
International students have a variety of options when it comes to summer employment. Depending on their location, international students can take on summer jobs such as tutoring, landscaping, retail sales, and tree planting. In Canada, most study permits authorise international students to work for most employers across industries, with a limit of 24 hours per week for off-campus work. In the US, F-1 and J-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and more than 20 hours per week during university breaks, such as summer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Summer jobs for international students in Canada | Landscaping, tutoring, bartending, tree planting, data annotation, retail sales |
| Work hours limit for international students in Canada | 24 hours per week for off-campus work |
| Summer jobs for international F-1 and J-1 students in the US | On-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and more than 20 hours per week during summer break |
| Travel rules for F-1 and J-1 students | No recent policy changes, but there is always a risk of delays or challenges upon re-entry to the US |
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What You'll Learn

Sales jobs for international students in Canada
International students in Canada have a wide range of job options to choose from, many of which can be quite lucrative. Most study permits allow holders to work for most employers in Canada across most industries. However, there is a limit of 24 hours per week for off-campus work.
Retail Sales Associate
Retail sales associates help customers select and purchase products in various retail settings, such as clothing stores, electronics shops, and supermarkets. Responsibilities include greeting customers, providing product information, processing transactions, restocking shelves, and maintaining store cleanliness. This role is ideal for students seeking entry-level employment that offers customer interaction and the development of sales skills. The pay is generally low to moderate, with the national median wage being $16.50/hour, ranging from $15.00 to $27.00/hour depending on the region and employer. Retail positions often offer part-time and shift-based schedules, including evenings and weekends, which can align well with students' academic commitments. However, scheduling flexibility is typically determined by the employer, so freelance or gig work may offer more flexibility. It is important to note that retail sales jobs can be emotionally taxing due to the customer-facing nature of the role.
Sales Assistant
Sales assistants work in retail settings, assisting customers and making sales. This role may offer small commissions on sales in addition to the base pay, which is typically close to the minimum wage of around CA$13 per hour.
Bartender
Bartending is a popular part-time job for international students in Canada. While the base pay may be close to minimum wage, tips can add a significant amount to earnings, with a 15-20% tip being expected. Bartenders can earn hundreds, even over a thousand dollars a week. This job is well-suited to students as it offers flexible hours and can be done on weekends when city centres are busy.
Tutor
Tutoring is another option for international students seeking sales jobs in Canada. Tutors have the flexibility to set their own hours and conduct sessions online or in comfortable settings such as libraries and cafes, making it a low-stress job. The demand for tutors varies by region, with Alberta and Quebec having a good employment outlook for 2024-2026, while Manitoba's outlook is moderate, and British Columbia and Ontario's outlooks are limited and undetermined, respectively.
Landscaper
Landscaping companies often hire students for the summer season, offering fixed weekday shifts during regular work hours. This job is physically demanding but can provide a good income, with hourly rates or flat rates depending on the work completed.
These are just a few examples of sales jobs that may be suitable for international students in Canada, offering flexible schedules and competitive wages to help balance work and academic commitments.
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Tutoring as a flexible summer job
Summer jobs are a great way for international students to gain work experience and earn some money during their break from studies. While there are many options to choose from, tutoring stands out as a particularly flexible choice.
Tutoring offers international students the freedom to set their own hours and schedule sessions around their academic commitments. This flexibility is ideal for students who want to balance work with their studies, especially during summer breaks or weekends. Tutors can conduct sessions from the comfort of their homes, in libraries or cafes, or even online. The intellectually engaging nature of tutoring makes it a low-stress job, and the comfortable settings contribute to a relaxed environment.
In terms of physical demand, tutoring is rated as low-intensity. Tutors can choose to work part-time, with flexible hours, and even have the option to work remotely. The demand for tutors varies by region, with employment outlooks rated as "Good" in certain areas and "Moderate" in others.
Tutoring also provides international students with the opportunity to develop valuable skills that can enhance their resume. These skills include communication, problem-solving, and the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. Additionally, tutoring allows students to network and build relationships with individuals in their field of interest.
