Understanding Your Study Permit Work Rights

You must learn the Canadian student work rights before you seek employment.

On-Campus Jobs

In case: International students may work on campus without a separate work permit provided:

• You have a valid study permit

• You are pursuing a full-time degree at a certified learning institution (DLI).

• Your course results in a degree, diploma or certificate.

On-campus employment can be library positions, cafeteria positions, research lab positions, or student services positions, or even a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA).

On-campus working is not required to be limited to a specific hour, although good academic status is still required of students.

Off-Campus Jobs and the 20 Hours Rule.

International students most of them are permitted to work off campus:

• Not more than 20 hours per week in school.

• Fulltime during predetermined vacations, e.g. summer or winter holidays.

In a bid to be employed off campus your study permit should clearly show that you are permitted to work. This is applicable to retail, hospitality, tutoring and a host of others.

Note: there are also other programs like co-op or internship program where co-op work permit is also necessary in conjunction with a study permit.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Canada

The method to find a part-time job in Canada is a combination of internet search, networking, and campus search.

Online Job Platforms

Students in Canada find popular jobs on part-time positions on platforms such as:

• Indeed

• LinkedIn

• Glassdoor

• Job Bank Canada

• Portals such as the Workopolis or Talent Egg which are student-centered.

Empty filters like part-time, entry-level, and student can be used to reduce results.

Campus Career Centres

The career centres of most Canadian colleges and universities have:

• Post on-campus job openings

• Provide resume and cover letter analysis.

• Conduct job fairs/employer networking events.

Campus job boards tend to lack competitiveness and have more flexibility in regard to student schedules.

Networking

The networking is a significant factor in the Canadian employment market. Helpful strategies include:

• Seniors, classmates, and professors Talking to these individuals.

• Becoming a member of student groupings or organizations.

• Participating in career fairs and workshops.

Referrals instead of applications finish the process of many students getting a first job.

Popular Student Job Sectors in Canada

International students labor in very diverse industries. They include:

Retail

Other jobs like cashier, sales associate or store assistant are in high demand. The retail positions assist the students in building customer service and communication.

Hospitality

Students are often employed in restaurants, cafes, and hotels as waiters, bartenders, kitchen assistants or front desk clerks. Tips can be added to these positions on top of hourly compensation.

Tutoring and Academic Support

Students who excel in such areas as math, science, or languages may become tutors, either on their own or on campus learning centres.

Campus Jobs (TA and RA Roles)

Graduate and senior undergraduate students could receive:

• Teaching Assistant (TA) jobs.

• Research Assistant (RA) roles

These are very academic jobs and they are presentable on resumes.

Gig Economy

Students are also involved in gig work including:

• Food delivery

• Freelancing (graphic design, writing, coding)

• Ride-Share driving (properly licenced)

Gig jobs are flexible but need to be managed and planned in terms of taxes.

How to Write a Canadian-Style Resume and Cover Letter

A good application is necessary to obtain an on campus and off campus jobs.

Canadian Resume Format

Major characteristics of Canadian resume format are:

• 1–2 pages in length

• Obvious parts: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education.

• No photograph, age, marital status, and personal information.

• Bullet points with highlights of accomplishments as opposed to responsibilities.

Concentrate on transferable skills which may include group working, communication and problem solving- even where the experience is not Canadian.

Cover Letter Tips

A cover letter used in Canada ought to:

• Be tailored to each job

• Give reasons why you are a good fit in the position.

• Demonstrate passion and competence.

Never use generic letters Employers will like personalization.

Understanding Canadian Workplace Culture and Minimum Wage

Workplace Culture

Canadian workplaces value:

• Rigidity and discipline.

• Respectful communication

• Teamwork and inclusivity

Employees are supposed to adhere to schedules, ensure that they give their supervisors notice about their absence and they should be able to communicate professionally with their supervisors.

Minimum Wage in Canada

Minimal wage in Canada is different in provinces and territories. Though the rates vary, most provinces charge between 15-plus and more per hour. The provincial minimum wage should be applied to students, irrespective of their nationalities or studentship.

Balancing Work and Studies: Time Management Tips

Employment during a college education may be self-gratifying, still, school performance ought to be given the first priority.

Helpful strategies include:

• Establishing a weekly program that separates study and work time.

• Restricting working hours on exams or deadlines of assignments.

• Applicability of productivity tools and planners.

• Making availability clear with employers.

Also, it is important to remember that working too often or forgetting about studies can not have a positive impact on your study permit status.

Tax Implications: SIN Number Application and Filing Taxes

Getting a SIN

International students have to fill a SIN number application to legally work. Every paid job has to be initiated with a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

You can apply:

• Online

• Physically in one of the Service Canada offices.

You are normally expected to have your study permit and your passport.

Filing Taxes

When you are working in Canada, you are obliged to make an income tax filing- even when you are making a little income. Filing taxes:

• Assists you in adhering to the Canadian law.

• May qualify you to get tax credits or tax refunds.

• Establishes your Canadian financial history.

There are numerous campuses providing free tax clinics to students.