Many students studying in Canada, while completing their academic tasks, are eager to take on part-time jobs in their spare time. This not only helps supplement their living expenses, but also allows them to improve their English skills and gain valuable work experience.

With summer approaching, part-time jobs are peaking. Today, we'll detail ten common types of part-time jobs for students in Canada, focusing on key factors: salary level, schedule flexibility, workload, and employment prospects.

Analysis of Part-time Job Options for International Students in Canada: International students in Canada aren't always eligible to work; they must meet certain requirements. Generally speaking, there are three main types of work options available to international students: on-campus work, off-campus work, and co-op work or internships. However, it's important to note that only students enrolled in higher education and who are of age are eligible to work; underage international students are not permitted to legally work.

On-campus work means working within the institution you attend. If you hold a valid study permit and are a full-time student at a designated postsecondary institution (DLI), you can work on campus without a work permit, and your hours are unlimited.

Students have more flexibility in choosing where to work on campus; they can work anywhere on campus. However, if the institution has multiple campuses, they are generally restricted to working on the campus where they are studying. However, there are exceptions. If you are a teaching assistant, researcher, or have received research funding for related work, you may be allowed to work at other locations, such as libraries, hospitals, or research institutions affiliated with the institution. Students can work on campus with a wide range of employers, including the institution, faculty, student organizations, self-employed students, and private companies. However, you cannot continue to work on campus if you have stopped full-time study (except for the final semester), your study permit has expired, you are on a leave of absence, or you are transferring to another institution and are not currently enrolled in school.

Off-campus work, in contrast to on-campus work, refers to positions offered by other individuals or organizations outside the institution.

According to the Canadian Immigration Department, if you hold a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time in a certificate, diploma, or degree program (of more than six months duration) at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada or a vocational secondary education institution recognized by Quebec, you can work part-time off-campus without applying for a work permit. However, there are a few points to note:

(A) You must have already started your course of study to work legally. If your study permit states that work is prohibited, you cannot work on or off-campus.

(B) Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week during their spare time and can work part-time in multiple jobs; they can work full-time during holidays, but not during holidays before school enrollment.

(C) Students who are only taking language courses (such as ESL/FSL) or interest courses are not allowed to work off-campus. Co-op Program The co-op program is a unique part of Canadian higher education and is different from on-campus and off-campus work. Participating in a co-op program requires a work permit.

The specific requirements are as follows:

(1) The course program you are studying for must include an internship requirement, which means that an internship is a prerequisite for completing the course. At the same time, students must hold a valid study permit for the course.

(2) When applying for a work permit from the Immigration Bureau, you need to provide relevant evidence. The school can issue a written statement stating that students must complete the relevant internship before graduation.

(3) The duration of a paid internship cannot usually exceed 50% of the total study time (general paid internship programs meet this condition, but only account for about 1/3 of the duration).

Ten Part-time Jobs Most Suitable for International Students

After understanding the relevant requirements for part-time work for international students in Canada, let's take a look at which specific jobs in Canada are more suitable for international students. The salaries of some of the following positions may fluctuate significantly due to differences in employers and individual performance, while jobs such as retail and landscaping usually have a smaller salary fluctuation range. The salary data and employment prospects information in this article are all from Canada's National Job Bank.

1. Campus-based part-time jobs: high salary but high competition, can accumulate academic experience

(1) Research Assistant

Research Assistants mainly assist professional mentors in conducting academic research in the fields of science, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The work content is rich and varied, and may include data collection and analysis, literature review, laboratory experiments, etc., which is very suitable for students who plan to apply for graduate school or pursue a doctorate.

Salary: relatively high, with an hourly wage range of between $15.00 and $46.45, and a median hourly wage of $25.97.

Flexibility: medium to high, RAs can usually be flexibly scheduled according to the student's course schedule, but some projects require specific time nodes.

Physical requirements: low.

Employment prospects: uncertain, depending on the mentor and funding situation. Some projects provide graduate students with a fixed number of RA hours as part of their scholarship.

Does a license need to be required: not required, but usually limited to related majors.

(2) Teaching Assistant

The main responsibilities of a teaching assistant are to assist teachers in teaching and course management. The work content includes leading discussion classes, laboratory classes, grading homework and exams, preparing teaching materials, and tutoring students. This is an excellent opportunity to get in touch with teaching work and improve professional expression skills. It is very suitable for undergraduate seniors and graduate students who prefer academic work.

Salary: High, with an hourly wage range of between $15.00 and $46.45, and a median hourly wage of $25.97.

Flexibility: Moderate, with fixed teaching, laboratory, and meeting times.

Physical requirements: Low.

Employment prospects: Uncertain, the number of positions depends on the school, major, and degree level. There are more opportunities for graduate students, and some positions are part of the TA scholarship.

Does a license need to be required: No, but subject knowledge is required.

2. Physical part-time job: The salary is not low, and it is suitable for holiday rush.

(1) Tree Planter

Tree planters mainly plant trees for forestry companies seasonally from late spring to early autumn. The work location is usually quite remote and requires living in a tent in the wild, and being "served" by mosquitoes. Although planting a tree may only earn a few cents, the income over a season is quite considerable. However, it is also a huge test of willpower and is suitable for students seeking outdoor work experience.

