Studying abroad, especially in a place like Canada can be a burden on your pocket. With high tuition fees, cost of living, and other leisure activities, one way to ease the burden is by working part-time; either on-campus or off-campus. Another added advantage of working part-time is that great job experience can bolster your application while applying for PR. The Canadian visa allows students to work for approximately 20 hours per week at a paid job. However, students enrolled on an intensive course are advised to work for 12 hours a week. Let us have an in-depth look at part-time jobs in Canada for International students.
This Blog Includes:
- Overview of Part-Time Jobs in Canada
- Part-Time Jobs in Canada – Importance
- Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Canada
- Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
- How Much Do Part-Time Jobs in Canada Pay?
- Permissible Working Hours
- Eligibility Criteria for Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students
- Regulations for Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
- How to Find a Part-Time Job in Canada?
- Top Cities in Canada to Study and Work
- Rights of Part-Time Workers in Canada
- FAQs
Overview of Part-Time Jobs in Canada
If you are planning to study in Canada or are already in the country you might soon realise that you need part-time work. This is not only to compensate for your studies or have a better standard of living but also to grow with a comprehensive experience. Canada is already harbouring around 5,30,000 international students which means competition for jobs after graduation or postgraduation is going to increase. In order to stand out, students build a profile in their own fields or work elsewhere to justify self-sustenance and build connections. Here are some important things that we are going to discuss about part-time work in Canada.
Part time work hours for students | 20 Per week |
Average compensation for part-time work | Average compensation for part-time work |
Visa | Student, Post-study work visa, PR |
Popular Industries | Supermarkets, Restaurants, IT, Banking, Pharmacies etc |
Course duration | Minimum 06 months |
Part-Time Jobs in Canada – Importance
Before learning about the qualifications, let’s look at some of the advantages of working in some of the top part-time jobs in Canada for international students:
- Balance Expenses: Canada is a very expensive country to study in. Part-time employment for international students in Canada will increase their income and provide a means of covering a portion of their living and educational expenses while there.
- Building Connections: If you work part-time while studying you happen to meet new people and build a rapport with them. You portray your skills and your employer or client can help you connect with the right industries or work opportunities later.
- Lifestyle & Responsibility: You will have some financial independence and know how to manage your funds while living alone in a foreign country if you work as a student employment in Canada. Additionally, it will show you how to manage your money and save some. By doing this, you will also cultivate a growth attitude and seek out opportunities to do more.
Also, explore part-time jobs in Toronto for International Students
- Beating Monotony: This will also help you settle better in the new country away from home. Studying day in and out might get a bit monotonous and a little time off with the locals might give a rejuvenating kick to your aspirations.
- Work Experience: For Indian students, working part-time jobs in Canada will be a valuable career experience. It unquestionably improves the worth of your resume and demonstrates your drive and willingness to go above and beyond to realise your goal of studying in Canada.
- Skill Development: Canadian student jobs give you a variety of skills that will be useful in both your professional and personal life. You will gain knowledge about time management, teamwork, communication, initiative, how to balance job and studies, and confidence-building.
Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Canada
Take a look at the top paying part-time jobs for students in Canada, both on and off campus, that are covered below if you’re curious what the greatest part-time employment is in that country:
1. On-campus Jobs
In Canada, looking for jobs on campus is the simplest method to start a part-time career. You will undoubtedly be able to travel more affordably and with less wasted time. You will be able to balance your employment and academics because you will be living on campus. Additionally, you will be a member of the campus community. On-campus employment possibilities are scarce, so when a position becomes available, apply right away. On-campus employment is available in the following departments:
- Library
- Administrative Office
- Cafeteria
- Bookstore
- Campus Guide
- Tech Support
- Teaching Assistant
2. Off-campus Jobs
Off-campus employment opportunities abound, and you can locate them in the neighborhood near the college. Verify if you are permitted to work off-campus without work authorization; this is stated in your study permit. You must be careful not to break any of the restrictions on your study permission or you may be forced to leave Canada. The top part-time jobs in Canada for students include:
- Server/ Bartender at restaurants
- Retail outlets
- Customer service
- Cashier
- Personal Tutor
- Translator
- Freelancer
- Babysitter
- Driver
- Dog walker
3. Co-op placements or internships
As a co-op student, you must work to complete your program’s requirements. On or off campus, this work is possible. This kind of work prepares graduates for the job market by giving them experience in a professional setting and practical training. Internships, where you will receive on-the-job training as part of your degree, are quite similar to the idea of co-ops. If the work is required for your programme, you will require a co-op work permit.
