• Study in Canada

Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Jul 20,2024 12:52 PM IST

  • The increase in work hour limit for international students in Canada from 20 hours to 24 hours per week will come to effect in September 2024.
  • Part-time jobs will help international students, especially from India gain work experience, build a professional network and improve their language proficiency in English or French.
  • Students can work on-campus with no limit of working hours. They can also work off-campus for 24 hours per week.
  • They can choose from on-campus part-time jobs such as Teacher’s Assistant or Research Assistant. They can also choose from off-campus jobs such as Server or Tutoring 

Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students.webp


Canada has been a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students, particularly in the past decade of 2013 – 2023. This is likely to be further amplified by a recent policy change. Starting this September 2024, international students will be able to work 24 hours per week. This translates to the flexibility of taking three 8-hour shifts each week. An additional advantage is the liberty to work on campus without any limitations on working hours. 

Studying in Canada can be expensive for international students as they have to spend approximately 13,000 to 20,000 CAD annually to pursue their desired program in the country. Further, this rising cost of living in Canada encourages students to explore alternative sources of income like part-time jobs. In Canada, international students are allowed to work on-campus, and off-campus, which helps them reduce their financial burden.

Let's discuss the benefits of doing part-time jobs in Canada as an international student.

Benefits of Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students

Part-time jobs in Canada offer many benefits like valuable experience allowing international students to not only supplement their income but also cover living expenses. Students can further improve their skills and explore a professional field while studying. Here are some of these advantages:

Potential to Earn Extra MoneyBeing an international student in Canada often means dealing with the rising cost of living. Students can manage these expenses by working part-time alongside their studies. This additional income can provide much-needed support for tuition, living costs, and other needs.
Canadian Work ExperiencePart-time jobs in Canada offer more than a paycheck. They are a stepping stone to a successful career in Canada. Working with Canadian colleagues will help students gain valuable exposure to the local work environment. 
Opportunity to NetworkWorking on a part-time job in Canada is not just about the immediate financial gain. It is about building a strong professional network for the future. Through these jobs, students can seek mentorship from their colleagues and supervisors to gain invaluable knowledge of the industry. Moreover, Consistent performance at work will build a positive reputation, setting them apart from other applicants when seeking full-time opportunities.
Development of Relevant SkillsStudents can develop valuable skills by working on a range of part-time jobs in Canada. Regardless of the specific role, they can enhance their communication skills, become a better team player, a problem solver, and manage time effectively. These skills are essential to not only excel at studies but also thrive as an international student in the country.
Improvement in Language ProficiencyCanada’s bilingual environment offers a unique advantage for students who choose to work part-time. Daily interactions with native speakers in English or French will help Indians improve their language proficiency. Working with diverse colleagues exposes them to different accents, slang, and communication styles. This will enhance their listening comprehension and the ability to adapt to different situations. 

How to Find Part-time Jobs in Canada?

While academic skills are valuable for some part-time jobs in Canada, such as tutoring or research assistant positions, international students have a unique advantage of successfully working in diverse fields. Let us outline the steps involved in securing a part-time job in Canada. 

Early Job Search

Students must start looking for part-time jobs as soon as they settle in Canada. They must utilize enough time to explore different job portals, reach out to the International Student advisor or career desk of their institute to gather information about on-campus or off-campus part-time job opportunities and ultimately submit applications. Their resume and cover letter should highlight their skills, experience and academic qualifications. Additionally, they must ensure that all their documents are up-to-date and match the requirements of the job they are applying for. 

Multiple Resources

It is important to browse different online platforms to find a part-time job that suits their area of interest and preferred location. Students can use job portals like Indeed, Job Bank, Glassdoor, Simplyhired, etc. They can also search part-time specific jobs on platforms such as Student Life Network Jobs, CanadaJobs, and Youth Employment Services, among others. 

Placement Department of Colleges & Universities

Students should get in touch with the career center, or student employment office at their institution to facilitate their search of a part-time job in Canada. They should attend career fairs and workshops to connect with potential employers.  These departments can help international students, especially from India obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) which is a crucial document to become an authorized worker in Canada. 

Social Media Platforms

Social media is a powerful tool to connect with potential employers, past employees, and to market services for a part-time job in Canada. Students can use platforms such as LinkedIn to find job listings in their preferred field. They can also connect with potential employers to understand the specific requirements of a job and identify if they are qualified for it. 

By taking advantage of the resources discussed above, international students can successfully find part-time jobs in Canada. 

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs in Canada

If a student wants to work part-time on-campus or off-campus, they must adhere to a few eligibility requirements. Let’s discuss them in detail:

On-campus Part-time Jobs in Canada

Students can only start working in Canada when they commence their study program. Their study permit must list a condition saying they are allowed to work on campus. The infographic below enlists the eligibility criteria for students planning to work part-time on-campus in Canada. 

Students can return to work only once they are back to studying and meet all requirements to work on-campus.

On-campus part-time jobs in canada.webp


Where Students can work on-campus in Canada?


To work part-time on-campus in Canada, students are allowed to work only in the buildings of the same campus of their college or university. For example, if they are enrolled at the Peterborough campus of Trent University , they can only work at that campus. The only exception is when they are working as a teaching or research assistant or their work is strictly related to a research grant. This will allow them to work at a library, hospital, or research facility associated with the school. If working at a hospital or where the protection of public health is important, the student must have a medical exam.

Who can the student work for?


International students can take up on-campus jobs in Canada with their college or university, a faculty member, or a student organization. They can also work for a private business or a private contractor that provides on-campus services to the college or university. Additionally, they can also work for themselves if they run a business located on campus. 

