- International students in Canada can now work an unlimited number of hours during school semesters until the end of 2023.
- The top part-time jobs for international students in Canada include teaching assistant, server/bartender/mixologist, ride-share driver, tutor, and freelancer.
- Resources such as CanadaVisa Job Search Tool, LinkedIn, Indeed, JobBank.ca, Workopolis, TalentEgg, Magnet, and LeapGrad can be used to aid in the job search, and international students should pay attention to factors such as pay, working conditions, and immigration considerations.
International students studying in Canada can now work unlimited hours during school semesters until the end of 2023. With this new policy, students can earn more and gain experience in their fields of interest. This article lists some of the best jobs for international students to consider based on flexible work hours, fair pay, immersion in the field, and easy-going work responsibilities.
Teaching Assistants (TA) – Average pay: CAD 23/hour
TA positions are reserved for students, allowing them to gain teaching experience in their field of study. This job provides the chance to work closely with professors and faculties while earning and supporting oneself. It is convenient because it occurs on university/college campuses, saving students commuting time and travel costs.
Server/Bartender/Mixologist – Average pay: CAD 16/hour + tips
For students of legal age, serving/bartending offers flexibility in choosing work hours and a significant earning boost (depending on hours worked and the popularity of the workplace) due to tips. Standard pre-tax tipping rates in Canada are between 15-18%, and students working multiple hours a week can earn up to $200-400 extra in just tips alone, with many reporting more.
Ride-share Driver – Average pay: CAD 19/hour
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are very popular in student hotspots (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.). To be eligible, students must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license, a dependable car, and a smartphone. This job provides students complete freedom to set their work hours; working as much or as little as their schedule permits. Earnings can vary depending on the time and distance of the rides that drivers drive, and how many rides they clear in a week.
Tutor – Average pay: CAD 30/hour
Tutoring can be another excellent way for students to earn money during their studies, as it allows them to set their prices, duties, and hours of work. It can also enable students to immerse themselves in a field of study with a specific focus on teaching, while not having to worry about administrative work.
Freelancer – Average pay: CAD 23/hour
Freelancing provides flexibility in work hours and independence to decide work rates, making it a great opportunity for students to establish themselves in an industry/profession of interest. While it can be tough for students initially to entice more customers, freelance work provides a wealth of opportunities for those motivated enough to pursue this path during their studies.
Resources:
To aid the employment search, international students can use the following resources:
- CanadaVisa Job Search Tool
- Indeed
- ca
- Workopolis
- TalentEgg
- Magnet
- LeapGrad
International students must also pay attention to pay, working conditions, and immigration considerations. They must ensure that their wages are at least commensurate with the federal minimum wage policy, which raised the nationwide minimum wage to CAD 15.55/hour. International students are entitled to the same workers’ rights as Canadian permanent residents and citizens. They should also meet the conditions to be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which includes maintaining full-time status for the duration of their studies. Work done pre-graduation (as a full-time student) does not count toward immigration eligibility.
With these considerations in mind, international students in Canada can explore a range of opportunities to earn money and gain experience in their fields of interest.