Explore the various highest-paid part-time jobs in Ottawa for international students
Popular Job Markets in Canada
Here are some popular job sectors that you can find useful while looking for part-time jobs in Canada.
- Education Sector – Average compensation 15.65 CAD per hour
- Service Sector – Average compensation 11.00 CAD per hour & tips
- Driving – Average compensation 14.00 CAD to 25.58 CAD per hour
- Freelancing – Average compensation 5.60 CAD per hour
- Caretaker – Average compensation 14.67 CAD per hour
- Translation – Average compensation 21.16 CAD per hour
- Sales – Average compensation 12.42 CAD to 50.00 CAD + per hour
Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
Here is the list of the top 10 part-time job options for international students in Canada along with their average estimated respective salaries:
Part-Time Job Position | Salary in CAD (per hour) |
Bookkeeper | 25 |
Sales Assistant | 12 |
Customer Service Assistant | 11 |
Office Assistant | 13-15 |
Cook | 13 |
Programme Facilitator | 13 |
Uber Driver | 14-25 |
Nanny | 14 |
Server/Bartender | 74 (per night) |
Dog Walker | 14.16 |
Teacher’s Assistant | 15.65 |
Tutor | 15.00 – 20.00 |
Nanny | 14.67 |
Freelancer | 25.60 |
Translator | 21.16 |
Salesperson or Retail Worker | 12.42 |
How Much Do Part-Time Jobs in Canada Pay?
Working part-time in Canada is likely to earn you an hourly wage of 22 CAD, which is the average for students. In Canada, the hourly wage for a minimal part-time job is 10 CAD. In Canada, night shifts are actually more likely to pay a part-time job compensation for students than day shifts.
Average Pay Scale
Let’s now examine the professions that provide students with well-paying part-time work in Canada:
Job Field | Average Pay per Hour |
Teaching Assistant | 15.65 CAD |
Private Tutor | 15-20 CAD |
Bartender/ Waiter | 11.00 CAD |
Uber Driver | 14-25.58 CAD |
Freelancer | 25.60 CAD |
Babysitter | 14.67 CAD |
Barista | 11.41 CAD |
Dog Walker | 14.16 CAD |
Translator | 21.16 CAD |
Salesman | 12.42-50 CAD |
Benefits of doing part time jobs in Mississauga for International Students
Note: Aside from this, overseas students may be able to find work as a painter, camp counsellor, baker, reading programme leader, programme facilitator, festival coordinator, and so on.
Book-keeper
A bookkeeper usually undertakes tasks such as banking activities, recording transactions such as purchases, sales revenue, invoices, payments and expenses, producing various financial reports, processing payments and reconciling reports to third-party records. A bookkeeper is required to have not only a strong sense of time management but also organization skills and mathematical knowledge.
Customer Service Assistant
The duties of a CAS entail answering customer inquiries, giving information and helping to solve customer problems, selling products and taking orders, arranging services for customers, and processing complaints. Prerequisites for this role include excellent communication skills and people skills.
Sales Assistant
A reliable sales assistant’s role includes increasing the sales volume and maintaining regular contact with significant customers. Additionally, a sales assistant works with a sales team to monitor active purchases and make sure that the orders are delivered on time. Great communication skills, computer literacy, and product knowledge are required for this role.
Programme Facilitator
The primary role of a Programme facilitator includes execution of programme projects, initiatives, curricula, incorporating workshops and/or training, community service endeavors, outings/ field trip exposures/ tours, projects and presentations and more. The programme facilitator must report directly to the program manager.
Cook
Cooking is one of the most common part-time jobs for international students in Canada. A cook’s responsibilities include making meals, sticking to the menu, and also complying with food health and safety standards. If you think you have a talent for cooking, working as a chef in a foreign nation may be quite gratifying.
Uber Driver
This job responsibility is dependent on criteria such as your province of study, your car, and your travel history. If you meet the minimum age criteria, you will be able to drive an Uber as an international student in Canada.
Dog Walker
Dog walkers, sometimes known as pet sitters, are in high demand in Canada. They walk their clients’ dogs, supply them with food and water, and are also in charge of taking the pet to the doctor when necessary.
Nanny
A job as a nanny is one of the simplest part-time jobs to get in Canada as an international student. If you enjoy working with children, this is the job for you. A nanny’s primary tasks include caring for the children, arranging their daily schedules, transporting them to and from school and other activities, cleaning, and laundry, among other things.