Off-campus Part-Time Jobs in Canada

Students must determine if they can work off campus without a work permit before commencing any work. They can only work when their session begins and not before that. The graphical representation below highlights the factors that determine whether a student can or cannot work off-campus.

rr.webp

Further, let’s discuss a few high-paying part-time job opportunities in Canada for international students:

Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Part-time jobs in Canada can be divided into three broad categories; on-campus, off-campus, and flexible jobs. Let's discuss high-paying on-campus part-time jobs in Canada for international students:

DesignationWork ResponsibilitiesSalary per Hour (In CAD)
Teacher’s AssistantMany teachers in Canadian colleges and universities hire teacher assistants (TAs) to support them with a range of tasks throughout an academic term. Their tasks can include tutoring and helping students, creating lesson plans, updating paperwork, and student grades. TAs are often required to have completed their first year in college or university, have excellent organizational skills, and prior experience in a specific course. 22 to 27 CAD per hour.
Administrative AssistantColleges and universities of Canada often hire administrative assistants at the beginning of an academic year. The Administrative Assistant is tasked with reception services, scheduling appointments, meetings, researching files and records, preparing expense reports, and providing basic & initial assistance to students with questions about classes, important documents, etc. 17 to 20 CAD per hour
Library AssistantFor students who are passionate about reading and have a knack of organization in them can get in touch with the librarian at their college or university. They will be responsible of organizing the library and attending to student queries. Additionally, they will be responsible for maintaining a record of books checked in and out of the library. One of the perks of working as a part-time Library Assistant is the optimum usage of downtime. Students can use that time efficiently to complete their school work or maybe get lost in The Chronicles of Narnia. 20 to 24 CAD per hour
Research AssistantAs a part-time Research Assistant at a college or university in Canada, international students play a vital role in supporting academic research projects. They conduct literature reviews to gather relevant information and identify existing research in the assigned field. They utilize various research techniques such as online databases, scholarly journals, and library resources to access data. They are also responsible for data management and analysis, project support, and communication. Additionally, they must have strong research and analytical skills to excel as a Research Assistant.20 to 25 CAD per hour
Student Services AssistantA part-time Student Services Assistant is responsible for providing basic support to students with registration, course selection, and admissions processes. They can do so by answering questions, providing application materials, and guiding students through online platforms. Student Services Assistants are required to have a basic knowledge of computers and specific software programs used for student records management, scheduling, or communication.20 – 25 CAD per hour

Let us further discuss high-paying off-campus part-time jobs for international students in Canada.

DesignationWork ResponsibilitiesSalary per Hour (In CAD)
BaristaIf social interactions are one of the strengths of an international student and they make a delicious cup of joe, they can succeed at their role as a part-time Barista. They will be responsible for greeting customers with a smile, patiently taking orders, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant and welcoming experience in the café. Additionally, they will be responsible for processing customer payments efficiently and keeping the coffee station clean and organized. 14 – 16 CAD per hour + Tip
Server/WaiterAs a part-time server, the student will be responsible for taking orders, and answering queries about food and menu. They are also responsible for communicating with the kitchen staff and the customers. Servers or waiters must be amicable, with strong communication skills with extensive knowledge about the menu of the restaurant they are working at.14 – 16 CAD per hour + Tip
Delivery DriverDelivery driver is one of the most popular off-campus part-time jobs in Canada. Students who have a valid driving license and a vehicle can become delivery drivers for companies like Amazon, Uber, Doordash, etc.17 – 20 CAD per hour
TutorDepending on previous academic experience, Tutoring is a lucrative part-time job opportunity for international students. Students can apply for a tutoring job through their college or university, social media, or by advertising their services through flyers, etc.20 – 25 CAD Per Hour
ProofreadingStudents who are proficient in a particular language and have a knack for catching grammatical errors can look for Proofreading jobs. They will be responsible for reviewing content before it is published. They must ensure that any content that is published on any medium is free of any spelling and structural errors with appropriate formatting.20 – 25 CAD per hour

In addition to the above-mentioned part-time jobs, Indian students can also look for jobs with a flexible schedule. These part-time jobs help students balance their studies and work effectively. Students can work as event staff, babysitters, dog walkers, etc. 

Average Wages in Provinces of Canada

International students looking for part-time jobs must know what the minimum wage is for their province. The table below provides the recent provincial minimum wages in Canada:

ProvinceMinimum wages (per hour) CAD
Alberta15.00
British Columbia17.40
Manitoba15.30
New Brunswick15.30
Newfoundland and Labrador15.60
Nova Scotia15.20
Nunavut19.00
Ontario17.20
Quebec15.75
Saskatchewan15.00


Conclusion


Part-time jobs for international students in Canada are a significant step in promoting financial independence. 24-hour work weeks will strengthen a student’s CV professionally. By balancing their studies with part-time work efficiently, Indian students can prepare for the Canadian job market. Students who are preparing for their studies in Canada and are looking for part-time jobs can get in touch with the study abroad consultants at Canam. 

FAQ

International students studying in Canada can search and apply for numerous on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs.
Jobs that offer experience related to the field of study or help students learn a new skill are considered best. Some of the popular jobs include nanny, cab driver, sales assistant, bartender/server, teacher’s assistant, etc.
There are many part-time job options that pay a decent per-hour salary to students. Some of the high-paying jobs include the roles of freelancer, writer/editor, bookkeeper, translator and more.
The hourly wage for a part-time job in Canada may range from CA$10 to CA$22. The wage rate for part-time jobs also varies from city to city.
Yes, students can continue working part-time in Canada after the duration of their program only if they have enrolled to a new program or availed a work permit before the expiry of their study permit.

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