Working while studying in Canada is one of the major advantages of choosing Canada as your study destination, but there are a few things you should know before you can begin earning.
Most international students are eligible to work while studying. There are different requirements for working on campus and off campus.
“On campus” refers to all the buildings on your university or college campus. You can find information about working on campus from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
“Off campus” means the parts of your town or city that are not part of the university or college campus.
Generally, international students can work off campus up to 20 hours per week:
- During regular school sessions or while you are studying as part of an intensive program with no planned breaks.
- If your studies are part-time because you are finishing the last session of your program.
- If you are a graduate student who has finished the required courses for your degree.
Things to Know If You Want to Study and Work in Canada
Things to know if you want to study and work in Canada: Most international students in Canada can work for up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during scheduled breaks, without a work permit.
Working while studying can help you support yourself and meet new people, all while building the connections and experience that could make you stand out in your job hunt later on.
Before you start looking for your dream student job, read on to find out more about working in Canada as an international student.
1. Know the Cost of Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada is very reasonable especially when it is compared to the USA, UK, and Australia. If you want access to an affordable university in Canada, check a list of the cheapest universities in Canada for international students
Read Also: Best High Schools in Canada and their Possible Costs
2. Know the Things to Study and Work in Canada
- Choose a Course
knowing the course you wish to study before anything else is a must. You would also need to make sure that you would excel in the field that you are studying. This is the first step and is very crucial. If you choose a course beyond your capabilities it might lead to failure, waste of finance, and other demerits. But if you choose the right course it would lead to high grades and maybe a chance to earn a scholarship in Canada.
- Apply for Canadian Higher Education Provider that is recognized and get your Acceptance Letter
If you are certain that you know the right course to study, then, you are free to apply at any Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). However, not all Canadian universities receive international students, that is why applying at only a Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) comes in handy. But you need not worry because there are lots of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) you can choose to apply to.
- Language Proficiency Test
this test is to help you to ascertain your fluency in the English or French language. The most popular English test in IELTS. Still, there are many other tests like TOEFL Ibt, C1 Advanced, and PTE Academic that are also accepted. During your study permit application, one of the above tests would be needed.
- Get a Study Permit Application
This permit enables you to work alongside your studies in Canada. You can effortlessly learn how to get a study permit.
As an international student in Canada, you can get part-time work that will last (up to 20 hours a week) during school terms and might also work as full-time staff during expected breaks like summer vacation.
3. Know the Required Things to Study and Work in Canada
A study permit gives you the guarantee to study and work in Canada. But there are many roles in guiding this. Your permit will determine If you can work while you study.
This is if it’s written in your permit that you can work as you study. If so, you then apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It is very important if you want to work while you study in Canada. You can still amend your study permit If your study didn’t say so. However, some conditions might hinder you from working as a student. They are stated below
- If your study program is not up to six months in duration
- When you are a visiting or exchange student
Benefits of Working and Studying in Canada
One of the things to know if you want to study and work in Canada is to know the benefits of working and studying in Canada. Working while studying in Canada comes with loads of benefits. You stand to gain a lot if you are given the opportunity. Here are some of the benefits;
- Valuable work experience
- Managing and controlling your finances easily.
- Connect with more people outside your study environment.
Useful Information that can Help you Secure a Job in Canada
How you can acquire a job in Canada as an international student? As an international student, here is some useful information that can help you secure a job in Canada.
- Make ready with a Well-Written Resume (CV) and Cover Letter
- Go out and search for available jobs.
- Search for jobs on websites like Monster, Indeed, and so many others.
- Make good use of the social media
