What is a Canadian Student Work Permit and How to Get It?

A student work permit is an official document that a student studying abroad must obtain in order to work for financial gain. The method of obtaining a work permit varies from country to country and has different requirements. The requirements for a Canadian student work permit are determined and implemented by the Canadian government.

The 2014 amendments to the Canadian student visa and work permit requirements have changed; according to this regulation, most types of work permits automatically grant international students the right to work while studying. Currently, almost every student is eligible for a work permit as long as the Canadian student visa requirements are met. International students studying full-time on most Canadian work permits can work up to 20 hours per week during their normal education and full-time during holidays.

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How to Work in Canada as a Student?

The rights granted to international students to work while studying in Canada are listed below.

• Working on campus in Canada
• Working off campus in Canada
• Co-op program student or intern work permit
• Canadian student spouse work permit
• Post-graduation work permit in Canada

What are the Requirements for Students to Work on Campus in Canada?

A student work permit in Canada allows students who are in the country to work only on the campus of the school they are studying at. On-campus jobs are provided by the school administration, faculty, student organizations or private businesses that provide services on campus. Students who work as teaching or research assistants can also work in buildings located off-campus, such as hospitals, libraries or research facilities.

There is no official work permit requirement for on-campus work in Canada. Any international student studying full-time at a private or public university in Canada, with a valid student visa and a social security number can work on campus. International students who are in their final semester and have completed all their courses can continue to work on campus despite not studying full-time.

What are the Requirements for Students to Work Off-Campus in Canada?

With an off-campus work permit for students in Canada, international students can work any job within the country. Most Canadian student visas include an off-campus work permit. In order to work while a student in Canada, there are certain requirements other than a student visa. The requirements include being a full-time student at a school that is allowed to host international students by the Canadian government, being enrolled in an academic, vocational or professional higher education program or a vocational secondary education program in Quebec, having a degree and a program of study that is longer than 6 months, and having a social security number.

International students who have not started their studies cannot work. Students who have started their studies can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. More than one job can be worked, provided that it does not exceed 20 hours in total and does not violate the student visa conditions. Students can work full time on public holidays. Going beyond the maximum working hours violates the student visa and may result in deportation from the country.

What is a Canadian Co-op Student Work Permit?

Canada Co-op student work permit covers students who need to do an internship due to their education. International students studying within the scope of Canada Co-op programs can do their mandatory internships under certain conditions.

The requirements for the Co-op program are to have a valid student visa, to have an internship requirement within the scope of the education program, and to submit a document stating the internship requirement written by the school. In addition, the internship period must cover less than half of the entire education period. Preparatory and language course students, hobby courses or preparatory courses of another program are not covered by the Canada Co-op work permit.

How to Get a Work Permit for a Student Spouse in Canada?

In Canada, a work permit for a student spouse is granted as a Canadian open work permit for spouses of international students. The requirements for a work permit for a Canadian student spouse are that the student has a valid student visa, a post-graduation work permit, and is a full-time student at certain schools.

The student’s school must be a private or public institution of higher education located in Quebec that provides academic, technical or vocational education, or a public institution that officially grants a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Spouses of international students who meet the requirements may be eligible for a Canadian student visa and work permit.

What is a Canadian Open Work Permit?

The Canadian open work permit grants general work rights without specifying any job or employer. Applicants can work with almost any Canadian employer within Canada’s borders.

How Can Canadian Graduates Stay in Canada?

Students who graduate from Canada can stay in Canada with a post-graduation work permit. International students who graduate from a program of study in Canada that lasts at least 8 months can get a temporary residence permit. After gaining experience, they can apply for a permanent residence permit.

People who have completed their education at government-approved (DLI) universities in Canada can apply for a Canadian graduate visa.

How Long Does a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada Last?

In order to apply for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must have graduated from a program that lasted at least 8 months. If the program duration is more than 8 months but less than 2 years, the post-graduation work permit will be valid for the same period as the program.

If the duration of the program graduated is more than 2 years but less than 3 years, the work permit is valid for 3 years. In case of graduation from more than one program, the work permit that can be obtained can be for the total duration of the programs.

How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada for Students?

Applications for a work permit in Canada for students are made through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

When applying for a temporary work permit for Canada online, the application is completed by filling out the required documents and paying the work permit fee.

What are the Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada?

Job opportunities for international students in Canada are listed below.

• Waitressing
• Teaching assistantship
• Private lesson instructor
• Uber driving
• Freelance work
• Barista
• Babysitting
• Dog walking

Canadian babysitting, a job frequently preferred by international students in Canada, stands out with its comfortable working conditions and high pay. Job opportunities for international students can be checked on Canadian job posting sites and applied with a CV.

What Are the Highest Paying Student Jobs in Canada?

The highest paying student jobs in Canada are listed below.

• Waiter : $11 CAD per hour
• Teaching assistant : $16 CAD per hour
• Private lesson instructor : $20 CAD per hour
• Uber driver : $15-$26 CAD per hour
• Freelancer : 26-Canadian dollars per hour
• Barista : $12 CAD per hour
• Babysitter : $15 CAD per hour
• Dog walking : $15 CAD per hour

Canada part-time job wages may vary depending on the job, and part-time jobs can also be applied for through job search websites.