Finding part time jobs in Canada for international students can be a valuable way to earn extra income while gaining work experience in a new environment. Balancing studies with part-time work also allows students to develop essential life skills such as time management, communication, and independence.
However, navigating the job market in a foreign country can be challenging without a clear understanding of eligibility rules, job search strategies, and where to find suitable opportunities. By understanding your work rights as an international student and knowing where and how to look, you can secure a job that fits your schedule and helps you grow both personally and professionally.
Tips to Find Part-Time Job in Canada for Students
1. Understand Your Work Eligibility
Ensure that your study permit allows you to work. Most international students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays.
If you have a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time, you may work on campus without needing a separate work permit. However, your study permit may include a condition that allows you to work off-campus. You can take up part-time jobs with eligible employers.
2. Check University Job Portals
Most Canadian universities and colleges have job portals dedicated to helping students find on-campus or off-campus part-time work. These portals often list opportunities such as library assistants, research assistants, or positions in the student union.
Some universities have platforms like MyCareerHub or Workday. These platforms are popular for job listings. Find out what is available in your school and make the most of it.
3. Visit Local Businesses
Walking into local stores, restaurants, or small businesses to make inquiries is one of the most effective ways to find part time jobs in Canada for international students. It can sometimes be more effective than applying online. Bring copies of your resume and present yourself professionally.
4. Use Popular Job Search Websites
There are job boards that offer some of the best part time jobs for students in Canada. Although they do not specifically cater to part-time jobs, you can find part-time jobs among the array of opportunities available. These platforms allow you to filter jobs based on location, hours, and industry. some of them are:
- Indeed.ca: A highly reliable site where you can find part-time jobs in various industries.
- Job Bank: Managed by the Canadian government, it offers a range of part-time and seasonal jobs across provinces.
- LinkedIn: Use this for networking and finding professional part-time roles, such as internships.
- SimplyHired and Workopolis: Other popular job platforms for part-time work.
5. Networking
Networking with professors, fellow students, or community members can help you learn about job openings that may not be widely advertised. Attending university events or joining student groups is a great way to meet people who might refer you to potential employers.
6. Leverage Social Media
Many companies and small businesses post job openings on their social media pages, especially on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Join community groups in your city or province (e.g., “Part-time Jobs in Toronto” on Facebook) to find part time jobs in Canada for international students. These groups can give you a heads-up on new opportunities.
7. Check Job Listings in Local Newspapers
Many small businesses still post part-time job opportunities in local newspapers or classified sections. Checking these can lead to finding a job that isn’t listed on larger online platforms.
Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
Here are some of the high-paying part time job in Canada for students salary. The salaries listed here are the average obtainable figures and the actual salaries for different job roles may vary.
Server ($17.34 per hour)
A server works in restaurants, cafes, or bars and is responsible for attending to customers, taking food and beverage orders, and delivering them. Servers must ensure that customers have a pleasant dining experience by offering menu suggestions, addressing complaints, and managing payments.
Key Duties: Taking orders, delivering food, processing payments, maintaining clean tables, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Skills Required: Strong communication, multitasking, and good customer service skills.
Sales Assistant ($17.46 per hour)
A sales assistant works in retail environments, such as stores or boutiques, helping customers with their purchases. They assist by answering questions about products, processing payments, stocking shelves, and maintaining a clean sales area.
Key Duties: Advising customers, handling cash registers, restocking products, and maintaining a tidy store.
Skills Required: Good communication, patience, and knowledge of the products being sold.
Barista ($16.30 per hour)
A barista is one of the easily available part time jobs in Canada for international students. This role involves preparing and serving coffee and other beverages in coffee shops or cafes. Baristas must be familiar with brewing techniques, operating espresso machines, and maintaining clean workstations.
Key Duties: Preparing coffee and beverages, taking customer orders, handling payments, and keeping the cafe clean.
Skills Required: Attention to detail, customer service, and the ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Dog Walker ($19 per hour)
A dog walker cares for clients’ dogs by taking them for walks, ensuring they get adequate exercise and care. This role requires a love of animals, patience, and the ability to handle multiple dogs at once if necessary.
