top of page
Writer's pictureMurat Koçak

Studying and Working in Canada

Updated: May 17

Many students dream of pursuing university education in Canada, drawn by its high quality of education, the opportunities it offers, and excellent living conditions. Are you interested in studying at a Canadian university but hesitant due to the challenging requirement of working in Canada? Do you wonder about the types of jobs you can do? What are the chances of finding part-time work? If these questions linger in your mind and you're seeking answers, then this blog post is just for you!

women studying and working in canada

Is It Possible to Work While Studying in Canada?

To work while studying, you first need to submit an online application through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. You can complete your application by entering the required information on the IRCC website.


Students studying in Canada must meet certain conditions to work. These conditions vary depending on whether the work is on-campus or off-campus.


After filling in the mandatory fields and paying the work permit fee through the online application on the website, your temporary work permit application in Canada will be complete. It is possible to work while studying in Canada, and there is no legal contradiction. However, not everyone may receive a work permit. There are specific conditions for this, organized according to the type of education you are pursuing and the duration of your studies. These education types are:


  1. University: There are no restrictions on the jobs you can take on campus while studying at a university in Canada. Off-campus, international undergraduate students can work part-time during the academic year, which means up to 20 hours per week. If they stay in Canada during semester breaks and summer holidays, they can legally work full-time. This work right is provided to help students meet their general needs and expenses. The important thing for students is to continue your studies full-time and successfully complete them.

  2. Master’s Degree: Master’s students wishing to work while studying have the same rights as undergraduate students. That is, master's students can also legally work 20 hours during the teaching periods and 40 hours during semester or summer breaks.

  3. Language School: Unfortunately, there is no work opportunity for those attending language school to learn a language. This is because those studying at a language school are considered to have temporary resident status by class, making it legally impossible to work while studying at a language school in Canada.


women studying at park in canada


Conditions Required to Work While Studying in Canada

Students wishing to study and work in Canada must meet certain conditions, which vary depending on whether the work is inside or outside the campus.


1.Conditions for working on-campus: There are no additional conditions for students to work on-campus. However, your right to work ends in certain situations:


  • When your full-time study ends,

  • If your study permit expires,

  • If you suspend your registration for any reason, make a school change, or are not actively continuing education due to school-related reasons, you cannot work on-campus until you return to student status.


2. Conditions for Off-Campus Work Permit in Canada: Whether you can legally work off-campus is specified in the study permit issued to you by your school in Canada. If you do not have a study permit or are still in the research phase of your studies, the conditions are as follows:


  • Be a full-time student at any school listed under Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)

  • Be enrolled in a program at any school in Canada that lasts at least 6 months

  • Have officially commenced your studies at your school in Canada (according to Canadian law, it is illegal for students to work before their enrollment is confirmed and before they start school)

  • Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

  • Your right to work off-campus continues even if you are enrolled in a full-time program but do not have full-time courses in the final term.

  • If you suspend your registration for any reason, change schools, or are not actively engaged in education due to school-related reasons, your right to work off-campus is suspended. Your legal right to work resumes once your education restarts.


call center male in canada

What are the Official Processes for Part-Time Work in Canada?

Applications to work in Canada as a student are made online. Online applications are completed by entering the necessary information on the website of the Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Office (IRCC).


After filling in the mandatory fields and paying the work permit fee, the application for a temporary work permit in Canada is completed online. If you wish to study and work in Canada, you can check out our other blogs where you may find answers to your questions.


Website Recommendations to Help You Find a Job in Canada

For those seeking websites for job postings in Canada, we can recommend some websites that will help you find a job in Canada.


Universities in Canada have a special career team established to help students find part-time jobs and meet all necessary conditions. Besides reaching out to this team, here are some reliable Canadian job listing sites:


● LinkedIn

● Indeed

● Monster

● Employment Guide

● Job Bank

● Workopolis

These websites can help you find a job in Canada.



a women working at cafe

Job Recommendations You May Like

After completing your online application to work as a student in Canada, the next question on your mind might be which job postings you can apply for. The type and duration of your education regulate the work permits and conditions in Canada, so finding a job that is both suitable and legal is essential. Also, the nature of the job application as a student in Canada is very important. Before choosing a job in Canada:


  • You must adjust your program well. Especially in the first year of your education, you should not overburden yourself with work and school.

  • When applying for jobs in Canada, you can apply for jobs that are compatible with your field of study or that will help you develop new skills.

  • Companies in Canada generally offer full-time positions to students who have worked with them part-time before, providing job opportunities after graduation.


One of the most popular jobs among international students in Canada is babysitting. Compared to other jobs, it offers easier working conditions and attractive pay. Other job opportunities include:

  • Waitering

  • Teaching assistant

  • Tutoring

  • Uber driving

  • Freelance work

  • Barista

  • Dog walking


People working in these jobs typically find easier working conditions and can practice languages like English and French while comfortably meeting their needs.


Part-time job wages in Canada vary according to the job description. If you want to work in one of these part-time jobs, you can apply through the job search sites mentioned above and earn your pocket money.


If you also want to start your education in Canada you can reach us to find detailed answers to all your questions.

7 views

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page