Working while studying in Canada
One of the most common ways to immigrate to Canada is through education. International students in Canada have the right to work while studying for a certain number of hours during the week without the need for a work permit, at the same time as studying in Canada, and to compensate part of their living and education expenses.
Work rules and conditions for students in Canada
- A student can work 20 hours a week while studying and during the academic semester outside the university or campus.
- During the break between semesters, the student is allowed to work full-time outside the university. He can also work overtime or have 2 part-time jobs.
- You must be a full-time student to be able to work.
- The duration of the student’s study period should be more than 6 months.
- You are allowed to work after commencement of your studies and not before
- After starting work in Canada, the student has only 3 days to report the SIN number to the Immigration and Citizenship
- Department of Canada. Applying for this number is free.
Note: From November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, foreign students can work more than 20 hours a week. This temporary action of Canada was to compensate for the lack of labor in this country.
SIN number for student work in Canada
Everyone who works in Canada must have a valid “social insurance number” called a SIN number. Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Canadian government.
Applicants need this number to work in Canada or receive government benefits and services. Therefore, foreign students who intend to do student work while studying in Canada must have an insurance number and can request it from Service Canada.
Types of work while studying in Canada
International students studying in Canada can work while studying. This can help them finance their education and living expenses and gain Canadian work experience.
In Canada, there are three types of student jobs:
- Work in the university environment (On-campus)
- Off-campus work
- Co-op/Internship
Work in the university environment
Working in the university environment means that the student works inside the university campus. This can include the following:
- Helping the professor in carrying out projects
- Work in a library, laboratory, or other university department
- Work in a restaurant, cafe, or on-campus store
Work in the university environment does not require a work permit. The student can start working immediately after entering Canada.
Work outside the university environment
Working outside the university environment means that the student works outside the university. This can include the following:
Work in stores, restaurants, or private companies
Work in fields related to the student’s field of study
Students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week outside the university environment.
Internship
Internship means that the student works in a company or organization as a trainee. Internships are usually part of a student’s study program and help them acquire practical skills needed by the labor market.
For the internship, the student does not need a work permit. However, if the internship is mandatory, the student must have a work permit.
Student wage
Student wages in Canada are usually between $14 and $20 an hour. Of course, at graduate levels, student wages can reach up to $25 per hour.
Post Graduate Work Permit Program in Canada (PGWP)
International students who complete full-time studies at an undergraduate or higher level in Canada can apply for a Post-Study Work permit (PGWP). This permit allows students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
Canadian work experience is an important factor in applying for Canadian permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. Therefore, the PGWP is a great opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience and increase their chances of permanent Canadian residency.
To receive a PGWP , students must meet the following requirements:
- Graduation from an accredited educational institution in Canada
- Completion of at least 8 months of full-time study in Canada
- Having a minimum CLB language score of 6 in English or French
- Application fee payment
Students can apply for a PGWP without having a job offer from a Canadian employer. However, having a job offer from a Canadian employer can increase your chances of getting a permit.
The PGWP application is made through the Immigration Canada (IRCC) website. The cost of a PGWP application is $255 CAD for one year.
Advantages of PGWP
- An opportunity to experience Canadian work and acquire the skills needed by the labor market
- Increase your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
- Ability to live and work in Canada for up to three years
The PGWP is a great opportunity for international students to stay in Canada and gain Canadian work experience after graduation. This experience can increase their chances of permanent residence in Canada.while
