Canada is a developed country with numerous opportunities for learning and working, making it an ideal destination for international students. Canada is amongst the most diverse countries in the world and has always had a favorable attitude towards immigrants with employment opportunities in abundance for everyone. For students willing to find a job in Canada, this guide will help them understand job opportunities in Canada for foreigners.
Work While Studying In Canada
An international student can work as a part-time employee in Canada or work after the completion of the degree by getting a postgraduate work permit from a Canadian institution. In Canada, part-time work is allowed during semesters and full-time during vacations for students studying in Canada. International students are allowed to work while studying in Canada but with certain conditions. Any international students in Canadian universities are allowed to work while studying and can work in part-time employment, on-campus or off-campus. Part-time work for all international students is always restricted by limited hours. they allow the student to work while studying, without affecting their classes. Any student who wants to pursue a job in Canada during their study must inform the university or institution.
Job Opportunities In Canada For Foreigners: Work Regulations
Study Permits and Work Eligibility
International students require a valid study permit to work while studying in Canada. This permit covers on-campus or off-campus working privileges. Students can work 20 hours during terms and full-time during terms break.
Requirements for Part-Time Working in Canada
- A full-time student in a study program in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- If the duration of the study program is a minimum of six months and if it provides a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- If study programs have started.
- If a student has a valid work permit that shows to work either on-campus or off-campus
- A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number issued to all students by the government of Canada
Job Opportunities In Canada For Foreigners: Permitted Working Hours In Canada
Currently, the working policy of the government of Canada only permits international students to work for 20 hours a week. It does not matter if they are working on-campus or off-campus. However, the candidates must be enrolled in a full-time study program, not be on an authorized leave of absence, and must hold a valid student permit. During semester breaks or holidays, students can work full-time in Canada. Offering work more than 20 hours per week is a violation of the conditions set by the study permit. For this, students may be ‘deported’ from being students and may not qualify for a study or work permit in the future.
On-Campus Jobs In Canada
On-campus work means work that is available within the campus of the institution. If the university has several campuses then candidates are only allowed to work in the campus. The advantage of on-campus jobs includes the convenience of accessing the facilities in school, minimal time spent on organizing working hours and travel expenses, and the opportunity to meet new people.
Common on-campus jobs include:
- Library Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Teaching Assistant
- Campus Ambassador
Advantages of on-campus job
On-campus jobs are flexible and easily accessible. Students often have flexibility in their time offerings that can cover an academic schedule. These jobs offer students a favorable working environment to learn experience and skills.
Off-Campus Jobs In Canada
Off-campus employment simply means any workplace that is not within the stipulated premises of an institution. And off-campus jobs also have so much variety that students can earn more than on-campus jobs. All the countries including Canada are very particular with conditions attached to off-campus jobs because students are out of the university during off-campus job time. Any student interested in engaging in off-campus work must have the university’s permission and follow all aspects of the off-campus employment.
off-campus jobs include:
- office admin
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Foodservice
- Customer service
Post-Graduation Work: Job Opportunities In Canada For Foreigners
International Students can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after their graduation. They are allowed by this permit to work in Canada for three years depending on their study period. Students are allowed to work in Canada temporarily after graduation. It is possible to find job Opportunities Canada in Canada after graduation, and it will be a good chance to get some experience and travel. However, candidates have to know the rules and regulations concerning the stay on the PGWP and the other aspects of immigration to Canada.
PGWP Validity In Canada
The validity of PGWP is also dependent on the academic programs’ duration and the validity date of the passport as well. The validity of the PGWP will not extend beyond the passport’s validity. That is why ensure a passport has enough validity to secure a PGWP with more validity period. The minimum duration of the program for students for PGWP is eight months. while the maximum validity of PGWP a candidate can secure upon graduation is three years.
Eligibility For PGWP
The applicant must have a study program at a DLI in Canada, the program must also have been completed. Students can defend it by presenting their degree, diploma, or certificate.
An official letter from the university and a scanned copy of the transcript from the university website.
And have graduated from a program that has taken at least 8 months.
A valid study permit at the time of applying for the PGWP
If a study permit expires before applying for the PGWP, then one can apply for it from outside Canada.
And must apply, within 180 days of receiving final marks or graduation degree.
If Students were awarded a scholarship to pursue a course in Canada, then they can apply for a PGWP.
Mark sure that your passport will be valid for the entire duration of the PGWP application if you are inside Canada.
If the applicant is seeking a work field that needs a medical exam, then the applicant must produce a medical exam certificate which should have been taken within a maximum of ninety days from the time the applicant applies for the PGWP.
Advantages Of Job Opportunities In Canada For Foreigners
Work Experience
It is always advisable that students undertake some working experience while pursuing their studies. Because it improves the resume and raises chances of finding employment in the highly competitive job market.
Financial Security
One of the benefits of working while studying is that it provides financial stability. This makes it easy for students to fend for themselves and pay for their tuition fees and other living expenses.
Networking
Working in Canada has benefits in constructing a professional network. Networking can be beneficial to obtain employment and promotions.
Permanent Residency
Working in Canada opens an opportunity to get permanent residents in the country. programs like Express Entry Canadian work experience is given consideration.
Conclusion
Canada is ranked significantly in terms of economic stability, liberal migration policies, and a favorable working culture towards international students. However, if one is strategic and works harder during their student years, it is possible to achieve a better future in this country of opportunities.
AELC helps students in making the right decisions regarding their study abroad plans by offering suitable advice.