Did you know? Canada allows international students to work 20 hours per week during semester and full time in breaks. The work opportunities for international students in Canada are pretty vast. You need to apply for it through proper channels to reap the benefits.
We recommend that international students to start working in Canada during their college years. It gives them sufficient time to improve their resume and get solid credentials for the next job opportunity.They also benefit from financial stability that’s gained through the money they earn during their employment.
Plus, let’s not forget all the networking opportunities you get when you venture into the business world.
This article helps you get a head start by highlighting the significant work opportunities in Canada for international students. However, before you start searching for jobs, it’s essential to verify if you’re eligible for this rule.
The Condition: Who’s Eligible to Work in Canada?
Most international students in Canada who are enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution can work in Canada without a work permit. That is as long as they’re studying as full-time post-secondary learners at this institution.
The exception to this rule is a student that:
• Is waiting for his/her academic session to begin.
• Has an expired student permit.
• Is studying in Canada for less than six months.
• Is studying in English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
• Is unauthorized to work in Canada due to an incomplete student permit.
Apart from this, you need to register for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to complete your work application. SIN is a nine-digit code thatgrants you certain benefits and services in Canada.
What kind of work can you get? You are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during their semester that means you can apply for part-time jobs with a Canadian employer. Then during the holidays, you can work full time (30 hours per week) barring that it doesn’t affect your study program. They can work under these conditions as long as their study permit is valid.
The best part is that they can work both on and off campus, depending on their needs. This flexibility allows them to find a job that aligns with their career goals.
Pro tip: It’s important to note that some student programs don’t offer this benefit to their students. Or if they do, they might place certain restrictions on the kind of work you can get on your study permit.
So you must always confirm your eligibility status and privileges before you select a study program in Canada.
The Opportunities: What Are Your Options?
Let’s look at the main work opportunities for international students studying in Canada:
1. OnCampus
On campus jobs are a brilliant opportunity for you to expand your academic experience in Canada. It allows you to work closely with your professors, fellow students, and other faculty members on the campus. Plus, you feel like a part of the campus instead of a stranger when you work there.
What kind of jobs can you get on the campus? The primary job openings connect your role as a student with the activities happening on campus. It includes becoming a tour guide, working at the helpdesk or assisting the admin department.
What’s more? Many students with above average grades can try their luck as a teaching assistant. Additionally, if you are a science student then you can work as a research/lab assistant.
One of the biggest advantages of working on campus is the flexible hours. Students can easily walk to and fro from classes to their workstation during the day without any worry. Besides this, you cut down on your transport charges and save time when you work inside the campus.
2. OffCampus
Are you looking for more opportunities?
Then working outside the campus will be a better option.The student permit allows you to get a part time job during the semester. However, you may opt for a full-time job once your semester ends.
The off campus work gives you a chance to branch out and experience the real world. In most cases, students select jobs related to retail or food service. That’s because these work opportunities are easy to juggle with their studies.
However, you may apply for career-specific jobs between your breaks. In that way, you’ll be prepared to choose the right career path after graduation.
3. Co-Op Student
Is getting an internship part of your coursework?
Many study programs make it mandatory for their students to get an internship or work placement gig before they graduate. The internship program typically counts for 50% or less of their grades. International students who’re enrolled in such programs are required to register for a Co-Op/Internship work permit to work in this situation.
This permit is only applicable to international students who have:
• A valid study permit.
• Need a designated amount of work hours to complete their course.
• An official letter that confirms that all the students mustfinish their work placements before finals/graduation.
The process to apply for this permit is pretty straightforward. You simply have to present the proper documents and register for the work permit.
4. Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
What happens after graduation?
International students face two choices after they graduate. They can either stay back in Canada to start their professional career here. Or they can go back to their country once their study permit expires. Many people opt for the PGWP because it increases their chance to get permanent residency in Canada.
What’s PGWP? It’s a type of open work permit that allows you to work full time anywhere in Canada. The work permit is valid for 1-3 years depending on the duration of your study program. The applicants must have a Canadian degree and set of skills required for the job.
Unlike, most work permits, this one doesn’t require a letter of appointment or statement from a Canadian employer. You’re basically allowed to find your career path without restrictions when you have this work permit at hand.
As a result, PGWP paves the way to a financially secure and career-driven future in Canada.
Let’s Sum It Up…
In a nutshell, international students in Canada get many privileges when they come to study here. One of these benefits includes a chance to gain work experience in Canada without a work permit. You can either opt for an off campus, on campus or Co-Op route to avail this opportunity. Then once you graduate the PGWP will allow you to work in Canada once your study program ends.
Need some help? Elaar Immigration Consulting Inc is a regulated Canadian immigration firm that can connect you with the top educational institutions in Canada and help pick the right pathway for your study program. Our consultation can enable you to avail all the work opportunities for international students in Canada.
