Working while studying in Canada isn’t entirely a bad idea as it is a good strategy to help cover your expenses or get you extra cash. As long as you can balance the stress of studying and the demands of your job, the income and experience gained can make your stay in Canada worthwhile.
To qualify to study in Canada, you need a study permit. It is a document that allows you to study and reside in Canada during your study period. Sometimes, this study permit allows you to work in Canada while studying, and when it doesn’t you have to apply for a work permit.
However, getting a work permit as a student has various requirements you must follow to be permitted to work in Canada else you may leave the country with immediate termination of your studies. All these requirements will be explained in this content as you read on.
P.S: even if you plan on working in Canada while studying you’ll still need to provide a sufficient financial statement while applying for your study permit in Canada.
Working in Canada as a Student
As an international student in Canada, you are only permitted to work when your study program has commenced. If your study permit states that you are permitted to work then you don’t need to apply for a work permit and if it doesn’t, below are the guidelines for getting and using a work permit.
Working on Campus
This means working for any employer in the university or college premises. It can be for the school itself, for faculty members, for a business owner inside the school premises, or for yourself. You don’t need a work permit to work on campus.
Eligibility to work on campus
You can work on campus if you
- Have your study permit.
- Are eligible to work during study breaks.
- Your study permit allows you to work or you have a work permit.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number.
Working off Campus
Working off campus means working for an employer outside the school premises or jurisdiction,
Eligibility to work off Campus
- You are a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institute in Canada.
- Your study program is at least 6 months long and proceeds to a diploma, degree, or certificate.
- You have started your studies.
- You have your Social Insurance number.
Working as an Intern
This is for students who must complete work experience as part of their study programs.
Eligibility to Work as an Intern
- You must have a valid study permit
- You must have a letter from the university that confirms all students in the program must undergo work placements to get their degrees.
- Your internship shouldn’t be more than 50% of your study program.
Working as a Post-Graduate
The post-graduate work permit allows students who have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute to get their work permits and gain Canadian work experience. It enables some international students to transit or qualify for permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility to Work as a Post-Graduate
- You must be a graduate of a Designated Learning Institute.
- Your passport is valid for the entire time you are permitted to work
- You have/had access to a valid study permit.
- Your transcripts or a letter from the university confirming the conclusion of your study program.
How to apply for a Canada International Student Work Permit
As a student in Canada, you should note that your study is your primary goal and should be taken seriously. If you know that working will distract you from your studies or not give you enough time to study then you should quit working.
Below are the steps to applying for a Canada International student permit
- Gather all essential documents. Check the Document Checklist to assist you in gathering all the required documents you need to submit with your application.
- Pay the required fees.
- Fill in your application carefully.
- Submit the application, the required fees, and all essential documents online.
Can Canada International Student Work Permit be Refused?
Yes, your Canada international student work permit can be refused by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you don’t meet up certain requirements. The common reasons for refusal are as follows
- Failure to meet international security standards and health standards.
- IRCC isn’t convinced that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your studies in Canada.
- Questionable time of residence. A study permit is a temporary visa and IRCC needs to be sure you don’t plan on staying in their country illegally after your studies.
- Questionable letter of acceptance.
- If your choice of program is not aligned with your educational or employment history.
- Unclear or incomplete travel and identity documents.
- Failure to pass English proficiency tests.
- Lack of job prospects in your country
- Threat to covid-19.
Can I Work Full-Time as a Student in Canada?
Recently in Canada, there was a 20-hour per week limit placed on international students with work permits but that limit has been temporarily lifted. This development was influenced by the shortage of labor force in Canada. With half a million international students in Canada, it is a strategy by Immigration to use these students to fill up essential job vacancies.
Conclusion
One of the perks of studying in Canada is the opportunity to work while studying. This content provides insight for prospective international students.
Need help reviewing your statement/SOP? Contact Fasthire today.
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