Studying and Working in Canada: Eligibility criteria & cost of living

Studying and working in Canada becomes important for international students who are planning to pursue higher education in Canada. This is because the tuition fees charged by some of the top universities in Canada may be high for students from abroad. An international student can work in Canada with a valid study permit. 

International students with a student visa in Canada can work only after starting the study program in which they are enrolled. A study permit is valid for up to 180 days after the completion of the course. 

Canada has special regulations that let all international students work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and full-time during the summer and winter breaks. International students can apply for a post-graduation work permit after study in Canada to be able to work in Canada after graduating from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Table of Contents

• Cost of Living in Canada
• Jobs for International Students Studying and Working in Canada
  
  • Eligibility Criteria for On-Campus Jobs for International Students in Canada
  • Eligibility Criteria for Off-Campus Jobs for International Students in Canada
• How Can International Students Work in Canada after Graduation?
  
  • Eligibility for a Post-graduation Work Permit in Canada
• Co-op Work Permit
• Tips for Working while Studying in Canada

Cost of Living in Canada

The major part of living costs in Canada is determined by the tuition fee of the selected program, location, lifestyle, etc. The table given below shows the category-wise living costs in Canada:

The average cost of living and studying in Canada for international students ranges between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. The estimated tuition fees in Canada may range from $5,500 to $29,000 a year. Thus, it becomes vital for international students to work while studying in Canada to be able to sustain themselves in the country for the duration of their course.

Jobs for International Students Studying and Working in Canada

International students with a valid study permit, pursuing studies at a public university, a community college, or technical school are allowed to get internships or work part-time on-campus of the respective institution. There is no requirement of a work permit for international students in Canada. The international student working hours in Canada are up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during the summer, winter, and spring break. The average hourly wage for jobs for international students in Canada ranges between $15 to $25. This part-time job for international students in Canada helps the students in building business connections and also helps them in immigration after graduation.

Eligibility Criteria for On-Campus Jobs for International Students in Canada

• International students can work part-time on-campus with a valid student permit.
• The international student should be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary public school or an equivalent private college-level school in Quebec or a Canadian private school.
• The student should have a Social Insurance Number.

Eligibility Criteria for Off-Campus Jobs for International Students in Canada

• The international student should have a valid study permit to be able to work off-campus in Canada.
• The international student should be enrolled as a full-time student in an academic, vocational, or professional study program at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• The duration of the program should be more than 6 months, and it should lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• The students can work part-time for only up to 20 hours per week during the academic session.
• The students can work full-time during the winter and summer holidays and spring breaks.

How Can International Students Work in Canada after Graduation?

International students in Canada may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada after completing their graduate studies. A work permit is required to be able to work in Canada temporarily after graduation. The work experience gained in this temporary period may help the students to qualify for a permanent residence. The most common type of work permit for international students is the Post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This postgraduate permit Canada is for graduates of certain specific designated learning institutions who want to stay in Canada temporarily to work.

The study permit is valid for 180 days after the completion of the course, after which the international student should apply for a Post-graduation work permit to be able to live in Canada for work. The validity of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program in which the international student was enrolled.

Eligibility for a Post-graduation Work Permit in Canada

• Students enrolled in a study program of less than 8 months are not eligible for a PGWP.
• The students should be enrolled in a study program that is PGWP-eligible.
• The students should have a valid study permit at the time of applying for a PGWP.
• The students whose study permit will be expiring soon should apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada for a little bit longer or leave Canada and then apply for the PGWP.

Co-op Work Permit

Students who have been approved by their Canadian academic institution to undertake an internship or co-op program are eligible to apply for a co-op work permit. In this program, the work component can be as high as 50 percent of the entire program. However, you are not eligible for a co-op work permit if you study English or French as a second language or if you take any of the preparatory courses. The following requirements must be met by international students seeking a co-op work permit:

• Must possess a valid study permit.
• Must be pursuing a study program that involves a mandatory work placement in order to earn credits for the program.
• Must receive a letter from the educational institution, confirming that the placement is necessary for the study program.

Tips for Working while Studying in Canada

Below are some helpful tips for international students willing to work while studying in Canada:

• Find opportunities that match your field of study or will allow you to learn new skills (like improving your English or French language!). Jobs can offer more than just financial gain. You can even make valuable connections outside of the classroom by taking advantage of this experience.
• You might consider future employment opportunities with your employer. In Canada, companies often hire former interns and employees who have already worked part-time with them.
• Make connections at work and ask your manager to recommend you on LinkedIn to show potential employers that you are an asset to their team. Many jobs in Canada are filled through recruiter networks, so building a network will give you access to job openings.
• You should be proactive. If you are interested in a particular project or additional opportunities, don't hesitate to speak to your manager. 
• When you need help, ask for it. Taking help from a colleague or manager can be a way to learn and develop your network.