Working while studying in Canada

Canada offers some of the best learning institutions in the world, offering graduates a bright future and many opportunities.

In order to gain experience in your chosen field and perhaps fund your stay in Canada as an international student, you can apply for a Student Work permit.

Most universities encourage working while studying as it allows you to gain valuable experience and in turn, add references to your CV. In this way, you’ll be able to earn money while you study and learn to be responsible and self-sufficient.

There are plenty of options available to you, however you first need to find out if you are suitable for the Student work permit. In order to qualify for this permit, you must:

· Hold a valid Study Permit;

· Be studying at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level or, in Quebec, a vocational program at the secondary level (A list of participating institutions can be found here.);

· Remain in satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution; and

· Be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration.

· Find a job on campus

Conversely, you cannot apply if you are one of the following:

· A student enrolled in an English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language program;

· Taking a general interest course or program; and

· Visiting or exchange student at a designated learning institution.

· No longer a full-time student

Working on campus

Should you choose to work on campus, you can opt to work as a library assistant, waiter or even help out with administration in your faculty. We recommend that you work as a co-op student or intern to gain experience in your relative field of study.

Post-graduation work permit

If you fell in love with Canada and aren’t ready to leave yet, there are many solutions for you after graduation. Apply for a Post-graduation work permit and stay in Canada a while longer to gain valuable work experience. In order to qualify for the post-graduation work permit, your study program must be a minimum of eight months in length and it will only be valid for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.

The other option after your studies is to apply for the Canadian Experience Class visa which allows you to make the transition from temporary to permanent residence. If you wish you wish to be an active contributor to the Canadian economy, you’ll need to have qualifying work experience, an excellent command of English and French and be familiar with Canadian society and cultures.

Do you want to come to Canada? At canadianvisa.org, we make applying for your visa simple. Fill out our contact form and one of our account managers will call you to begin your Canadian visa application process.