International students staying in Canada for the summer may have some queries concerning getting a job while they await the fall semester. International students are only authorized to get employed in Canada without a different work permit if they have work approval on their study permit. This employment approval will demonstrate whether the study permit holder is authorized to be employed on or off campus.
Note: International students need work approval to work in Canada.
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What Is Canada’s Guideline For Work Hours As An International Student?
International students must begin their employment hunt by knowing the employment hours guideline executed by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) modifications. These modifications are based on the period of the year.
More particularly, it is essential to understand that the summer months are naturally regarded as a scheduled holiday in the educational calendar unless an international student selects to or is required to take courses during this duration.
This difference is crucial because IRCC permits international students to work 40 hours or more weekly during the scheduled educational holidays. The policy has returned to 20 hours weekly and goes to 24 hours in the fall period.
The new 24-hour weekly policy of IRCC will supersede the temporary policy introduced in October 2022, which permitted international students with off-campus employment approval to work more than 20 hours weekly while courses were going on. IRCC’s temporary policy was concluded on 30th April 2024.
Note: Based on IRCC, this summer, before the new policy begins, students on a scheduled educational holiday can proceed with working unrestricted hours.
International students are usually eager to learn how summer jobs work in Canada so that they may capitalize on this period to make funds to sponsor themselves.
What Kinds Of Employment Can I Take On?
International students can seek any summer job if they qualify to work on or off campus. For notions on what kind of employment to pursue as an international student, check out the top employments for international students in Canada for 2023. These include positions in retail, hospitality, customer service, and more. These jobs often offer flexible schedules and are open to hiring international students.
Do I Require A Work Permit?
No, instead, to be qualified for on-campus employment without a work permit, international students are required to:
- Have an authentic study permit or retained status
- Have begun their studies
- Have employment approval on their study permit
- Be a full-time post-secondary student at a qualified university.
- Have a social insurance number (SIN)
However, international students seeking to get employed off-campus without a work permit must satisfy the following requirements to be qualified.
- Be a full-time student at an assigned learning institution.
- Be registered in an eligible course of study that is a minimum of 6 months and results in a degree, certificate, or diploma.
- Have begun their studies.
- Have a Social Insurance Number.
Based on IRCC policy, international students can only begin working in Canada after their course of study has already started.
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To be qualified, international students must register in either a post-secondary educational, vocational, or skilled internship course or a secondary-level professional internship course for Quebec alone.
Note: Part-time students are qualified for off-campus employment under specific requirements. For additional details on working off campus as an international student, visit the IRCC website.
What Document Do I Require To Work In Canada?
Naturally, international students will require several of the same documents as any other employment candidates in Canada, with some exemptions, apart from resumes and cover letters, two crucial elements of the employment hunting procedures for international students. They may be required to demonstrate evidence of their employment approval to confirm that they are lawfully permitted to get employed in Canada as an aspect of their employment interview or onboarding procedures.
Go to the devoted website to learn more about drafting a Canadian-style resume.
What Is An SIN, And How Do You Get One?
Hence, international students must remember needing a social insurance number to be employed in Canada.
Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) are personal, unique nine-digit numbers offered to qualified permanent or temporary Canadians. Every employee in Canada, including international students, requires a SIN to work. To obtain a SIN, you need to visit the Canadian Government website and follow the application process. This process involves providing necessary documents, such as your study permit and passport, and filling out the application form. Once your application is approved, you will receive your SIN.
What If I Face Difficulties At Work?
International students, like other foreign citizens in Canada, possess the same liberty as Canadian-born employees regarding fair and just treatment in the place of work.
There is a law in place by the government of Canada, comprising the Canada Labour Code and the Employment Equity Act, that summarizes the liberties offered to international employees in this nation. These liberties comprise of:
- Being paid for the job
- Having a secure workplace
- Being able to maintain their passport and employment permit
Again, go to this link ” “for adequate knowledge of your employer’s duties as it informs workplace health and security, retaining a workplace free of maltreatment, and the Canadian employer’s obligation to house. The more educated you are as an international citizen, comprising an international student, the better you can prepare for employment in Canada.
Where Can I Go For Additional Details?
For additional details on summer jobs as an international student in Canada, go to any obtainable online resources comprising of the following websites:
- Working while studying
- Networking
- Getting ready for employment interviews
- Where to find employment
- Writing a Canadian resume
Furthermore, your secondary school will have an office you can visit and resources you can access to learn more about working as an international student. Reach out to your institution as soon as possible to learn more early to obtain a job this summer.