Salary: relatively high, experienced people can earn 200-300 yuan a day, and the hourly wage range is between 18-45 yuan.

Flexibility: low, requires camping, and is usually only suitable for summer work.

Physical requirements: extremely high.

Employment prospects: high demand in the summer, and a large number of workers will be recruited.

Is a license required: no.

(2) Landscaping Labourer

Landscaping Labourers are mainly responsible for assisting in the construction and maintenance of outdoor spaces. Their work includes mowing lawns, planting flowers and laying bricks. Although the work is relatively hard, it is easier than tree planting work, and the working environment is relatively more friendly. It is suitable for students who like outdoor work and have a certain amount of physical strength.

Salary: Medium, hourly wage ranges from 16 to 27, with a median hourly wage of $20.

Flexibility: Medium, mostly summer employment with fixed weekday shifts.

Physical requirements: High.

Job prospects: High demand from late spring to autumn, with better prospects in Ontario and British Columbia, and relatively poorer in smaller provinces.

Is a license required: No.

3. Part-time jobs in retail and service industries:

Low threshold, a good opportunity to practice speaking. (1) Retail Salesperson (Retail Associate) Retail salespersons are mainly responsible for providing consultation, product recommendations, processing transactions, replenishing goods, and keeping the store clean to customers in retail stores. This is one of the most common part-time jobs for students, and it is also a vivid "speaking class" and "workplace culture class." Salary: Medium to low, hourly wage ranges from 15 to 27, with a median hourly wage of $16.50. Flexibility: Medium, can schedule evening and weekend shifts. Physical requirements: Low to moderate, requires standing for long periods of time, and can be busy during holidays.

Employment prospects: There are large regional differences, but there are persistent job vacancies in the retail industry, which offers more opportunities for students.

Is a license required: Not required.

(2) Barista

Baristas mainly prepare drinks, process orders, clean equipment, and provide customer service in coffee shops. Well-known coffee shops such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons recruit workers year-round, and the working environment is relatively relaxed, making it a first stop for many people to get started as part-time workers.

Salary: Relatively low, with hourly wages ranging from $15 to $20, and a median hourly wage of $16.

Flexibility: Moderate, including morning, evening, and weekend shifts, which is suitable for students to arrange their time.

Physical requirements: Moderate.

Employment prospects: Moderate preference.

Is a license required: Not required.

(3) Bartender

Bartenders mainly mix drinks, serve customers, process bills, and keep the bar clean in bars and restaurants. Working at night and receiving tips can bring in a considerable income, but you need to memorize various drinks quickly and have good social skills.

Salary: Medium, with hourly wages ranging from $15 to $29.25, with a median hourly wage of $19.25, in addition to tips.

Flexibility: Medium, mainly night shifts.

Physical requirements: Medium.

Job prospects: Large regional differences.

Whether a license is required: Many provinces require a "Responsible Drinking Service Certificate".

4. Remote part-time job: You can make money without leaving your home.

(1) Data Annotator

Data Annotators are the "behind-the-scenes heroes" of AI, mainly responsible for annotating text, images or audio data for machine learning models. They are often recruited through online platforms or outsourcing companies and are suitable for students with a good English foundation, carefulness and the ability to work independently.

Salary: Medium to high, with a median hourly wage of $22 and a high end of $30.81.

Flexibility: High.

Physical requirements: Low, but require long periods of sitting.

Employment prospects: Driven by the AI ​​industry, there is a certain growth trend.

Does a license need to be required: No.

(2) Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistants are mainly responsible for managing emails, arranging schedules, and making reports. They are suitable for students who are self-disciplined and good at organization and communication. International students can also serve foreign clients without being restricted by the number of working hours.

Salary: Medium to high, with an hourly wage range of between 18-35, and a median hourly wage of $23.

Flexibility: You can arrange your own time, and cross-time zone services are more flexible.

Physical requirements: Low.

Employment prospects: British Columbia and PEI have good prospects, Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba are medium, and Saskatchewan and New Brunswick are relatively weak.

Does a license need to be required: No, but you must be proficient in using office software.

5. Skilled part-time job: Turn your subject expertise into cash!

(1) Subject tutors

Subject tutors mainly provide tutoring in subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages ​​to other students, and can work both online and offline. International students can also conduct business with foreign clients.

Salary: medium to high, with a median hourly wage of 19.05 and a high end of 33.47.

Flexibility: Very high, you can arrange your own time.

Physical requirements: Low.

Employment prospects: There are differences in different provinces, with Ontario and British Columbia being relatively weaker, and Alberta and Quebec being stronger.

Whether a license is required: No, but you need to have strong subject skills and clear oral expression skills.

Note: Remote freelance work for overseas clients in Canada is not considered entering the Canadian labor market, and international students can work without time limits; however, if working for local Canadian clients, they are still subject to the 24-hour per week off-campus work limit.

When looking for a part-time job while studying abroad, in addition to considering salary factors, you should also consider the course schedule, your own language ability, physical condition, and your career development direction after graduation. Finding a part-time job that suits you can not only help you solve the problem of living expenses, but also add a bright spot to your resume!