Work While You Study in Canada
Canada is not only renowned for its top-quality education but also for its student-friendly work policies. Indian students on a valid study permit can legally work part-time while pursuing their education. This unique advantage helps international students gain Canadian work experience, manage living expenses, and strengthen their future PR prospects.
Whether you're planning to work on-campus, off-campus, or through a co-op program, this comprehensive guide explains all your options.
Work Rights for International Students in Canada
International students with a valid study permit automatically receive work authorization provided they meet certain conditions:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Enrolled in a full-time academic, vocational, or professional program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Study permit includes a condition that authorizes work (usually auto-included)
Permissible Work Hours:
- During academic sessions: Up to 20 hours/week (off-campus)
- During scheduled breaks (summer/winter holidays): Up to 40 hours/week or full-time
📢 Update: IRCC has temporarily lifted the 20-hour weekly work limit for eligible students through April 30, 2024. Monitor IRCC announcements for extensions.
Types of Part-Time Work Opportunities
Students can take up a variety of part-time jobs both on-campus and off-campus, depending on their course schedule and interests.
On-Campus Jobs
- Library Assistant
- Campus Tour Guide
- Student Union Assistant
- IT Lab Technician
- Research Assistant (for PG students)
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail Store Staff / Cashier
- Coffee Shop Attendant (Tim Hortons, Starbucks, etc.)
- Waiter/Server at restaurants
- Delivery Driver (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
- Customer Support Associate
Average Pay Range:
| Province | Avg. Hourly Wage (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | $15.50 – $18.00 |
| British Columbia | $16.75 – $20.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 – $18.50 |
| Quebec | $14.25 – $17.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $14.00 – $16.00 |
Average Pay Range by Province (Visual Comparison)
Knowing how much you can earn across provinces is vital for budgeting.
Here's a chart showing average hourly wages for part-time student jobs in popular provinces:
Weekly Earnings Estimator
Estimate Your Potential Weekly Income:
Use this calculator to budget your rent, food, transport, and savings efficiently.
This tool helps students manage their weekly budget and expectations.
Cost of Living vs Student Earnings (Visual Breakdown)
One of the biggest concerns for international students is whether part-time jobs can cover their living expenses.
Monthly Part-Time Earnings vs Cost of Living by Province
Insights:
- Ontario and British Columbia have high wages and high living costs.
- Alberta and Nova Scotia offer better earnings-to-cost ratios.
- Quebec remains one of the most affordable for students.
Work-Study, Internships & Co-Op Programs
Many Canadian institutions offer paid internships and co-op placements as part of academic programs.
Benefits of Work-Integrated Learning:
- Earn course credit while earning a salary
- Get experience in your industry (IT, Engineering, Business, Health Sciences)
- Strong PR profile booster
Top Co-op Universities: University of Waterloo, UBC, Centennial College, Conestoga College
Where to Search for Part-Time Jobs in Canada
University Career Services: On-campus job boards, employment advisors
Job Portals:Indeed.ca,Workopolis,JobBank.gc.ca
Mobile Apps:LinkedIn Jobs,Glassdoor ,Swob
In-Person Networking: Cafés, malls, retail stores, flyers
Social Media: Facebook groups like “Jobs for Indian Students in Toronto”
Tip: Always carry a printed resume and customize it for each role.
Restrictions and Limitations
Cannot work before classes officially begin
Cannot exceed 20 hours/week (post-April 2024, unless policy extended)
Students in language-only or short-term (<6 months) programs are not allowed to work
Overworking or unauthorized jobs may lead to study permit violations and removal from Canada
Benefits of Working Part-Time During Studies
✔️ Cover part of your living expenses like rent, groceries, transport
✔️ Improve language, social, and communication skills
✔️ Gain Canadian work experience – counts toward PR applications later
✔️ Build professional connections and get references for full-time jobs
🎓 Graduates with Canadian work experience are preferred by employers and provincial immigration programs.
Quick Fact Sheet
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Min. Age to Work | 18+ (for most off-campus jobs) |
| Work During Holidays | Full-time (up to 40 hours/week) |
| Work Without Work Permit | Yes, with valid study permit |
| Max. Weekly Hours (term) | 20 hours (unless temporary rule applies) |
| Avg. Hourly Wage | CAD $15 – $20 |
Work Permit After Graduation: PGWP
After graduation, students can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) that allows them to work full-time:
PGWP is valid up to 3 years, depending on course duration
Work experience helps with Express Entry & PNP points
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