
International students in Canada can make money by working part-time jobs, freelancing, or starting a side hustle or blog. They can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks without a work permit. The minimum wage for students in Canada is around CA$13, but international students' hourly pay typically ranges from $13 to $25, depending on their job, experience, and education level. Working while studying can help international students gain work experience, develop new skills, build a professional network, and integrate into Canadian society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in Canada in 2022 | 800,000+ |
| Work hours allowed during academic sessions | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours allowed during scheduled breaks | Full-time |
| Work permit requirement for working more than 20 hours per week | Needed |
| Work permit requirement for working off-campus | Needed |
| Work permit requirement for co-op or internship | Needed |
| Minimum wage for students | CA$13 per hour |
| Hourly pay for international students | CA$13 to CA$25 per hour |
| Hourly pay for international students with expertise | CA$30 to CA$75 per hour |
| Online communities for international students | Available |
| Freelance work platforms | Available |
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What You'll Learn

Work up to 20 hours per week during term time
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time without a work permit. This can be a great way to earn some extra money while studying and gaining valuable work experience, developing new skills, and building a network of contacts. It is important to balance work and studies, as academic performance should always be a priority.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering working part-time as an international student in Canada. Firstly, time management is crucial. Students should create a schedule that includes class times, study times, and work times, ensuring they get enough rest. Secondly, international students should be aware of the regulations and limitations of working in Canada to avoid any legal or immigration issues. For example, if a student wants to work more than 20 hours per week during term time, they will need to obtain a work permit.
There are various job opportunities available for international students in Canada, both on and off-campus. Universities often have job boards and employment centres that can help students find part-time work. The average hourly wage for international students in Canada can range from CA$13 to CA$25 per hour, depending on the type of job, skills, experience, and location. Some high-paying part-time jobs for international students include working as a freelancer, particularly in the creative industries. Online communities and platforms can also provide job tips, advice, and opportunities for international students seeking part-time work in Canada.
Overall, working up to 20 hours per week during term time can be a feasible and beneficial option for international students in Canada, allowing them to earn money, gain experience, and integrate into Canadian society. However, students should always prioritise their studies and be mindful of any relevant regulations and work permit requirements.
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Work full-time during holidays
International students in Canada are permitted to work full-time during the holidays without a work permit, provided they are returning to full-time studies after the break. This is a great opportunity for international students to earn money to support themselves while studying in Canada and to gain valuable work experience.
To work full-time during the holidays, international students must meet certain criteria. Firstly, they must be enrolled as full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) before and after the break. It is important to note that if a student is on authorised leave from their studies or switching schools, they are not considered a full-time student and therefore cannot work off-campus during this time. Secondly, international students must ensure they have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is a 9-digit number provided by the Government of Canada and required for working in the country.
There are no set restrictions on the number of hours that constitute full-time work during the holidays. However, employers must adhere to provincial laws regarding overtime pay and the required time between shifts. International students should be mindful of these regulations to ensure they do not violate the conditions of their study permit.
International students can explore various job opportunities during the holidays, such as part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or other service industries. They can also look for internships or co-op placements related to their field of study, which can provide valuable professional experience and networking opportunities.
It is important for international students to manage their time effectively, balancing their work and personal life while also prioritising rest and well-being. Additionally, understanding tax regulations is crucial, as international students earning an income in Canada are subject to income tax, which varies by province or territory. By claiming tax deductions, students can reduce their taxable income.
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Find work through your university
International students in Canada can benefit from the numerous job opportunities available through their universities. Here are some tips to find work through your university while studying in Canada:
Understand Employer Expectations
Be clear about the role and time requirements of any job you apply for to avoid over-committing. Negotiate your availability, especially during exam seasons or when you have important projects due.
Leverage Campus Recruitment
Many employers actively seek to hire students for temporary jobs on campus or nearby. Keep an eye out for virtual job fairs, recruitment drives, and career centres that can connect you with these opportunities.
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are convenient and provide a range of options:
- Administrative jobs: Help with university office operations across different faculties, gaining insight into various processes.
- Technical roles: Provide IT support in labs or manage servers, building valuable digital skills.
