International students are entitled to work part-time jobs (20 hours/week) while studying in Canada. They can work if they want to help pay living expenses and tuition fees.
Getting a part-time job even without experience can be hard, but definitely achievable after a few applications in a job search or employment platforms. Sometimes it can be annoying for students to study and work at the same time, and balance it. Even though it takes more of your free time, it is very useful for many reasons depending on the situation.
Why should you get a part-time job while studying?
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Earn extra money
As a student, having extra cash is great because it can help you either with your current expenses or with purchases in the future. You can even save money for future investments, emergency funds, or for something better that you need the money for.
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Learn how to manage money
You will learn how much you can spend or save, and how to be more risk-averse with your finances. In the end, is your hard-earn money that we are talking about.
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Gain work experience
Besides getting more money, a part-time job also gives you the chance of getting more first-hand experience. It can help you be ready for the real working world and to get a better-looking resume as well. Just by working, you can acquire all kinds of beneficial skills.
If you manage to find a job related to your area of study, you will be ahead of your competition post-graduation, which make help you find a good-paying job faster than others.
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Build your professional network
From the moment you get your first job, you can start building your professional network with all the people you meet daily, your bosses, managers, colleagues, etc. That is a great advantage for your professional career; it can open many doors and even more if you have a great development while working for them.
Even though you are not working in an industry that is related to your field of study, you are still gaining some real-world connections for the professional world.
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Learn to balance your time
Having a part-time job while studying, plus doing some extracurricular activities, and enjoying time off for yourself is not easy. But having to deal with many of those things including a job, will teach you how to balance time, be efficient and learn some time management skills along the way.
What are the requirements to work part-time as an international student?
In Canada, there are certain requirements from the Canadian government that an international student needs to meet before looking for a part-time job. You can work off-campus without a work permit if:
- Need to be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Need to be registered in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program
- Your study program is at least 6 months long and results in a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Must already start your studies
- You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If you work part-time, on-campus, or as a co-op student/intern then requirements vary. Please check the Canadian government website for more information. If you want more information on resources and legit websites to find jobs, please go to the article ‘How to find jobs as an international student‘.