Popular Part Time Jobs for Students in Canada

For most international students who have chosen to study in Canada, one of the biggest concerns is whether or not they will be able to earn some extra money during their stay here in Canada. The great thing is that there are options for students in Canada both on and off-campus. But before we delve into the fantastic jobs waiting for you in Canada, let's take a look at what your work options are as an international student in Canada.

Can I Work in Canada as a Student?

Yes. As an international student in Canada, you will have the option to work both on or off-campus as soon as your study program starts.

On-Campus Eligibility Requirements

You can work in Canada on campus, without a work permit as long as:

• You are a full-time post-secondary student at:
• A public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec;
• A private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools, and is at least 50% funded by government grants, or
• A Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law.
• You have a valid study permit, and
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

A Social Insurance Number or SIN is a 9 digit number issued to anyone by the Government who wants to work in Canada, receive benefits and have access to Government programs. A SIN is issued free of charge and shouldn’t take longer than 20 business days to process so if you want to start working as soon as possible, this should be on the top of your list of things to do.

Off-Campus Eligibility Requirements

You can work in Canada on campus, without a work permit as long as:

• You are a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI):
• You’re enrolled in:
• a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or
• a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
• Your study program:
• is at least 6 months long and
• leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
• Your study permit says, in the user remarks or conditions sections, that you can work off-campus
• You’ve started studying
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

How Many Hours Can You Work as a Student in Canada?

On-Campus

There is no maximum amount of hours that you can work on campus in Canada.

Off-Campus

During regular school terms, you can work in Canada for up to 20 hours per week. During scheduled breaks, you will be able to work full time. It is important to adhere to these regulations because if you break these rules you may have your study permit revoked and be asked to leave Canada. In short, it’s simply not worth the risk. So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the top jobs waiting to be snatched up while studying as well as how much students can expect to earn in Canada.

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Best Jobs in Canada for International Students

As an international student, there are so many amazing opportunities to earn a little extra cash while studying in Canada.

1. Teacher’s Assistant

As a TA or teacher’s assistant, you will not only be able to work on campus but also be able to earn quite a decent wage. On average, most TA’s earn around $17.27 per hour, which means that you could earn up to $34,781 per year! As a TA you will need to be able to assist other students in preparation for midterms as well as help with creating study or lesson plans and other general admin such as recording grades and other paperwork.

2. Food and Beverage Server

Not only are food and beverage servers in demand in Canada, particularly in provinces such as Alberta, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan but the pay isn’t too bad either, and you have the option to work either on or off-campus. If you prefer not to stray too far, why not apply for a server position in your university or college cafeteria? You can earn anywhere between $15 to $30 per hour and have the perks of free meals and coffees! If you prefer to work off-campus, there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and bars that are always looking for part-time staff. Students can earn between $11.93 and $15.48 per hour as a bartender, $13 to $14 per hour as a barista or $11.05 and $14.48 per hour while working in Canada as a food server, not to mention tips! The average Canadian usually tips between 15 and 20 percent, meaning that you could walk away with an extra $75 to $200 at the end of your shift!

3. Rideshare Driver

This is another great job that will give you enough flexibility to work around your class schedule. So if you have a car, some free time and a good navigation system, this is not only a great way to earn some extra cash but is a great way to get to see a bit of the city. The average Uber driver earns anywhere from $14.00 to $25.88 per hour, not a bad way to put a few extra bucks in your back pocket.

4. Tutor or Instructor

Do you have skills in specific academic or music subjects and like working with people? Why not enrol in a tutoring program, where you can teach elementary, secondary or university and college students? Private academic tutors can earn anywhere between $15 to $20 per hour and you may even be able to tutor online which means you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your digs! If you prefer flexing your muscles rather than your brain in your spare time, why not visit your local gym and find out if there are any job openings as a fitness instructor/trainer. You could earn an average of $30 per hour without even breaking a sweat!

5. Freelancers

Freelance jobs are becoming more and more popular, and whether you’re a writer, web designer, graphic designer, social media assistant, to name a few professions, the opportunities are endless. Depending on your area of expertise, you could anywhere from $21 to $25 per hour and upwards, and once again, you’ll be able to work from the comfort of your dorm room. It's a win-win really!

6. Nanny or Babysitter

Did you know that as a nanny or au pair, you could earn an average of $15 to $17 per hour? That’s right! So if you enjoy spending time with children, have previous relevant work experience, and a lot of patience this could be a great way to bring in some extra income. You may have to pick up children from school, help prepare meals as well as assist with homework, which means that you will not only have to be flexible but may need a car too.

7. Dog Walker

Do you love hanging out with furry friends and enjoy being out and about in the fresh air and sunshine? Being a dog walker is a very popular part-time job in Canada, for which you could earn anywhere between $14 and $17 per hour. So if you are an avid dog-lover and don’t mind getting some exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day, why not get paid for it working in Canada as a dog walker.

8. Translator

Are you multilingual and have a couple of hours to spare between classes? Put your linguistic skills to good use and earn around $21 per hour as a translator. You will need to be competent in speaking, reading and writing to perform most tasks working as a translator in Canada and could work in a part-time position or as a freelancer.

9. Salesperson

Sales is another sector that has a high demand for staff in Canada. Depending on which industry you work in you could earn anywhere from $14 to $50 per hour or even higher! Most sales jobs in Canada will have a basic salary with incentives, which means that you have the opportunity to earn extra if you make your sales target. So if you are blessed with the gift of the gab or in other words can communicate easily and confidently, jobs in sales or marketing may be a great option to earn some extra money.

10. Service Coordinator

Canada’s service industry, particularly the hospitality and tourism sectors are not only booming but are in high demand for skilled workers in almost every province and territory in Canada. If you have sufficient work experience and training, you should easily be able to find a job in Canada as a hotel front desk clerk, for example, where you can earn around $14 to $17 per hour in your free time or on weekends.

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