Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada 2024

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 05 Feb, 2024 | 12:35 PM]
About Author - 6 min read
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Finding a job in Canada as an international student might seem like a tough task but it is not entirely impossible. From opportunities to work on/off-campus to applying for a work permit after graduation, there are multiple possibilities to work on a Canada Student Visa. With that said, you must follow a few steps to get your dream job in Canada - including customizing your resume, attending career fairs, networking, and more.

Find out the essential tips to get your desired job in Canada as an international student.

Students usually require a work permit to work in Canada while studying simultaneously. But with on and off-campus work options available, they can gain valuable experience. This experience can later be used to get work permits after completion of education.

On-Campus Work Opportunities

Getting on-campus work means being employed within the campus. But if the school you study has more than one campus, you can get a job at the one you are currently studying at. In this case, your employer will be either a faculty member, a private contractor, or your school.

Thinking about working hours? Well, there is no limit to the number of hours you can work on campus. That said, students are not permitted to work before the school starts officially and once your study program or permit expires, so does your employment on campus.

Fulfill these requirements to work on campus without a work permit -

• Be a full-time student in a post-secondary program.
• Have a valid study permit.
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Off-Campus Work Opportunities

Canada has many jobs for international students to work overtime or even part-time outside their campus during scheduled summer and winter holidays.

Recent updates by the Canadian government lifted the 20-hours-per-week rule, allowing international students to work off-campus for more hours. However, to work outside of your campus, you must be a full-time student before and after your summer or winter holiday break.

Fulfill these requirements to work off campus without a work permit -

• Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Be studying one of these - a post-secondary professional, vocational, or professional training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only).
• Be enlisted in a study program (degree/diploma/certificate) that is at least six months long.
• Have already started your study session.
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Co-op Programs and Internships

These programs are great for academic knowledge and practical experience in your field of interest. While studying these programs, you can get full-time employment without a work permit. Reach out to your institution to verify that you are meeting the program's requirements.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

With a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you can work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the duration of your study program. The only condition is - you must have completed your study program at a DLI and have a valid Canada study permit. Gain valuable work experience and utilize that later to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry CEC stream.

Top Job-Seeking Tips in Canada for International Students

Here are some easy-to-follow tips to get a job in Canada as an international student -

• Do your permit research

Canadian authorities keep changing the rules for international students from time to time and you must be familiar with them to gain the necessary permits to work while studying in Canada.

• Customize your resume

For every job you wish to apply for, customize your resume. Make sure to highlight your skills, educational credentials, and any work experience you have that can make your application stand out and let the recruiter decide in your favor.

• Build a professional profile

Having a professional online presence can help you connect with other professionals in your field and make job hunting a bit easier.

• Go to career fairs

Several Canadian universities organize career fairs for students to get a chance to meet potential employers. Therefore, you must attend them. Be professional, bring copies of your resume, and discuss your skills, and career goals with them.

• Seek Co-op programs

As discussed earlier in this blog, Co-op Programs and internships can be a great way to get hands-on experience. You can gain knowledge about your field of study and increase your chances of getting work after graduation.

• Use resources on campus

Most Canadian universities have career services on campus. They can guide you through your cover letters, resumes, and job searches.

• Improve communication skills

Canadian employers value international students who have fluency in English or French as effective communication is essential in the workplace. Thus, you must work on your communication skills to effectively put your point across in a professional environment.

If you are looking for new job opportunities in Canada as an international student, Canada will not disappoint you. Make sure to research the on/off-campus employment opportunities and work on your job hunting and resume-building skills to boost your chances of getting a job.

Don’t know where to start? Get in touch with the best Canada Visa Consultants in Chandigarh at Nationwide Visas today!

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