Key Duties: Walking dogs, providing exercise, ensuring dogs are safe, and following any specific instructions from the owner.
Skills Required: Reliability, physical fitness, and an understanding of dog behaviour.
Tutor ($22.95 per hour)
A tutor provides academic support to students, helping them improve their understanding of specific subjects. Tutors may work one-on-one or with small groups, offering customized lesson plans and guidance.
Key Duties: Preparing lesson materials, assisting students with homework, explaining difficult concepts, and tracking progress.
Skills Required: Strong subject knowledge, communication, and patience.
Delivery Driver ($21.56 per hour)
This is one of the highest-paying part time jobs in Canada for international students. Delivery drivers transport goods to customers’ homes or businesses. They may work for restaurants, courier services, or online retailers. Their main responsibility is to ensure timely and safe delivery of packages or food.
Key Duties: Loading vehicles, delivering goods, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining delivery records.
Skills Required: Good driving skills, time management, and a customer-focused attitude.
Snow Remover ($22.83 an hour)
A snow remover clears snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas during winter.
Key Duties: Shoveling snow, operating snow blowers, and salting icy surfaces.
Skills Required: Physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work outdoors in different weather conditions.
Tour Guide ($20.66 per hour)
A tour guide leads groups of tourists around historical, cultural, or natural sites. They provide detailed information about the location’s history, culture, and points of interest.
Key Duties: Conducting tours, sharing interesting facts, ensuring group safety, and answering questions.
Skills Required: Strong communication, in-depth knowledge of the site, and public speaking.
Residence Advisor ($20.15 per hour)
A residence advisor (RA) works in university or college dorms to assist students living on campus. They are responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and engagement of residents by organizing events, addressing concerns, and enforcing dorm policies.
Key Duties: Supporting students, organizing activities, enforcing rules, and providing a safe living environment.
Skills Required: Leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.
Nanny ($14 per hour)
Being a nanny is one of the part time jobs in Canada for international students that you can consider if you love kids. A nanny cares for children in private homes, attending to their daily needs such as feeding, bathing, and educational activities. They may also help with homework, take the children to appointments, and supervise playtime.
Key Duties: Childcare, light housework, preparing meals, and planning activities.
Skills Required: Patience, nurturing attitude, childcare experience, and CPR/first aid knowledge.
Translator ($37.56 per hour)
A translator converts written text from one language to another while maintaining the original meaning and tone. They may work in various industries such as business, legal, medical, or literary translation.
Key Duties: Translating documents, proofreading, and ensuring accuracy and cultural appropriateness.
Skills Required: Fluency in at least two languages, attention to detail, and strong writing skills in both languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Am I allowed to work part-time as an international student in Canada?
Yes, most international students with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided their study permit includes the condition allowing off-campus work.
2. Can I work on campus without a work permit?
Yes, if you have a valid study permit and are enrolled as a full-time student, you can work on-campus without needing a separate work permit.
3. What documents do I need to apply for a part-time job?
You will typically need your study permit, Social Insurance Number (SIN), resume, and sometimes a cover letter. Employers may also request proof of enrollment and a valid work permit condition on your study permit.
4. What should I include in my resume for a part-time job?
Your resume should highlight relevant skills, work experience (if any), educational background, and any volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications. Tailoring your resume to the job description is also important.
5. What should I consider when balancing part-time work and studies?
It’s crucial to manage your time effectively, ensuring that your job doesn’t interfere with your academic performance. You should also make sure not to exceed the maximum allowed working hours (20 hours per week during academic sessions) to avoid legal issues.
Conclusion
Securing part time jobs in Canada for international students requires a blend of preparation, strategy, and persistence. By familiarising yourself with the work regulations tied to your study permit, leveraging available resources like job portals and networking, and exploring local businesses or freelancing opportunities, you can find a role that not only supplements your income but enhances your experience in Canada. Ultimately, with the right approach, you can balance work and study, enrich your stay, and build valuable connections that may benefit your future career.
