part-time employment. Always attend these events by dressing professionally, bringing copies of your resume, and being prepared to engage with employers.
1) Make sure to be specific while writing about your qualities, experience, skills, and knowledge in the job application form. You can also add a reference to your resume.
2) At the time of the interview, make a good impression, pay attention to what they are saying, and show some interest in collaborating in the future.
3) Choose your job wisely, as it can severely impact your job in the future. Try to look for a job that is related to what you are studying.
4) After completing graduation, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit where you can work for three years. While applying, make sure to have a valid study permit and apply within three months of the release of your final grades.
Best Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Indian Students
Certain part-time jobs with minimum wages in Canada for international students offer the best wages, and you only need to work on weekends or some evenings. The best thing is that you might find a job related to your field better for your future.
The following are the high-paid jobs for students studying in Canada:
1) Tutor (CAD 15 to CAD 34/hour)
Do you enjoy teaching others? If the answer is yes, tutoring is perfect for you. You can give tuition to students in elementary school, college-level, or anywhere in between.
2) Assistant Teacher (CAD 14 to CAD 26/hour)
Various professors and schools hire assistants to help them with different tasks throughout the term. Tasks include helping students, updating paperwork, creating lessons, and student upgrades. It is required for the applicant to have completed a year of college, should have experience in the course, and have great skills.
3) Freelancer (CAD 15 to CAD 95/hour)
A freelancer can be anyone like a web designer, writer, graphic designer, etc. Freelancing can be done in every industry. If the industry is creative, you will be offered great compensation.
4) Salesperson (CAD 13 to CAD 22/hour)
If you are good at convincing people, this is the job for you that offers the best per-hour wages in Canada for international students. Income entirely depends on where you work. Sell more and make more.
5) Babysitter (CAD 10 to CAD 17/hour)
Babysitter/nanny is another job suitable for international part-time workers in Canada.
6) Housekeeper (CAD 14 to CAD 22/hour)
A house manager is responsible for handling the daily operations of a house as per the homeowner’s needs.
Minimum Wages for International Students in Canada
It is important to know what the minimum wage is for your province of residence so that you do not accept jobs that are not rewarding the same. Minimum wages in Canada are defined differently by each province. Here are the recent provincial minimum wages in Canada-
Province
Minimum Wage per Hour*
Alberta
CAD15.00 General Workers
CAD13.00 Student Under 18 (less than 28 hrs/wk when school is in session)
British Columbia
CAD 16.75
Saskatchewan
CAD 13.00
Manitoba
CAD 14.15
Ontario
CAD 15.50 General Workers
CAD 14.60 $14.10 Student Under 18 (less than 28 hrs/wk)
Québec
CAD 15.25
New Brunswick
CAD 14.75
Nova Scotia
CAD 14.50
Prince Edward Island
CAD 14.50 (will increase to CAD 15.00 from October 1, 2023)
Newfoundland & Labrador
CAD 14.50
Yukon
CAD 16.77
Northwest Territories
CAD 15.20
Nunavut
CAD 16.00
Federal Rate
CAD 15.55
*Source: Retail Council of Canada
Income Taxes in Canada for International Students
Most international students submit an income tax form to the government to receive tax credits. International students may have to pay Canadian income tax on income earned from teaching and/or research assistantships, other employment, and investment and business income.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are part-time jobs available while studying in Canada?
You might be eligible to work in Canada while studying if your study permit states conditions that allow you to work on or off-campus. It is essential to meet the requirements that we have mentioned in this article. You can only work after starting with your studies. You cannot work before that.
Is it easy to get a part-time job in Canada?
With motivation and focus, one can easily find the right job in Canada. Everything starts with their best resume. Poorly written resumes will lead to a negative impact. You need to be enthusiastic. If you have already given the interview and it’s been a week, make sure to follow up. Multiple online portals will help you get it in an easy way.
Do freshers get jobs in Canada?
Well, getting a job for international students in Canada is not very hard if you fulfill the criteria to be able to work. So, if you want to be employed, make sure to be clear about the services, industry, and duration. Yes, Canada’s job industry welcomes you as a fresher.
How much can a student earn part-time in Canada?
International students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week at the time of their studies and 40 hours a week during vacation. They can easily earn CAD 8-CAD 10 per hour, which entirely depends upon your job role. Students can even work full-time and earn about CAD 10-CAD 15 per hour which amounts to CAD 500-CAD 1000 per month.
Can I cover my study expenses and living expenses through part-time jobs in Canada?
No, you cannot afford your daily expenses and tuition fee with only a part-time job. You only get some limited hours to work as a student and get a permit to study here. As an international student, you have to pay approximately three times more than what a domestic student pays. You will not be able to make that kind of money working for only 20 hours a week. It is better to make some financial arrangements in advance along with working part-time.
How to find and apply for part-time jobs in Canada?
Part-time jobs in Canada can be found via advertisements, job boards and portals and through references. Ensure that your resume is ready before applying.
How much do part-time jobs pay in Canada?
Salary for part-time jobs can vary according to the work as well as the province. However, all employers ensure that they pay the minimum wage prescribed by the Canadian government. For general workers, the minimum wage is CAD15/hour, while for students under 18 who are working during holidays, the minimum wage is CAD13/hour. College students are paid by hours for part-time work, which is around CAD 10/hour.
What kind of part-time jobs are available in Canada?
One can find work as helpers/housekeeping staff in restaurants and hotels, tutoring jobs, freelance writer/editor, caregiver to the elderly, and babysitter, among other roles.
How much can a student earn in Canada per hour?
Depending on the type of on-campus or off-campus part-time jobs you have chosen, you can earn from CAD 10 TO CAD 95 per hour in Canada.
What is the minimum part-time job salary in Canada for international students?
The minimum part-time salary in Canada for international students varies for different job profiles, employers, and provinces. However, it typically ranges from CAD 13 to CAD 15 per hour for most job profiles.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
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