Canada is one of the topmost destinations for students. It has one sought-after university that offers unique life experiences.  Studying in Canada is a primary way for international students who wish to settle permanently in Canada. 

Personal Finances Are Vital 

On top of tuition fees, foreign students must also note that there are other expenses, like textbooks, housing, groceries, etc. 

Fortunately, foreign students in Canada can work if they are enrolled in a study program at a post-secondary designated learning institution. There is no other work permit needed. In addition, the study program must exceed six months and lead to professional certification or degree. 

Moreover, international students must work at least 20 hours a week while the school is in session. In addition, they must work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, like summer holidays. 

In addition, foreign students are allowed to have more than one job while studying in Canada. 

Once the student has completed their study program/ degree, they are eligible to work full-time in Canada by getting a PGWP, i.e., Post-Graduation Work Permit. 

The PGWP is there to help foreign students gain additional work experience, which may help them achieve permanent residency. Many permanent residents in Canada cater to CEC and PGWP because they allow international candidates to gain experience while establishing roots in their communities. As a result, this leads to contributing to Canada’s economy. 

Interestingly, PGWPs are valid for three years based on a candidate’s degree length. 

If a candidate doesn’t doesn’t get a work permit before the study permit expires, they will not be able to live in Canada even after they have gained the degree.

How To Begin Finding A Job

If an international student’s study program meets the appropriate length and certification requirement, there are some steps they need to take before being qualified to work in Canada. 

Firstly, those who wish to work need a SIN, i.e., Social Insurance Number. It’s a unique nine-digit code provided by Service Canada. It enables the government to track the employment history in Canada, thus ensuring that people are paying the correct income tax level. 

So, everyone who works in Canada must have a SIN, irrespective of being a Canadian citizen, permanent inhabitant, or temporary inhabitant. 

Foreign students must also wait until their degree has started before being eligible to work. For instance, if they arrive in the summer before their degree begins, they cannot work unless their first class takes place in September. 

Creating A Resume 

When updating a resume, the University of Toronto Career Center suggests candidates highlight all their strengths, expertise, skills, and experience. This can include unpaid work done for a family business as well.  

In addition, giving personal information, like marital status, age, nationality, photo, etc., is not essential. 

Where To Find Part-Time Job In Canada 

Many foreign students choose to reside near the university campus. So, it’s better to look for jobs nearby to reduce commuting time and cost. 

On-campus jobs are advertised in several ways. Often, they are seen on job boards, the school’s career center, candidates’ union buildings, etc. 

Off-campus job hunting is done online. 

Both LinkedIn and Indeed are widely used by Canadians looking for work. Some other websites include: 

  • Talent Eggs
  • Eluta
  • Glassdoor 
  • CareerBuilder
  • Upwork 

How Much Are Foreign Students Paid? 

All Canadian regions have a minimum wage rate, and foreign students must expect to make money as per it. Anything offered above depends upon the employer. 

However, it is vital to note that the wage for bartenders and servers is typically low in Canada. But it is customary for bar and restaurant patrons to tip their servers from 10% to 20% of their food/ drink purchase price. 

In many instances, those who work in the hospitality industry can make more money than those who make the full minimum wage.