Work in Canada as a Student
Studying in Canada offers a great opportunity for anyone wanting a world-class education while also earning money and gaining valuable work experience. Whether you choose to work on-campus at your university or college or off-campus, international students in Canada have the incredible option of doing both without needing a Canadian work visa. Here’s how you can work in Canada as a student.
Work on-Campus
Working without a permit is offered to full-time students at a public post-secondary institution such as a college, university, or a private post-secondary institution operating under the same rules and regulations as a public institution. You must have a valid study permit and a SIN (Social Insurance Number) to qualify and will only be able to start working in Canada as an international student once your study program has officially begun. You can work for any of the following employers:
the school
- a faculty member;
- a student organization;
yourself, if:
- you run a business that is physically located on-campus (for example you own a coffee shop that is located on campus)
a private business
- a private contractor that provides on-campus services to the school
Work off-Campus
As a study permit holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the term and work full-time during your holidays. You will, however, need to ensure that you meet the following requirements:
You’re a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
You’re enrolled in;
- a post-secondary program or
- a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
Your study program;
- is at least 6 months long and
- leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
Your study permit says, in the user remarks or conditions sections, that you can work off-campus;
You’ve started studying; and
You have a SIN
If you are a part-time student you must meet all of the above-mentioned criteria and ensure that you are in your final semester and do not have a full course load.
Working off-campus as an intern can give you valuable experience in your field of interest.
Work as an Intern
Some academic programs require that you gain work experience as part of the curriculum. In this case, you will need to apply for a work permit as well as a study permit. To qualify, you will need to make sure that your intended employment is an essential part of your study program and you must obtain a certified letter from a responsible academic official of the institution. Unfortunately, you will not qualify if you study English or French as a second language (ESL or FSL) and if you participate in general interest or preparatory courses.
Help Your Spouse Find a Job While You Study
Canada has also made it possible to bring your spouse or common-law partner along for your journey while you study in Canada. If you are a full-time student with a valid study permit at a public post-secondary institution or private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, you may qualify. Your partner will have access to an open work permit, which means that they do not need a job offer to work in Canada. Your partner will have the opportunity to apply for a job in Canada and work for as long as your study permit remains valid.
Can I Stay on and Work in Canada Once I’ve Graduated?
Yes. There are 2 main ways to do this:
- Apply for a work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before your study permit ends (you can continue to work while you’re waiting for your application results); or
- Start a new study program.
Popular Jobs in Canada for International Students
On-Campus Jobs with Wages Per Hour
Off-Campus Jobs with Wages Per Hour
How to Find Work in Canada as a Student
Before you can start applying for student jobs in Canada you must first prepare a few things that Canadian employers will ask for, like your social insurance number, for starters.
Step 1: Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If you want to work in Canada as a student you need a nine-digit SIN. You can apply for a SIN online at no charge by providing the documents below. It’s important to keep your SIN safe to avoid identity theft. Only provide your SIN when you know it’s legally required.
What International Students Need to Get a SIN in Canada
- A copy of your study permit issued by IRCC that’s supported by a ‘confirmation to work off campus’ letter;
- A copy of your passport; and
- A copy of a proof of address.
Step 2: Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is one of the first things you should do when you come to Canada as a student. You’ll need a safe place to keep and access the money you earn, and the great news is that a number of Canadian banks offer student bank accounts with little to no monthly fees as well as free transactions and transfers. Here are five banks in Canada that are great for international students:
| Scotiabank |
| Tangerine |
| CIBS |
| Bank of Montreal |
| Royal Bank of Canada |
Step 3: Prepare Your Resume
Even if you have no work experience it’s still good to have a resume and cover letter that focuses on your education and skills and your willingness to learn and grow. You can also mention any extracurricular activities or volunteer work. If you do have work experience obtained in your home country it will be helpful to add a reference section or even better, a recommendation letter from your previous employer.
Step 4: Search for Jobs Online, On-Campus, or at Local Shops Nearby
Many international students who work in Canada find part-time, freelance, and holiday jobs online through job sites like Indeed and Workopolis. You can also check your college or universities’ social media for career pages just like the University of Toronto Student Life Programs & Services Facebook page that posts job opportunities for students.
Another option is to look around and ask at your local coffee shop or grocery store for job vacancies if you don’t want to travel too far. Word of mouth is still a powerful way to find jobs nowadays. Ask your friends if they know of any opportunities at their place of work or if they’ve seen anything that you can apply for.
Finding a job on-campus is even better, for proximity reasons and it looks great on your resume especially if you can land a job as a research assistant or peer tutor. You can consult the different departments at your college that hire students or advertise your tutoring services on notice boards around campus.
Step 5: Apply for a Co-op Work Permit if Your Internship is Mandatory
If your study program includes a required Co-op or internship placement in order to be able to graduate then you’ll need to apply for a co-op work permit. You can apply for your work permit at the same time as your study permit as long as your acceptance letter states that a Co-op or internship is mandatory to complete your study program. It’s possible to apply for a Co-op after you have already obtained your study visa in Canada. Unfortunately, you will not qualify if you study English or French as a second language (ESL or FSL) and if you participate in general interest or preparatory courses.
Working in Canada as a student can be rewarding in many different ways. Not only does it allow you to earn wages, but the work experience you obtain while studying is also invaluable to your future career. Ready to start your journey? Simply fill in the form below and let us help you navigate your way to a better, brighter future.
FAQs
Can I be self-employed while studying in Canada?
You can own your business or be self-employed while you are studying in Canada. However, even if you’re self-employed, you still have to keep track of your off-campus working hours. You have to demonstrate that you’re following the terms of your study permit.
Any time you spend collecting a commission for performing a service, selling a product or receiving payment for a service is counted as ‘work time’ and cannot exceed 20 hours.
Can I work full time in Canada during academic breaks?
International students can only work 20 hours per week while on a study permit. However, during your winter or summer breaks, you can work full time. You must have been a full-time student before and after your employment to stay within the conditions of your study visa. That means you can’t work before you start your first school semester.
Can I have more than one job as a student in Canada ?
During academic semesters, you can have more than one job. For example, you can be a tutor, and work at a café or be a delivery driver, all at the same time, but it must all be part-time. That is, the accumulative time you work cannot exceed 20 hours a week.
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
