Working as an international student in Canada can be a great opportunity to expand your professional network, gain work experience and generate extra cash flow. However, there are certain requirements that must be abided by and some types of work require special permission.
Thus, it is essential to begin your job search early and research what types of positions are available. Furthermore, be proactive and ask around for assistance if needed.
Work Permits
Working as an international student in Canada can be a great way to make the most of your study permit, gain work experience and develop your career prospects. However, there are certain rules and regulations regarding working while in Canada that need to be observed.
First and foremost, you must be fully enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), meaning that you are taking at least 15 credit hours each term.
Furthermore, you must hold an approved study permit valid throughout your entire stay in Canada; without it, you cannot work off-campus.
You can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to work in Canada for up to three years after graduating. This permit allows you to continue working while your permanent resident status is being processed.
To apply for a work permit in Canada, you must first obtain one from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A work permit serves as the entry document into Canada while a visa serves as the exit ticket out.
Work Off Campus
Working as an international student in Canada can be a great opportunity to hone your resume, connect with local industries and communities, and gain insight into Canadian workplace culture. But be sure to double-check your immigration status before accepting any job offers.
Most international students are allowed to work off campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full time during regular school breaks. To address a critical labor shortage in Canada, the Government of Canada is temporarily lifting this limit from November 15 until December 31, 2023.
Work Permit Requirements
Working in Canada is an integral part of the international student experience. It can help you make career decisions, connect you to local communities and industries, expose you to Canadian workplace culture, as well as providing extra money.
The initial step to working in Canada is obtaining a work permit. These permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for foreign nationals wishing to work here.
IRCC can issue both open and closed work permits, which are tied to specific employers. Closed permits typically involve employment contracts that must remain unchanged until a foreign national changes their work permit.
Foreign nationals typically need a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before applying for a closed work permit. Unfortunately, LMIA applications can take an extensive amount of time to process.
Work Experience
International students can utilize work experience as a means of increasing their employment prospects after graduation. It helps them gain valuable experience, develop skills and establish contacts that could make it easier for them to secure employment after graduation.
Resume accomplishments can be an essential element for employers. They allow you to demonstrate your abilities and demonstrate that you possess the necessary capabilities for the role, as well as being eager to begin working right away.
Many universities and colleges provide work experience opportunities through faculty-sponsored internships, where you can gain hands-on experience in your desired field, as well as build a professional network. Furthermore, these experiences give you an opportunity to improve your language and Canadian workplace skills – both of which are invaluable assets during job hunting.
Gaining knowledge of Canadian work culture, earning extra money, and developing stronger ties to your community are just some of the advantages you could gain. Furthermore, having this kind of experience could increase your employability after graduating from a Canadian university or college and give you valuable skills that could lead to higher-paying employment opportunities.
