Work while studying in Canada
There are many work-study combination options in Canada, so almost everyone can afford to get a paid education in the country.
After enrolling in a Canadian college or university, you can offset some of your expenses, as a study visa allows you to earn extra money. You can work up to 20 hours a week during your studies and up to 40 hours a week during your winter and summer holidays or spring break. The minimum hourly wage in Canada ranges from CAN $13 to $16 depending on the province or territory.
Please note that in order to work in Canada, you will most likely need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Job options
There are several ways to work in Canada while studying:
- on-campus work — on the territory of your university or college, or as an assistant in a library, hospital, or research center at your institution, while the employer can be either the institution or a private contractor working on campus;
- off-campus work — in a private business or government agency;
- co-op education — if you study a program that requires work to complete your studies, you will need to apply for a work permit to get a job;
- internship — requires a work permit for on-the-job training.
Work after graduation
After graduating from a university or college, you can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which will allow you to work in Canada for 1 to 3 years. To obtain this permit, you must meet several requirements:
- complete a minimum 8-month program at a designated educational institution in Canada;
- obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate from the institution;
- be in the status of a student in Canada during the entire period of study.
You can apply for the PGWP within 180 days of your graduation.
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