Part-time jobs for international students in Canada

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Introduction

Canada has become one of the top study destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, cultural diversity, and friendly immigration policies. However, studying abroad can be costly. The good news is that international students in Canada are allowed to work part-time while studying, which helps them gain work experience and manage living expenses.

In 2025, the Canadian government continues to offer flexible work opportunities for students on a study permit. This article will explain the rules, types of part-time jobs, salaries, and tips for international students who want to work in Canada.

Can International Students Work in Canada?

Yes. With a valid study permit, international students in Canada are allowed to work part-time under certain conditions.

Work Options:

  1. On-campus jobs – Work at your university/college campus.

  2. Off-campus jobs – Work for any eligible Canadian employer.

  3. Co-op or internship programs – If your program requires work placement.

Rules for Part-time Jobs in Canada (2025)

  • Work Hours: Up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.

  • Full-time allowed during scheduled breaks (summer, winter, spring holidays).

  • Study Permit Condition: Must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

  • Exception (Temporary Policy): In 2025, Canada still extends a temporary policy allowing some students to work more than 20 hours/week (check IRCC updates for eligibility).

Benefits of Part-time Jobs in Canada

  • Financial support – Earn money to cover living costs.

  • Work experience – Gain Canadian job experience for your resume.

  • Networking – Meet professionals and build career connections.

  • Cultural immersion – Improve language and interpersonal skills.

Best Part-time Jobs for International Students in Canada

1. On-Campus Jobs

  • Examples:

    • Library assistant

    • Research or teaching assistant

    • IT support staff

    • Administrative office worker

    • Cafeteria or bookstore staff

  • Average Pay: CAD $15 – $20 per hour

  • Advantage: No separate work permit needed.

2. Off-Campus Jobs

  • Examples:

    • Retail store cashier or sales associate

    • Barista or restaurant server

    • Delivery driver (Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes)

    • Customer service representative

    • Warehouse assistant

  • Average Pay: CAD $14 – $22 per hour

3. Co-op and Internship Jobs

  • Requirement: Must be part of your academic program.

  • Examples:

    • Engineering internship

    • Business analyst trainee

    • IT co-op placement

    • Marketing assistant internship

  • Average Pay: CAD $18 – $30 per hour

  • Advantage: Directly related to your field of study.

4. Freelance or Online Jobs (if eligible)

  • Examples:

    • Graphic designer

    • Content writer

    • Web developer

    • Online tutor

  • Average Pay: CAD $15 – $35 per hour (depending on skills)

  • Note: Must comply with CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) tax regulations.

Average Salaries for Part-time Jobs in Canada (2025)

  • Retail/Service Jobs: CAD $14 – $18/hour

  • On-Campus Jobs: CAD $15 – $20/hour

  • Delivery/Driving Jobs: CAD $16 – $22/hour

  • Skilled Internships (IT, Engineering, Finance): CAD $18 – $30/hour

👉 On average, international students can earn around CAD $800 – $1,200 per month working part-time.

Popular Cities for Student Part-time Jobs

  1. Toronto – High demand in retail, hospitality, and IT.

  2. Vancouver – Popular for service jobs and internships.

  3. Montreal – Affordable city with bilingual job opportunities (French & English).

  4. Calgary – Growing demand in logistics and retail.

  5. Ottawa – Many government-related internships and campus jobs.

How to Find Part-time Jobs in Canada

  • University Career Centers – Many schools post on-campus job openings.

  • Online Job Portals:

    • Indeed Canada

    • LinkedIn Jobs

    • Glassdoor Canada

  • Local Job Boards: Kijiji, Workopolis.

  • Networking: Professors, alumni, and student clubs.

  • Walk-in Applications: Many retail shops and restaurants hire through walk-in resumes.

Requirements to Work Part-time in Canada

  1. Valid study permit with work authorization.

  2. Enrollment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

  3. Social Insurance Number (SIN) – required for all workers in Canada.

  4. Must maintain full-time student status.

Tips to Balance Work and Study

  • Don’t work more than you can handle – academics come first.

  • Choose flexible jobs that match your schedule.

  • Explore co-op placements for career growth.

  • Improve English/French language skills for better opportunities.

  • Keep track of income for tax purposes.

Future Opportunities After Graduation

Working part-time as a student can also help you qualify for full-time work permits later, such as:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Allows graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years.

  • Permanent Residency (PR): Canadian work experience increases your eligibility for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Conclusion

Part-time jobs in Canada provide international students with valuable opportunities to earn money, gain experience, and integrate into Canadian society. Whether working on-campus, in retail, or in internships related to your studies, there are plenty of options available in 2025.

By understanding the rules, preparing a strong resume, and managing time effectively, international students can make the most of their part-time work opportunities in Canada while focusing on their education.

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