- Library assistant: Assist with book circulation, stacks organisation, and other admin tasks, perfect for book lovers.
- Campus cafes and shops: Many campus cafes, restaurants, and shops hire students for sales and service roles, which can help you develop customer service skills.
- Residence reception attendant: These roles involve providing services to visiting parents and new students, allowing you to interact with a diverse range of people.
University Career Centres
Take advantage of your university's career centre, which can help you find jobs and prepare for interviews. They often have job boards and employment centres with part-time job listings.
Co-op Programs and Internships
Many Canadian universities offer co-op programs that provide practical work experience related to your field of study. Internships, whether paid or unpaid, are also a great way to gain experience in your chosen field.
Online Communities
Join online communities specifically for international students in Canada, where you can find job tips, advice, and even potential job opportunities.
Remember to manage your time effectively, prioritise your studies, and create a schedule that balances your classes, study time, and work commitments.
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Join online communities for job tips
As an international student in Canada, you can join online communities to get job tips and advice. These communities can be a valuable resource for finding work and connecting with other students in similar situations. Here are some ways you can use online communities to your advantage when looking for job opportunities:
Explore Online Communities
Start by searching for online communities specifically for international students in Canada. These communities can be found on various platforms, including social media groups, forums, or websites dedicated to student life in Canada. Within these communities, you can find job postings, exchange information about employment opportunities, and gain valuable insights from other students' experiences.
Utilize Freelance Platforms
Freelance platforms, such as Fiverr, Upwork, or PeoplePerHour, are excellent online communities to join. These platforms offer a wide range of job opportunities for freelancers, including content writing, graphic design, programming, and more. You can create a profile highlighting your skills and services, connect with potential clients worldwide, and access various tools and resources to manage your freelance business.
Engage in Social Media Groups
Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit host numerous groups and communities related to student life, remote work, and freelancing in Canada. Join these groups to stay updated on job openings, connect with potential employers or collaborators, and seek advice from fellow students or experienced professionals.
Participate in Online Forums
Online forums, such as Quora or Reddit, provide a platform for asking questions and sharing knowledge. You can follow topics related to international students in Canada, remote work, or specific industries you're interested in. Engage with other users, ask for advice, and share your experiences. These forums often have a wealth of information and can be a great way to network and build connections.
Stay Connected with Your University
Many universities in Canada have online platforms or portals specifically for their students. These platforms often include job boards, career resources, and alumni networks. Stay engaged with your university's online community to access exclusive job opportunities, connect with fellow students or alumni who can offer advice, and leverage the career services provided by your institution.
By actively participating in these online communities, international students in Canada can gain access to a network of support, resources, and opportunities that can help them succeed in their job search. It is a great way to stay informed about the latest job trends, develop new skills, and connect with potential employers or collaborators.
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Take on freelance work
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and can work full-time during scheduled breaks. Taking on freelance work can be a great way for international students to make money within these hours.
Freelancing offers international students the flexibility to work remotely and choose their own hours, which can be beneficial for those managing a busy study schedule. There are plenty of freelancer platforms online where students can register and find jobs, although a steady wage cannot always be guaranteed.
International students should play to their strengths and consider their existing skills and expertise when looking for freelance work. For example, those who speak multiple languages could find work translating or teaching languages. Writing and content creation is another popular freelance option, particularly for those with strong literary skills.
For those with a background in computer science or graphic design, freelancing in these areas can often lead to well-paid work. Students can also search for part-time jobs through their universities, as many institutions have job boards and employment centres.
It is important for international students to balance their work and studies and understand the regulations and limitations of working in Canada. They should also be aware that income tax applies to international students in Canada, with the tax rate varying by province or territory.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and can work full-time during scheduled breaks.
The minimum wage for students in Canada is around CA$13, but the hourly pay for foreign students typically varies from $13 to $25.
International students can search for part-time jobs through universities, as many institutions have job boards and employment centres. There are also online communities for international students in Canada where they can find job tips and advice. Additionally, there are freelancer platforms online where students can register to find jobs.































