Works in Canada During Study

International students studying in Canada, are legally authorized to work on & off-campus during their academic session. If you have a valid study permit and are enrolled at a designated learning institution, you can work efficiently without requiring additional authorization from the Canadian government.

Canada gives equal opportunities to domestic and international students to earn while studying.  These are a few of the many ways and types of work in Canada: 

• Freelancing Work: You can earn by offering clients digital skills while studying. 

• Part-Time Job: You can earn by working more than 20 hours off-campus.

• Small Business: You can earn by starting a small business with a great idea. 

• Academic Research: You can earn by doing field-relevant research.

On-Campus Work

You can work on campus if enrolled full-time in any degree program. But, you can only work during the study permit’s duration. Some on-campus jobs in Canada include teaching assistants, research assistants, librarians, food service, and administrative support.

International students can work 20 hours per week if enrolled at a designated learning institute, they do not need any additional work permit to work on-campus jobs. The average on-campus job in Canada salary begins from CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000.

However, you must have started your taking classes, and have a social insurance number (SIN) and a valid study permit, as they are mandatory for working on campus.

Off-Campus Work 

Canada allows International students to work off-campus. The eligibility requirements generally include enrollment in any academic, language, vocational, or professional program at a designated learning institution (DLI). The eligible programs for an off-campus work permit in Canada are:

• Post-Secondary Programs (Full-Time / Part-Time)
• Post-Graduation Work Permits

In addition, you must have already started studying, and the duration of the program must be longer than 6 months. You must also have a social insurance number (SIN) for off-campus works in Canada.

You can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during regular sessions and full-time during semester breaks or scheduled breaks (summer/winter holidays). However, the students cannot work off-campus if their study permit does not authorize off-campus work or are only enrolled in ESL/FSL language programs.

Internships

Canadian government sets specific eligibility criteria for international students to work as an intern. The eligibility requirements include:

• Full-time enrollment in a degree program at the designated learning institution.
• A confirmation letter from your school validating that the internship is an integral part of the study program.
• A valid study permit is as long as an internship.
• The internship should be longer than 50% of your entire duration of study program.

If an international student meets the criteria, they are allowed to up to 30 hours per week and 40 hours per during regular academic sessions and vacations, respectively. Paid internships in Canada for international students depend on the province. Some provinces do not allow it from being paid, whereas many allow it to pay students.

How Much Can I Earn During Study in Canada?

The earning of an international student mainly depends on the job type, total hours worked, hourly wage, and location. Earning can quickly help you meet their day-to-day living, food, and transportation expenses. 

The part-time job salary in Canada ranges from CAD 14 to CAD 25 per hour. However, the provincial average hour wage is as below:

The above figures are only averages; your salary will depend on your job type, work duration, and prior experience.