For those interested in tutoring as a summer job, there are several platforms and organizations that offer tutoring positions, such as Indeed, which offers flexible, work-from-home opportunities, and various learning academies and centers that provide tutoring services during the summer.
Overall, tutoring is a fantastic option for international students seeking flexible summer employment that allows them to work independently and develop valuable skills while earning an income.
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Off-campus work limitations
International students in Canada have a wide range of job opportunities, with most study permits authorising holders to work for most employers across most industries. However, off-campus work is limited to 24 hours per week. Some of the top summer jobs for international students in Canada include tutoring, retail sales, landscaping, and tree planting.
Tutoring offers international students scheduling flexibility, allowing them to set their own hours and conduct sessions online or in comfortable settings like libraries and cafes. This makes it an ideal low-stress job to balance work and studies during summer breaks.
Landscaping companies often hire students for the summer, typically offering fixed weekday shifts during regular work hours. This type of work is physically demanding but provides a greater ability to find resting places close to the workplace. Larger labour markets like Ontario and British Columbia have positive outlooks for landscaping work.
Retail sales positions, such as retail sales associates, can be found in various settings and tend to have narrower pay variations. Tree planting jobs, on the other hand, often involve a flat rate per tree planted, resulting in wide variations in earnings depending on productivity.
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas in the United States may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and more than 20 hours per week during official university breaks, including summer. They can also consider off-campus internships during the summer break with appropriate authorisation through Curricular Practical Training (for F-1 students) or Academic Training (for J-1 students).
It is important to note that international travel during the summer carries the risk of visa processing delays or denials, which may impact re-entry to the U.S. Students are advised to carefully assess their situation and refer to the ISS information about travel outside the country.
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On-campus employment
Work Hours and Breaks:
International students with valid F-1 status can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. It's important to note that this is a combined total for all on-campus jobs, not 20 hours per job. During breaks and summer vacations, students can work full-time on campus.
Job Options:
On-campus jobs can vary depending on the university. Some common options include working in the university library, recreation centre, student media, restaurants, stores, and administrative offices. These jobs provide valuable experience in customer service, media and journalism, sales, and office management.
Authorization and Eligibility:
F-1 students must have valid authorization to work on campus. They should speak with their designated school official (DSO) to ensure they follow the rules and maintain their student status. Students must also be in good academic standing and obtain on-campus work authorization from the relevant department or centre at their university.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
CPT is a type of employment or internship that is an integral part of an F-1 student's curriculum or educational program. CPT can be full-time or part-time during the academic year and can be authorized by the DSO. It must be related to the student's major field of study.
Economic Hardship:
In cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students may apply for off-campus work authorization. This requires thorough documentation and an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On-campus employment is a good alternative for students who wish to avoid the complexities of obtaining off-campus work authorization.
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Internships
International students can certainly take on internships during their summer break. In the US, F-1 and J-1 students may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and more than 20 hours per week during official university breaks, such as the summer vacation. International students intending to take on internships during the summer should ensure they have the appropriate authorization through Curricular Practical Training (for F-1 students) or Academic Training (for J-1 students).
International students in Canada have a variety of work options, including internships. Most study permits provide authorization to work in most industries for most employers in Canada, with a limit of 24 hours per week for off-campus work.
International students should be mindful of the risks associated with international travel. Before finalizing travel plans, it is recommended that students carefully assess their individual circumstances, including reviewing travel rules and visa requirements for their destination country.
Some popular internship options for international students include:
- Retail sales
- Landscaping
- Bartending
- Tree planting
- Tutoring
- Data annotation
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in summer sales. In Canada, most study permits authorise holders to work for most employers in Canada, with a limit of 24 hours per week for off-campus work.
Other summer jobs that international students can consider include tutoring, landscaping, and tree planting.
The employment outlook for retail sales associates is moderate to good, with larger labour markets like Ontario and British Columbia having positive outlooks.
Working in sales can provide international students with flexible hours and the ability to work in various retail settings.
F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to work on campus during the summer, and there are no policy changes to travel rules for international students intending to travel during the summer. However, there may be risks and challenges associated with international travel, and it is recommended to assess your situation carefully.


