Do You want to know more part-time job opportunities in Vancouver
Permissible Working Hours
Being a student you are only allowed to work for 20 hours a week. These work conditions are allowed for every international student looking for part-time jobs in Canada on a student visa or study permit. Students are however allowed to work full-time during breaks and vacations.
For those on post-study work visas and skilled worker visas, there is no limit to the working hours. They are allowed to work part-time or full-time as per their choice provided they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students
Part-time employment is permitted in Canada for students with valid study visas. They don’t need to submit an application for a work permit as long as they meet the criteria listed below:
In order to be eligible for part-time work on campuses in Canada, students must:
- A current student visa
- Social Security Number (SIN)
- Enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student in a study programme approved by the province at one of the following institutions: a public or private secondary college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec.
- Quebec secondary or postsecondary institution, public or private, provides programmes with 900 hours or more.
To participate in off-campus in Canada, students must:
- Full-time student enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Enrolled in a secondary-level vocational training programme or a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme in Quebec.
- Your programme lasts at least six months and results in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Social Security Number (SIN).
- Before you begin working, the programme must have started.
Regulations for Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
Let’s find out what the part-time job regulations prescribed by the Canadian government for international students:
Working Part-Time On-Campus
You can only work on-campus in Canada if your study permit allows it. You can, however, work without a work permit if you:
- Are a holder of a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Have enrolled in a program that is at least 6 months long and awards a diploma, certificate or degree by the end of it.
- Have enrolled in a secondary-level post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program.
Note: You will NOT be allowed to work on campus if:
- You are not studying full-time
- Your study permit has expired
- You are on authorised leave from studies
- You are transferring to another school and are not currently studying
Note: In Canada, your on-campus recruiter may be your university, a faculty member, a student organisation, or yourself if you operate a business, a private firm, or a private contractor with some on-campus business on campus. The number of working hours for international students with part-time jobs is not limited by the government of Canada.
Working Part-Time Off-Campus
In Canada, you can only work off-campus only if:
- You are a student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- You are enrolled in a secondary-level vocational training programme or a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme
- You are enrolled in a programme that lasts at least 6 months and leads to a diploma, certificate, or degree
- You are a holder of a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- You are studying part-time because you are in your last semester and do not need a full course load, or you were a full-time student until your final semester
You can also check Canada Visa Requirements for Indian Students, which include all the steps you should take before applying for Canada Visa.
How to Find a Part-Time Job in Canada?
Before you begin looking for part-time jobs in Canada, make the following checks:
- As previously stated, a Social Insurance Number is required for both on- and off-campus part-time jobs in Canada. Make sure you have it ready before you start looking for work. A SIN will also enable you to access national programmes and other advantages, not simply for work.
- Update your CV or resume, as well as your cover letter, and begin preparing for interviews.
Moving on, here’s how you locate both on-campus and off-campus jobs in Canada:
- On-campus: On-campus part-time job postings and advertisements are generally easy to find on notice boards, or on the official website of the Canadian university. Furthermore, join a student club or committee, volunteer, attend information sessions, webinars, and other activities on campus for an efficient job hunt.
- Off-campus: Many international students ask if it is feasible to obtain part-time work in Canada away from school. Of course, it is feasible if you have access to the industry you wish to enter. Hence one should try to expand your company network and create contacts with leaders or individuals who can assist you.
Top Cities in Canada to Study and Work
According to QS’s 2022 global ranking, the following are the top 5 cities in Canada that welcome foreign students and provide them with a pool of creative career opportunities:
City | QS Global Ranking |
Montreal | =9 |
Toronto | 13 |
Vancouver | 18 |
Ottawa | =53 |
Quebec | =113 |
Do you how to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa For Canada as an International Student
Rights of Part-Time Workers in Canada
The Canada Labour Code protects all part-time workers in Canada. The code protects those working overtime and on statuary holidays. The laws ensure that employees are compensated for their overtime work. Employers must pay statutory pay to eligible part-time workers. However, job security is an issue for the part-time workers. Full-time employees in Canada enjoy greater benefits than part-time employees.
FAQs
A. The hourly pay for foreign students in Canada typically varies from $13 to $25. However, depending on their work type and expertise, international students may make as much as $30 to $75 per hour in Canada.
A. Part-time employment is permitted in Canada for students with valid study visas.
A. Canadian employers do not allow dual employment. However, it varies.
This is where we end our blog on part-time Jobs in Canada. We hope you find this blog helpful. If you are looking to go to Canada and need guidance related to the procedures, book a free session today with our experts at Leverage Edu!
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