Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students

It can be costly to study abroad, especially in a country like Canada. One method to lessen the strain of high tuition costs, living expenses, and other extracurricular activities is to work part-time, either on or off campus. Working part-time has an additional benefit in that it can strengthen your application for permanent residency. The Canadian visa allows students to work for approximately 20 hours per week in a paid job. However, it is recommended that students take intensive coursework 12 hours per week. Let's look closely at part-time employment opportunities for international students in Canada.

Many people are unaware of the variety of part-time jobs international students can find. A part-time job is a great way to earn extra income while learning new things and working with others outside the classroom. It can also help reduce stress and give you a sense of purpose during downtimes. If you’re looking for part-time jobs in Canada, keep reading to learn more about the opportunities available to you as an international student.

A part-time job helps you earn money or build financial independence for the future. It also allows you to practice workplace communication skills, meet new people, and explore Canadian culture beyond the classroom. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to find a part-time job in Canada as an international student so that you can start earning money without putting your full-time studies on hold.

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Students with valid study visas are allowed to work part-time in Canada. If they meet the requirements given below, they do not need to apply for a work permit:

• Students in Canada who are interested in working part-time on campuses must:
  • Have a valid student visa.
  • Have Social Security Number (SIN)
  • Enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student at one of the following institutions: a public or private secondary college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec, in the course of study approved by the government.
  • Public or private secondary or postsecondary institution in Quebec that offers programs lasting 900 hours or more.
• Students who wish to participate in Off-Campus in Canada must:
  • student enrolled full-time in a designated educational institution (DLI).
  • enrolled in a post-secondary Quebec academic, vocational, or professional training program; or enrolled in a secondary-level vocational training program.
  • Your program culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and lasts at least six months.
  • Social Security Number (SIN).
  • You must start working before the program may start.

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs in Canada

Let's take a look at some benefits of working in some of the best part-time jobs in Canada for international students before learning about the requirements:

• Offset Expenses: Studying in Canada is highly expensive. International students in Canada who work part-time will earn more money and be able to pay for some of their living and educational costs while they are there.
• Financial Independence & Responsibility: If you work at student employment in Canada, you will have some financial independence and understand how to manage your finances while living alone in a foreign country. It will also teach you how to budget your money and save some. Additionally, you will develop a growth mindset and actively look for possibilities to do more by doing this.
• Work Experience: International students will gain essential career experience by working part-time employment in Canada. It undeniably raises the value of your resume and shows that you are motivated and prepared to go above and beyond to fulfill your dream of attending school in Canada.
• The skills you gain from your student employment in Canada will help you in both your career and personal lives. You will learn time management skills as well as how to operate in a team, communicate effectively, take initiative, balance work and school, and develop your confidence.

Rules for Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Let's look at the rules the Canadian government has established for international students who want to work part-time jobs:

Working Part-Time On-Campus

In Canada, you can only work on-campus provided your study permission permits it. Although you don't need a work permit, you can still work if you:

• possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• have signed up for a course that lasts at least six months and results in a diploma, certificate, or degree.
• have enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program at the post-secondary level.

Furthermore, you should be aware that you CANNOT work on campus if:

• You do not attend classes full-time.
• Your permit to study has expired.
• You have a permission slip for a study break.
• You are not presently enrolled in any classes and are transferring to another institution.

Working Part-Time Off-Campus

Working off-campus is only permitted in Canada if you can

• You attend a designated educational institution (DLI) as a student
• You are enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program at the postsecondary level or at the secondary level.
• You've been accepted into a program that lasts at least six months and results in a diploma, certificate, or degree.
• You possess a Social Security number (SIN)
• You were a full-time student up until your last semester and are now studying part-time because you are in your final semester and do not need a full course load.

Types of Part-Time Jobs for International Students Abroad

If you're wondering what the best part-time jobs are in Canada, take a look at the top paying, both on and off campus, part-time jobs for students that are detailed below:

On-Campus Jobs

In Canada, the simplest way to begin a part-time career is to hunt for positions on campus. Undoubtedly, you will be able to travel more economically and efficiently. Because you will be living on campus, you will be able to balance your work and studies. You will also be a part of the campus community. There aren't many opportunities for employment on campuses, so when one does arise, apply quickly away. The following departments have openings for on-campus employment:

• Library
• Administrative office
• Cafeteria
• Bookstore
• Campus Guide
• Tech Support
• Teaching assistant

Off-Campus Jobs

There are lots of off-campus job options, and you can find them in the area around the college. Check your study permission to see if you are allowed to work off-campus without a work authorization. To avoid being forced to leave Canada, you must be careful not to violate any of the limitations on your study permission. The best part-time employment for students in Canada are:

• Server/ Bartender at restaurants
• Retail outlets
• Customer service
• Cashier
• Personal Tutor
• Translator
• Freelancer
• Babysitter
• Driver
• Dog walker

Co-op Placements or Internships

You have to put in work as a co-op student to meet the criteria of your program. You can do this work on or off campus. This type of work gives graduates exposure in a professional setting and practical training, preparing them for the job market. The concept of co-ops is quite similar to internships, where you will obtain on-the-job training as part of your degree. You will need a co-op work permit if the work is needed for your program.

