• Study in Canada
Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students
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- The increase in work hour limit for international students in Canada from 20 hours to 24 hours per week will come to effect in September 2024.
- Part-time jobs will help international students, especially from India gain work experience, build a professional network and improve their language proficiency in English or French.
- Students can work on-campus with no limit of working hours. They can also work off-campus for 24 hours per week.
- They can choose from on-campus part-time jobs such as Teacher’s Assistant or Research Assistant. They can also choose from off-campus jobs such as Server or Tutoring
Canada has been a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students, particularly in the past decade of 2013 – 2023. This is likely to be further amplified by a recent policy change. Starting this September 2024, international students will be able to work 24 hours per week. This translates to the flexibility of taking three 8-hour shifts each week. An additional advantage is the liberty to work on campus without any limitations on working hours.
Studying in Canada can be expensive for international students as they have to spend approximately 13,000 to 20,000 CAD annually to pursue their desired program in the country. Further, this rising cost of living in Canada encourages students to explore alternative sources of income like part-time jobs. In Canada, international students are allowed to work on-campus, and off-campus, which helps them reduce their financial burden.
Let's discuss the benefits of doing part-time jobs in Canada as an international student.
Benefits of Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students
Part-time jobs in Canada offer many benefits like valuable experience allowing international students to not only supplement their income but also cover living expenses. Students can further improve their skills and explore a professional field while studying. Here are some of these advantages:
Potential to Earn Extra Money | Being an international student in Canada often means dealing with the rising cost of living. Students can manage these expenses by working part-time alongside their studies. This additional income can provide much-needed support for tuition, living costs, and other needs. |
Canadian Work Experience | Part-time jobs in Canada offer more than a paycheck. They are a stepping stone to a successful career in Canada. Working with Canadian colleagues will help students gain valuable exposure to the local work environment. |
Opportunity to Network | Working on a part-time job in Canada is not just about the immediate financial gain. It is about building a strong professional network for the future. Through these jobs, students can seek mentorship from their colleagues and supervisors to gain invaluable knowledge of the industry. Moreover, Consistent performance at work will build a positive reputation, setting them apart from other applicants when seeking full-time opportunities. |
Development of Relevant Skills | Students can develop valuable skills by working on a range of part-time jobs in Canada. Regardless of the specific role, they can enhance their communication skills, become a better team player, a problem solver, and manage time effectively. These skills are essential to not only excel at studies but also thrive as an international student in the country. |
Improvement in Language Proficiency | Canada’s bilingual environment offers a unique advantage for students who choose to work part-time. Daily interactions with native speakers in English or French will help Indians improve their language proficiency. Working with diverse colleagues exposes them to different accents, slang, and communication styles. This will enhance their listening comprehension and the ability to adapt to different situations. |
How to Find Part-time Jobs in Canada?
While academic skills are valuable for some part-time jobs in Canada, such as tutoring or research assistant positions, international students have a unique advantage of successfully working in diverse fields. Let us outline the steps involved in securing a part-time job in Canada.
Early Job Search
Students must start looking for part-time jobs as soon as they settle in Canada. They must utilize enough time to explore different job portals, reach out to the International Student advisor or career desk of their institute to gather information about on-campus or off-campus part-time job opportunities and ultimately submit applications. Their resume and cover letter should highlight their skills, experience and academic qualifications. Additionally, they must ensure that all their documents are up-to-date and match the requirements of the job they are applying for.
Multiple Resources
It is important to browse different online platforms to find a part-time job that suits their area of interest and preferred location. Students can use job portals like Indeed, Job Bank, Glassdoor, Simplyhired, etc. They can also search part-time specific jobs on platforms such as Student Life Network Jobs, CanadaJobs, and Youth Employment Services, among others.
Placement Department of Colleges & Universities
Students should get in touch with the career center, or student employment office at their institution to facilitate their search of a part-time job in Canada. They should attend career fairs and workshops to connect with potential employers. These departments can help international students, especially from India obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) which is a crucial document to become an authorized worker in Canada. Social Media Platforms
Social media is a powerful tool to connect with potential employers, past employees, and to market services for a part-time job in Canada. Students can use platforms such as LinkedIn to find job listings in their preferred field. They can also connect with potential employers to understand the specific requirements of a job and identify if they are qualified for it.
By taking advantage of the resources discussed above, international students can successfully find part-time jobs in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs in Canada
If a student wants to work part-time on-campus or off-campus, they must adhere to a few eligibility requirements. Let’s discuss them in detail:
On-campus Part-time Jobs in Canada
Students can only start working in Canada when they commence their study program. Their study permit must list a condition saying they are allowed to work on campus. The infographic below enlists the eligibility criteria for students planning to work part-time on-campus in Canada.
Students can return to work only once they are back to studying and meet all requirements to work on-campus.