You want to come to Canada to study but you don’t know where to begin with researching? Well, getting in touch with an RCIC could be the first step but in this article, we extend on things that might come in handy for you.
Can I Work while Studying in Canada?
Generally, yes. And here’s the article about how to work as a Canadian student.
Studying in Canada is the dream of so many young people all over the world, and the reason is fairly clear. Apart from being a country that hosts some of the best institutions in the world, Canada is the one-stop destination for anyone looking for an immigrant-friendly locale.
The country is bubbling with lots of opportunities for young immigrants from all over the world. However, studying in Canada can be expensive. There are costs to incur, and even if you get a scholarship, it would most likely only cover part or all of your tuition and not expenses. Consulting with an RCIC can help you better understand the application process.
The Canadian government has come up with a solution to this problem, and that solution is the work-study program. Canada allows students who are enrolled in universities and colleges in the country to work during the school year, which allows them to earn money for tuition, books, and other expenses.
Working as a Canadian Student
There are different ways students can work while studying in Canada. The average wage for most student jobs ranges from about $15 – $25/hour.
On-Campus Work
There are different positions that students can take on campus, and they can accept these jobs without having a work permit.
Possess a valid study permit
Be a full-time student at a post-secondary public school (university or college). This also applies to private schools in Quebec (that operate under the laws of the public institution and have a minimum of a 50% government grant.)
Possess a social security number (SIN)
Your study program has to be either academic, vocational, or professional. In addition, the program has to span for at least six months and lead to a diploma, degree, or certification.
Off-Campus Work
As a student, you’re also allowed to accept part-time jobs outside off-campus and work for up to 45 hours per week. You don’t need a work permit to do this; The requirements you need, in addition to the requirement stated for on-campus jobs, are as follows:
Students are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the typical academic session and can work full-time when on scheduled breaks..
Your study program has to be either academic, vocational, or professional. In addition, the program has to span for at least six months and lead to a diploma, degree, or certification.
Co-ops and Internships
There is not such a thing as Work-Study Visa for Canada. To get the visa or permission to work and study in Canada you’d need a Work and Study permit. Certain courses require that a student have a work permit application that goes along with the study permit application.
In this case, it’s essential to check beforehand and find out whether your course has internship requirements. This information should be passed on to the V.O, and this will allow you to receive a work permit alongside your student visa.
It is important to note that even if you do work as a student in Canada, this won’t count as an asset on your sponsorship application. You must still demonstrate that you have the financial means to sustain yourself through your entire period of study.
Other eligibility requirements that you have to consider before you’re allowed to work as a student include:
- Your age must be between 18 and 35.
- Your country of origin must have an agreement with the Canadian government.
If you study in Canada, you have the opportunity to bring your spouse. If you can’t work while studying full-time at a Canadian institution, you can bring your spouse. Not only will this provide you with a companion, but it ensures that there’s someone to support the family while you’re studying. The Canadian government will grant your spouse an open work permit if:
- You’re a fulltime student and have met all the requirements listed above for students working in Canada.
- The open work permit is valid for as long as you’re an international student. In addition, the application is easy to complete. You can apply online and avoid extra costs like courier services, slow processing, and incomplete forms. You’ll also get faster updates about the progress of your application. The steps to applying are:
- Make a checklist of everything you need. The online application requires that you have a scanner and a valid credit or debit card.
- Read the instructional manual and complete the application.
- Answer the required questions, and then upload the completed for.
- You will have to pay processing fees , so have your card ready before you get to the end of the application.
- Create an account and use it to make your online payment, submit your application, and check your status.
Job Hunting Tips for Students in Canada
- Build a strong resume: Your best chance of getting a job is to write a resume that is appealing to your employer. Research the potential employer and then tailor your resume to the job.
- Search for job openings online: Sites like craigslist and Monster have lots of job listings every day. You can also use a job website that is related to your field of study. Consider also applying for assistant jobs through one of your professors. You should constantly browse through the job boards.
- Search for jobs in the community: If you don’t get a job online, there are local stores that may need someone to work part-time. Dress nicely, and check for shops that have vacancy signs .
You might be reading this and wondering how you even get into Canada in the first place, much less exploring all of the options available to students.
From Being a Student to PR
With this knowledge, you can apply to study in Canada without fear that you’ll end up stranded. One benefit of the work-study program in Canada is that it can eventually be your ticket to getting permanent residency.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Canada while Studying?
There are a few things that you need to know in order for this to happen:
If you plan to remain in Canada, then you need to stop working immediately after graduation, and then apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This gives you permission to work anywhere for three years following graduation.
During the period of your PGWP, you can apply for permanent residency because this would make you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program in the Express Entry system.
Finally, you’ll have had substantial work experience during your years of study, which will improve your chances of getting a good job after graduation.
We recommend you to consult with an RCIC to better understand the process and get professional help.
Summing Up
Here’re the main things to know about working while studying in Canada:
- Explore the university you’d love to attend and check their admission requirements.
- Submit all of the required documents directly on their website.
- If the university has accepted your application, you’ll receive an offer of admission. At that point, you’ll have to apply for a study permit. You can do this at the Canadian embassy. The documents that you need to submit during this process include an acceptance letter from a Canadian institution.
- Make sure that you bring proof of identity, most preferably an international passport.
- You should be ready to provide proof of financial support.
- A RCIC might be of use to help you gather all the information and documents you need.
