Guide to part-time jobs in Canada as an international student
Studying abroad in Canada is an academically enriching and culturally exciting experience – but let’s not forget it can sometimes be an expensive experience, too! The good news is, there are plenty of opportunities for Canadian students to find part-time work and earn a paycheck while they’re in classes. In this article, we describe what to expect from part-time jobs in Canada, how to find them, and how to manage your time and money once you’re hired.
1. What to expect when looking for part-time work in Canada as an international student
Know your permit requirements
If you’re studying abroad in Canada, chances are you already have a valid study permit. Before you start looking for and applying to part-time jobs, though, you’ll want to make sure you’re eligible to work in Canada according to your permit. Don’t worry! Most full-time international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Still, you’ll want to double check your specific requirements before looking for work.
Apply for a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
SIN numbers are required for any paid work in Canada, so make sure to apply for one before you start working. The process is relatively simple and can be completed online or at a Service Canada office.
Understand on-campus versus off-campus work
International students in Canada often have the option of working on campus or off campus. The decision is up to you and depends on a number of factors. On-campus work typically involves working for an academic office, professor, or other on-campus group or club. You typically won’t have to commute for an on-campus job, and these roles are often a great way to connect to your campus community.
Good news! International students in Canada who are eligible to work on campus are also eligible to work off campus. So, if you’re okay with a potential commute off campus, you can look for roles in your school’s wider community. These roles might be harder to find, but you may be able to find work that better aligns with your future career goals. The choice is yours! But it’s good to know the differences before looking for work.
Keep in mind that on- and off-campus roles may have different permit requirements, so always check your study permit before making a decision.
2. Finding part-time jobs in Canada
Update your resume and cover letter
Before hitting the job boards, make sure your resume and cover letter are up to date. It’s a good idea to highlight previous roles, even if they were in your home country, in addition to academic experiences and on-campus leadership roles. Don’t forget to explore our top resume tips.
Explore school job boards and networking resources
The first place to look for on- or off-campus jobs should be your school’s student job board. Ask your school’s career development office to point you in the right direction if you aren’t sure where to find this. Often, student job boards include on-campus opportunities as well as off-campus roles with employers the school has a relationship with.
Also, keep an eye out for school sponsored job fairs or networking events. These are another great way to meet employers and start building professional connections.
Use other online job boards
There are plenty of other online job boards, so if you aren’t having any luck finding roles on your school’s student job board, these can be a great resource. Make sure to look for employers who are willing to hire international students.
Prepare for the application process
Applying to jobs can be stressful, but with a little bit of preparation, you can confidently handle the process. Check out the career development section of our resources hub to learn more about how to ace your application, cover letter and interview – and get a job offer!
3. Managing your schedule and your money
Okay, so you got your part-time job offer – congratulations! You’re on your way to earning a paycheck and becoming more financially independent. But first, you’ll have to figure out how to manage your new job with your academic schedule, and how to manage your budget.
Managing your time
The good news is, employers who hire international students are often very aware of your academic demands – especially on-campus employers. As long as you communicate your schedule with them when you’re first hired, you shouldn’t run into many issues. Just remember: Balancing a job with a full class load can take time to get used to. Be patient with yourself!
Managing your money
Now that you’re earning a paycheck, you’ll want to make sure you’re being smart about how the money you earn is used. Creating a budget is a great way to understand your expenses and save up for longer-term goals. You’ll also want to make sure you sign up for a Canadian bank account. This will make getting paid even easier, since your paychecks can be directly deposited into your new bank account. In-country bank accounts also offer other benefits to international students, like minimizing the need for international transfer fees. Our partner TD Bank* offers an exclusive International Student Banking package designed specifically for your needs while you’re abroad.
*MPOWER has referral agreements with TD Bank and may earn referral fees from this relationship.
