Canada are amongst the most popular destinations for students to pursue their higher studies because of their high-quality education, diversity of culture, courses, and top-notch career opportunities. However, for international students, studying in Canada would incur higher expenses than in their countries. International students often do part-time jobs at various places to meet their educational expenses and maintain a decent standard of living. In doing so, the students earn some extra money and garner additional experience and skills. The best part of working part-time in Canada for international students is that they can be undertaken on weekends, evenings, or holidays. There is a lot of flexibility to build schedules and work accordingly.
Part Time Job Rules In Canada
On-campus part-time Job rules in Canada:
International students are allowed to work on-campus without a work permit.
However, they must be a full-time post-secondary student and meet the following criteria:
- Be a student of CEGEP. CEGEP is a public post-secondary school, like a college or a university.
- You must have a legal Canadian study permit.
- Can be enrolled in a private college-level school in Quebec that receives at least 50% funding from the government and follows the same rules as laid down for Canadian public schools
- Must have a SIN (Social Insurance Number)
- Must have enrolled in a Canadian private school accredited by provincial law to confer degrees
International students are not allowed to work on-campus under certain situations, like:
- After the student visa expires
- After completing the full-time studies
- If you're transferring schools and are not enrolled in a particular school
- If you're on leave from studies
Off-campus part-time job rules in Canada:
International students need to meet the following requirements if they want to work off-campus without a work permit:
- You need to be a full-time student enrolled in an accredited educational institute.
- Have a SIN (Social Security Number)
- The student must be enrolled in a program that lasts for at least 6 months and must result in a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Must have enrolled in a post-secondary professional, vocational, or academic training program
International students can work off-line in a part-time mode only if:
- They're enrolled as a full-time student in Canada until the semester ends
- If they're in the final semester of their program and do not need to pursue a full course load to complete their course
Best Part Time Jobs For International Students In Canada
Many part-time job opportunities are available for international students in Canada. The best part about these jobs is that they offer a respectable salary with flexible schedules. International students can always pick a job on-campus or off-campus after following the laws of Canada.
Here are some part-time job options available for international students:
Teacher's Assistant
A teacher's assistant position is just as suitable for students interested in teaching or working in any other capacity in the educational field. In Canada, professors and teachers regularly hire assistants to assist them in tutoring students, checking papers, facilitating class, and creating lesson plans. If you are passionate about taking up these roles while studying, then a teacher's assistant job is for you. The best part about this part-time job is that students need minimal experience. However, students need to possess excellent communication and organizational skills. The average pay is 15-16 CAD per hour.
Freelancer
The freelancing job is perfect for students who want to work from home and at a schedule convenient to them. International students can take many freelancing part-time jobs, including web designing, writing, translation, graphic designing, copywriting, etc. Depending on the quality of your work and your client, freelancing jobs offer great pay packages for students. On average, freelancers are paid 25 CAD per hour.
Translator
International students can take up a part-time translator job if they're fluent in multiple languages. You need to be able to read, write, and speak fluently in a specific language to be considered for the translator's job. Students have the option of working on their own or joining an organization. On average, translators in Canada are paid 21-22 CAD per hour.
Bartender/Server
A bartender or server is one of the most common jobs students can opt for in Canada. This part-time job is quite popular because of the flexible schedules it offers. However, students must be prepared to work on weekends or at night. The Bartender or Server job may not pay much hourly, but students can certainly look forward to receiving tips. Also, with Canada's standard tipping rate hovering between 15% and 20% CAD, students can easily make anywhere between 75 CAD and 200 CAD per night. However, the amounts will vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, and the establishment.
Bookkeeper
Students having a strong affinity for mathematics, organization skills, and time management can seriously look at bookkeeping as a part-time job in Canada while studying there. Usually, a bookkeeper is entrusted with tasks like recording transactions such as payments and expenses, purchases, invoices, sales revenue, processing payments, producing different financial reports, etc.
Tutor
International students can easily target part-time tutoring jobs in Canada if they've experience and knowledge in certain subjects. However, they need to have the patience to teach others. The best part about this part-time job is that it lets students choose their niche and independently market their talent. You can easily teach students from elementary school level up to college level. Depending on the subject you teach and your experience, you'll be paid 15-20 CAD per hour.
Ridesharing Driver
If you're passionate about driving and want to explore Canada whilst studying, one of the most popular part-time jobs for international students is to become a ridesharing driver. You need to be 21 years of age and have a driver's licence to become a Lyft or Uber driver in Canada. The best part about this job is that you've lots of flexibility and accessibility, and time will be under your control. A ridesharing driver can easily earn 14-25 CAD per hour in Canada.
Sales Assistant
In the role of Sales Assistant, students get an opportunity to help increase the organization's sales volume whilst maintaining close contact with customers. Sales assistants will get regular opportunities to work with the sales team to actively monitor purchases and ensure all orders are delivered on time. Students need to have excellent communication skills, product knowledge, and computer knowledge for this role.
Part Time Job & Salaries In Canada
Job Profile |
Salary (CAD) |
Private Tutor |
15 – 20/hr |
Teacher’s Assistant |
15 – 16/hr |
Freelancer |
25/hr |
Translator |
21 – 22/hr |
Sales Assistant |
12/hr |
Ridesharing Driver |
14 – 25/hr |
Bartender/Server |
75 – 200/hr |
Bookkeeper |
25/hr |
Babysitter |
14/hr |
Barista |
11 – 12/hr |
Highest Paying Part Time Jobs In Canada
Job Profile |
Salary (CAD) |
Bartender/Server |
75-200/hr |
Freelancer |
25/hr |
Bookkeeper |
25/hr |
Translator |
21-22/hr |
Private Tutor |
15-20/hr |
How To Find Part Time Jobs In Canada?
AECC is always at the forefront of helping you with the right information and guidance on matters like finding part-time jobs in Canada. International students need to check a few things before they start finding part-time jobs in Canada.
Some of these include:
- Whether you wish to do a part-time job off-campus or on-campus, you must have a SIN (Social Insurance Number). International students need to have this unique number before searching for a part-time job or starting with one. A SIN will not only legally allow you to start working part-time in Canada but also let you access a variety of national programs.
- Keep your updated resume or CV ready. Also, you need to have a cover letter. Make sure you prepare well for interviews.
If you're seeking an on-campus part-time job in Canada, then it will be a good idea to check advertisements and part-time job postings on the notice boards regularly. Sometimes, job openings are also seen on the university's official website. So, checking it out helps. Alternatively, international students can join a committee or a student club or webinars, attend information sessions, volunteer, or participate in other campus activities to search for part-time jobs effectively.
International students can also seek off-campus part-time jobs in Canada. However, to get a job, students need access to the industry they wish to enter. It becomes easier for students to get a job when they create contacts with individuals or leaders or be a part of a company network.
AECC is the most trusted and experienced education counselor for students who wish to study in Canada. Our education experts are friendly and have in-depth knowledge about education scenarios in Canada and how to earn while studying there. If you're someone who wants to earn extra money and gain some experience while you're studying in Canada, feel free to get in touch with AECC. Our expert advisors are here to help you.