Personal finances are a top priority for international students in Canada
International students in Canada have the option of working if they are enrolled in a program of study at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). There is no separate work permit required. The program of study must exceed six months in length and lead to a professional certification.
International students may work up to 20 hours per week.
International students are allowed to have more than one job while they are studying in Canada.
Once an international student has completed their program of study, they may be eligible to work full-time in Canada by getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
If a student does not get a work permit before their study permit expires, they will not be eligible to live and work in Canada after their program of study is completed.
How to start job hunting
First, those who wish to work require a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a unique nine-digit number assigned by Service Canada. It allows the government to track employment history in Canada and ensure that people are paying the correct level of income tax, as well as track hours worked. Everyone who works in Canada must have one, whether they are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident.
Creating a resume
University of Toronto career centre advises international students, especially those with limited work experience, to highlight all their strengths, skills, and experiences – including paid and unpaid work, extracurricular activities, and volunteering experience.
Where can international students find part-time jobs in Canada?
Most international students choose to live on or near their campus so it makes the most sense to look for jobs nearby to reduce commuting time and cost.
On-campus jobs are advertised in several ways. Most frequently, they are found on job boards, the school’s career centre or student union building, or at career fairs.
Off campus, most job hunting is done online. Canada’s JobBank typically lists part-time, positions that are suited for international students.
popular websites for job seekers:
- Indeed
- Talent Egg
- Glassdoor
- ca
- CareerBuilder
- SimplyHired
- Eluta
- Upwork
How much are international students paid?
All Canadian provinces have a minimum wage and international students should expect to make this as a minimum, per-hour rate. Anything above it is up to their employer.
The wage for servers and bartenders in Canada is typically lower than minimum wage and varies by province. However, in Canada it is customary for bar and restaurant patrons to tip their servers and bartenders anywhere from 10% to 20% of the purchase price of their food or drink. In many instances, those who work in the restaurant industry can make more money than those who make the full minimum wage.