Top Questions About Working as an International Student in Canada

If you’re interested in working while studying in Canada, or if you are curious about what options are available for you after graduation, we’ve rounded up the top questions about working in Canada as an international student. Get information about the basics of working in Canada, where you can work, how long you are allowed to work, and what your options are when it comes to working after graduation.

Working in Canada: Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can international students work in Canada?

Yes, most international students can work while studying in Canada. There are different requirements depending on whether you want to work off-campus or on-campus.

• For eligibility requirements related to working on-campus, check out the Government of Canada’s Work On Campus as an International Student page.
  

2. What are the eligibility requirements for working off-campus?

To work off-campus as an international student in Canada you need to:

• Hold a valid study permit

• Have authorization to work off-campus via your study permit

• Be enrolled for at least 6 months in a degree, diploma, or certificate program

• Be enrolled full-time as a student. Exceptions to this are:

• If you’re on a break where you’re not required to study full-time or at all

• If you’re completing the final term of your studies

• Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

For more information, see the Government of Canada’s Work Off-Campus as an International Student page.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for working on-campus?

To work on-campus as an international student in Canada you need to:

• Be a full-time student

• Have a valid study permit

• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

For more information, see the Government of Canada’s Work On Campus as an International Student page.

4. What is the minimum wage in Canada?

As of April 2024, the federal minimum wage in Canada is $17.30. However, minimum wage is different from province to province so, for the most accurate information, check out the Government of Canada’s Current and Forthcoming General Minimum Wage Rates in Canada page.

5. Is it hard to find a job as an international student in Canada?

There are many ways your job search can be made easier. Finding a job as an international student or a recent graduate requires a good understanding of your study permit, Canadian labour laws, and a willingness to commit to the job search. Make use of your international student services. They can help and guide you through the job search process, so it’s not so confusing or overwhelming. Finally, keep your expectations realistic and make sure you are well-balanced against your studies.

You may also want to make use of other resources such as:

• Your student centre

• Job boards

• Reaching out to contacts and networking via Linkedin or other platforms.

6. Can international students work more than 40 hours in Canada?

If you’re working on-campus, international students don’t have any restrictions on the hours worked per week.

If you’re working off-campus, however, you can’t exceed 20 hours of work per week while you are taking classes. This is lifted during scheduled breaks. Canada temporarily allowed international students to work more than 20 hours per week from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, but you should check with your institution for details on current rules.

7. What are the requirements for a co-op work permit for international students in Canada?

To apply for a work permit for a co-op or internship position, you must have:

• A valid study permit.

• Your employment must be an essential part of

• a postsecondary academic, vocational or professional training program;

• a vocational training program at the secondary level in Quebec; or

• a secondary-level program that requires student to work in order to obtain their secondary or high school diploma or certificate of graduation,

• it must be offered by a Designated Learning Institution.

• Your employment must be certified as part of the academic program by a responsible academic official of the institution; and

• Your co-op or internship employment can’t form more than 50 percent of the total program of study; and

• You are not a medical intern or extern, nor a resident physician (except in veterinary medicine).

Source: The Government of Canada's Guide 5580 - Applying for a Work Permit - Student Guide.

Where to Work in Canada as an International Student

8. What is the best place to study and work in Canada?

The best places for international students in Canada to study and work are:

• Ontario - It’s no surprise that many international students want to work and study in Ontario. Known for its diversity, the province is also home to many reputable universities and colleges. There are also beautiful sights and natural attractions in the province. Notable cities here include:

• Toronto

• Ottawa

• Waterloo
  

• British Columbia - With great natural beauty, low crime rates, and reputed schools, many international students choose to work and study in British Columbia because of its welcoming and diverse atmosphere. One of the most popular cities in British Columbia for international students to work and study is Vancouver.
  

• Quebec - With cost-effective education, a rich culture, and a low cost of living, Quebec is another popular option with international students. Top cities to work and study in include Montreal and Quebec City.
  

• Alberta- With nationally recognized schools and world-renowned natural parks, Alberta is a great place to study and work. The top cities here include Edmonton and Calgary.

9. What are the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada for International students?

The highest-paying part-time jobs for international students in Canada are:

• Bartender/Server - On average, you get paid $17/hour in addition to tips.

• Rideshare Driver - On average, you can get around $20/hour.

• Freelancer - Depending on your skills, you can get paid $23-$40/hour.

• Tutor - Typically, the average pay is $20-$23/hour.

• Teacher’s Assistant - You can get paid an average of $22-$25/hour.

Keep in mind that these are just a selection of jobs out there. If you’re looking for more options, check out your International Student Centre. They’re a great resource for your job hunt.

International Graduates: Working After Your Studies

10. What is the Canadian job market like for international graduates?

Recent data shows that international graduates with a Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree get employment and gain work experience faster. According to Statistics Canada, international graduates with a Canadian education see a boost in their earnings in comparison to those without.

For more on what to expect from the Canadian job market when you graduate, we’ve rounded up perspectives from post-secondary institutions, students, and IDP counsellors here.

11. How long can international students stay in Canada after graduation?

If you’d like to stay in Canada after you graduate, it’s recommended you apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP), as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you graduate, you have 180 days to apply for a PGWP.

For detailed information about the eligibility criteria for the PGWP, visit the Government of Canada’s Work in Canada page.

12. What is the post-graduate work permit in Canada?

If you’ve completed a certificate, degree, or diploma at least 8 months in length, you can remain in Canada after graduation and work full-time with the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). While there are options if you run out of time, it’s important to remember that you should still apply for the PGWP while you still have your study permit. You can apply for the PGWP without a formal job offer.

13. Can I change my status from student to worker in Canada?

If you’ve graduated from a Designated Learning Institution, you can change your study permit to a work permit by applying for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

14. How long after graduation can I apply for permanent residency in Canada?

How soon you can apply for permanent residency in Canada after graduation depends on what eligibility criteria you meet. You may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program. The requirements you must fulfill include:

• You will be living in Canada in a province outside of Quebec.

• You must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) in an occupation at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 in Canada in the three years before you apply.

• You must have gained your work experience while working legally in Canada after you graduated.

• You must meet the required language levels for your job for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).

Source: The Government of Canada's Immigration and Citizenship Help Centre.

There are many other immigration programs available to you upon graduation. To get the best understanding of what options are open to you, the Government of Canada recommends using its Come to Canada Tool or checking its cheat sheet chart of available immigration programs, which you can find here.

The permanent residency programs available to international graduates include the:

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)

• Provincial Nominee Program

• Rural Northern Immigration Pilot

Finding Your Dream Job as an International Student

Ready to start navigating the job market? If you have more questions, remember that there are lots of resources available to help you out. Check out your international student centre as well as these IDP Education Canada blogs!

Choosing courses for the next term? Or just have questions about what program you should choose? Reach out to IDP Education’s counselors for a free consultation. Book an appointment now.

For the latest tips for international students in Canada, follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.