International students from all over the world flock to Canada each year to pursue post-secondary education at one of the country’s many world-renowned universities or colleges. Canada currently has over 621,565 international students from across the globe. Latin American students submitted 26,087 applications for student visas to Canada in 2019, and of those, 19,642 were approved, for a 75.29% approval rate. Out of all the county’s in South America, Mexico has the most international students currently in Canada, with just over 11, 000.
There are many reasons why so many people want to study in Canada. One of the major reasons is the country’s policy that allows students to work and study in Canada at the same time. Having a job and earning money while you study has massive benefits.
While Canada offers great financial benefits and freedoms, its high quality of life and standard of living is considered expensive compared to any countries in South America. As a student in Canada, being able to work enables you to own a car, live in a nice apartment, and go out with friends while paying off your student loan.
Canadian policy has various routes which allow you to work as a student, so here are the Top three ways to work in Canada as a Student.
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Work On Campus
Whether you’re allowed to work on or off campus depends on what the conditions of your visa are. If you work on your campus, you won’t need a work permit. However, you need to meet specific requirements to do this legally.
Critically, you cannot begin working until you have enrolled at university or college and your studies have begun. This means that you won’t be able to arrive and work in Canada a month before your classes start in order to make some money.
If you are studying full time at any public post-secondary institution as an international student, you’ll be allowed to work on campus. Remember, that in order to apply to study at a particular institution, it must be classified as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
In order to do any work on or off campus, you must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).You will need a 9-digit number to work and be paid in Canada and if you decide to stay in Canada, this pin will allow you to access government programs and benefits.
With regards to students who study part-time in their last semester, you may work an unlimited number of hours on campus - even if you were a full-time student during each semester of your program but are studying part-time in your final semester to complete the curriculum.
Where You Can Work
“On campus” refers to the buildings belonging to your institution. However, in most circumstances, if your institution has more than one location, you are only permitted to work at the site where you are enrolled.
You may work in a library, hospital or research facility associated with your school - even if these locations are outside the campus but you’re working as a teaching or research assistant and your work is strictly related to a research grant, it must still be associated with your school.
You can work for the institution itself, for a student organization or a faculty member. You can even work for yourself if you have your own business that is physically located on the premises.
When You Have To Stop Working
Like most temporary Canadian visas, study permits will expire. When this happens, you’ll have to stop working. Likewise, if you are switching institutions and aren't actively studying, or when you’re on authorized leave from your studies for family or medical emergencies, you must stop working.
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Work Off-Campus
Depending on the conditions of your study visa, you may be able to work off-campus. It’s very important that before you begin working, you and your employer must confirm that you are able to do so without a work permit. Youhave to leave Canada if you start working off campus but don't match the standards.
Only when your studies program has begun in Canada, are you able to begin working. Before you begin your studies, you cannot work. In order to meet the requirements to work off- campus, you must:
- Be a full time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Be a Post-secondary student enrolled in an academic, vocational professional training program
- Be enrolled in a study program longer than six months
- Your program must end in a degree, diploma or certificate
Off-campus Work Hours
In the regular academic terms or semesters, 20 hours a week are the maximum you can work. As long as you continue to adhere to the terms of your study permit, you are permitted to perform more than one job to make up for these hours.
- During the school year's designated breaks (if you have a scheduled break), such as the winter and summer vacations or a fall or spring reading week, you are permitted to work full-time.
- You are free to work more hours or two part-time jobs that total more hours than normal.
- To work full-time, you must be enrolled in school full-time before and after the break and you are not allowed to work during the break before your first semester of school.
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Internships or Co-ops.
If you want to work in Canada as a student and work experience is a component of certain study programs' curricula, you may be able to do so without a work permit. You must, however, meet the following requirements:
- You have a current study permit, but you must work to finish your course of study in Canada.
- You have documentation from your school stating that all program participants must complete work placements in order to earn their degrees
- Your co-op or internship accounts for 50% or less of your study program.
You won’t be eligible for an internship if you’re taking English or French as a second language, doing general interest courses, or taking courses to prepare for another program.
Study in Canada with VisadeCanada Today
Ready to take the first step on your journey to Canada? Work and study in Canada to plan your future so you can have a a phenomenal post-secondary education and plenty of work experience to take you to the next level. To assist you through all of this, contact us today for a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), a specialist in Canadian visas and immigration programs.
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FAQs
How do I change the conditions on my study permit?
If you want to work and study in Canada but your study permit does not include work requirements, you may request that it be amended to include them if you are qualified to work off campus. These conditions can be added to your permit at no additional cost. Before you may apply for a SIN from Service Canada, you must ask for a change to your study visa.
What happens if I work more than 20 hours off campus?
If you work more than 20 hours off campus, you risk losing your student status and risk having future requests for a study or work permit denied. You may need to leave the country.Can I stay in Canada after graduation?
Can I stay in Canada after I graduate?
Canada has various routes for you to explore when you are no longer a student. Some are temporary measures, like applying for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) while others are permanent, such as applying through Canadian Experience Class (CEC). How you stay in Canada after you’ve received your diploma, degree or certificate depends on how long you studied and worked in Canada.