Canada is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education and gain valuable work experience.
But studying in Canada is not cheap. The average tuition fee for international students in Canada is $27,714 per year, and living expenses can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. That’s why many international students look for part-time jobs to help them pay for their education and living costs.
However, finding a good part-time job in Canada can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Canadian labor market, the immigration rules, and the credential recognition process.
Let’s look at how to find the best jobs in Canada as an international student.
Know Your Eligibility and Rights
Before you start looking for a job in Canada, you need to make sure you are eligible to work and know your rights and responsibilities as a worker.
Here are some important things to consider:
- To work in Canada as an international student, you need a valid study permit that allows you to work on or off campus. You can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during breaks such as winter and summer holidays.
- If you want to work in a co-op or internship program, you need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. You can only work as part of your academic program and for the duration of your program.
- If you want to work in Canada after graduation, you must apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) within 180 days of completing your studies. The PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your program.
- As a temporary foreign worker, you have the right to change employers while you are in Canada. You can use Job Bank to find a new job and other helpful information – all for free. It is illegal for your employer to punish or deport you for looking for another job.
- As a worker in Canada, you have the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection from discrimination and harassment. You are also responsible for following the rules and regulations of your workplace and your immigration status. You can learn more about your rights and responsibilities from the Government of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
Check Your Qualifications and Skills
Another important step to finding a good job in Canada is to check if your qualifications and skills are recognized and in demand in the Canadian labor market. Here are some useful tools and resources to help you with this:
- The Foreign Credential Recognition Tool can help you learn if the occupation you are interested in is regulated or not, the time and cost to get your credentials recognized, and the available jobs in your field or alternative jobs you could work in while you wait for the review of your credentials.
- The Credential Assessment Service can help you get your degree or diploma assessed to verify if your education is recognized in Canada. This can help you apply for jobs, immigration programs, or further education in Canada.
- The Job Match Service can help you find jobs that match your skills and qualifications. You can create a Job Bank account and upload your resume to get matched with employers who are looking for workers like you.
- The Skills and Knowledge Checklist can help you identify your skills and knowledge and the ones you need to improve. You can use this checklist to create a learning plan and access free online courses and resources to upgrade your skills.
Search and Apply for Jobs in Canada
Once you have confirmed your eligibility and checked your qualifications and skills, you are ready to search and apply for jobs in Canada. Here are some tips and resources to help you with this:
- Use Job Bank to find jobs from employers who are recruiting foreign candidates from outside Canada. You can also use other job search websites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn to find more opportunities.
- Write a good resume and cover letter highlighting your skills, achievements, and suitability for the job. You can use the Resume Builder and the Cover Letter Tool on Job Bank to create professional documents that follow Canadian standards.
- Prepare for the job interview by researching the company, the position, and the industry. You can also practice answering common interview questions and use the Interview Assistant on Job Bank to get feedback and tips.
- After the interview, follow up with the employer by sending a thank-you note and expressing your interest in the job. You can also ask for feedback and suggestions on improving your chances of getting hired.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shared some tips and resources to help you find the best jobs in Canada as an international student. You can work in Canada while studying and after graduation as long as you have the right permits and documents.
You can also use Job Bank and other online tools to check your eligibility, qualifications, and skills and to find and apply for jobs that match your profile.
Studying and working in Canada can be a great opportunity to advance your education and career and to experience a diverse and welcoming culture.