How Much Do Part-Time Jobs in Canada Pay?

You may expect to make an hourly pay of 22 CAD working part-time in Canada, which is what students typically make. The minimum salary for a part-time work in Canada is 10 CAD per hour. In Canada, night shifts are actually more likely than day shifts to pay a student for a part-time work.

Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students

The top 10 part-time job opportunities for international students in Canada are shown below, along with an estimate of their relative average salaries:

Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper typically performs duties such banking operations, documenting financial events like purchases, sales revenue, invoices, payments, and costs, preparing financial reports, processing payments, and reconciling reports to third-party records. A bookkeeper needs to be well-versed in math, have excellent time management abilities, and be organized. A bookkeeper earns CAD25 per hour in Canada. 

Sales Assistant

A dependable sales assistant's duties include boosting sales volume and keeping in touch with important clients on a regular basis. A sales assistant additionally collaborates with a sales team to track ongoing orders and guarantee timely delivery. For this position, it's essential to have excellent communication abilities, computer literacy, and product expertise. A sales assistant in Canada earns CAD12 per hour.

Customer Service Assistant (CAS)

A CAS's responsibilities include responding to client inquiries, providing information and aiding in the resolution of customer issues, selling items and taking orders, scheduling services for customers, and handling complaints. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required for this position. A Customer Service Assistant earns CAD11 per hour in Canada.

Program Facilitator

A program facilitator's main responsibilities include carrying out program initiatives, projects, and curriculum, as well as including seminars and/or training, volunteer efforts, outings, field trips, tours, projects, and presentations. The program manager must get direct reports from the program facilitator. A program facilitator earns CAD13 per hour in Canada.

Cook

One of the most popular part-time jobs in Canada for international students is cooking. Making meals, adhering to the menu, and upholding food safety and health regulations are all duties of the cook. Working as a chef in a foreign country could be quite satisfying if you believe you have a talent for cooking. A cook in Canada earns CAD13 per hour.

Uber Driver

This employment obligation depends on factors including your study province, vehicle, and travel patterns. You can operate an Uber as an international student in Canada if you are at least the required age. An uber driver in Canada earns CAD14-25 per hour

Dog Walker

In Canada, demand for dog walkers, sometimes known as pet caretakers, is considerable. They are in charge of walking the dogs of their clients, providing them with food and water, and, if required, transporting the animal to the veterinarian. A dog walker in Canada earns CAD14 per hour.

Nanny

One of the simplest part-time occupations for an international student to obtain in Canada is a position as a nanny. This position is ideal for you if you enjoy working with kids. A nanny’s principal chores include caring for the children, organising their daily schedules, bringing them to and from school and other activities, cleaning, and laundry, among other things. A nanny earns CAD14 per hour in Canada.

How to Find a Part-Time Job in Canada

Make the following checks before you start looking for part-time work in Canada:

• As previously mentioned, a Social Insurance Number is necessary for part-time employment in Canada, whether it be on or off campus. Before you begin seeking for work, make sure it is prepared. You can access national programs and other benefits with a SIN in addition to using it for employment.
• Update your cover letter, CV, and both when you start getting ready for interviews.

Next, let's talk about where to look for both on-campus and off-campus jobs in Canada:

• On-campus: Postings and adverts for on-campus part-time jobs are typically simple to find on notice boards or on the Canadian university's official website. For a successful job search, join a student club or committee, volunteer, go to information sessions, webinars, and other events on campus.
• Off-campus: Many foreign students wonder if it's possible to find part-time work in Canada while they're not in class. If you have access to the industry you want to enter, it is doable. Make an effort to broaden your company's network and establish connections with influential people and people who can help you.

Final Thoughts

Finding a part-time job can be challenging for international students. You have limited time, limited social connections and language skills, and little knowledge about the local economy. However, with careful research and planning, you can find a part-time job that fits your study schedule and your budget.
A part-time job helps you earn money or build financial independence for the future. It also gives you an opportunity to practise your workplace communication skills, meet new people, and explore Canadian culture beyond the classroom. It can also help reduce stress levels and give you a sense of purpose during down times. 

While it might not be obvious at first glance, most companies want to hire students who can show that they have relevant work experience. That means if you’re a student who has spent the last few years working on your own projects and helping friends out with their homework, you will have just as much chance of being hired as someone who has never held a job before. Even if your major is not in demand right now, there’s always a chance that it could become more popular in the future, which means you should keep up your self-education even after graduating. This is where we end our blog on part-time Jobs in Canada. We hope you find this blog helpful.