Studying in Canada is a popular choice for international students due to the country’s highly-ranked universities. Though, expenses such as house rent, groceries, and conveyance can be expensive. Providentially, international students are allowed to work part-time to back themselves, financially. Here, we will comprehensively highlight the eligibility requirements to work in Canada, how to start job hunting, and the pay scale for part-time work.
Eligibility to Work as An International Student
International students are permitted to work for up to 20 hours per week if they are enrolled in a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI) and studying for professional certification. During scheduled academic breaks, such as reading weeks or summer holidays, they can work full-time. International students are permitted to have more than one job while studying in Canada. To work in Canada, international students must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is a nine-digit number assigned by Service Canada to track employment history and ensure proper tax payment.
How to Start Job Hunting?
To look for part-time work, international students are required to have resumes that highlight their strengths, skills, and experiences. All on-campus jobs are usually posted on job boards, at career fairs, or in the school’s career center or student union building. It is convenient to look for jobs nearby to minimize commuting time and costs. International students can also check online job portals such as Canada’s JobBank, LinkedIn, Indeed, Talent Egg, Glassdoor, Monster.ca, CareerBuilder, SimplyHired, Eluta, and Upwork.
How Much Do International Students Get Paid in Canada?
An international student is likely to earn the minimum wage specified in the province or territory they’re residing in. The wage varies in each province. Here’s a quick breakdown of the minimum wage offered in Canadian provinces or territories.
| Province/Territory | Minimum Wage | Note |
| British Columbia | $15.65 | As of 06/01/2022 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | As of 06/26/2019 |
| Saskatchewan | $13.00 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to rise to $14.00 on 10/01/2023, then to $15.00 on 10/01/2024. |
| Manitoba | $13.50 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to rise to $14.15 on 04/01/2023, then to $15.30 on 10/01/2023. |
| Ontario | $15.50 | As of 10/01/2022 |
| Quebec | $14.25 | As of 05/01/2022 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $13.70 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to rise to $14.50 on 04/01/2023, then to $15.00 on 10/01/2023. |
| New Brunswick | $13.75 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to rise to $14.75 on 04/01/2023. |
| Prince Edward Island | $14.50 | As of 01/01/2023. Set to rise to $15.00 on 10/01/2023. |
| Nova Scotia | $13.60 | As of 10/01/2022. Set to rise to $14.50 on 04/01/2023, then to $15.00 on 10/01/2023. |
| Northwest Territories | $15.20 | As of 09/01/2021 |
| Nunavut | $16.00 | As of 04/01/2020 |
| Yukon | $15.70 | As of 04/01/2022. Set to rise to $16.77 on 04/01/2023. |
Working part-time while studying in Canada can help international students gain valuable work experience and supplement their income. Nevertheless, it is important to fulfill the eligibility requirements, one is required to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and abide by all the rules and regulations while working in Canada.
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