The best thing about working part-time in Canada is that you only need your study permit to secure a job. 

It’s essential to go through your study permit guidelines on what you can and cannot do. The Canadian government notes that if you’re able to work during your studies, it’ll say so in the conditions on your study permit.

It’s worth noting that if your study permit doesn’t have work conditions on it, you can ask to have these conditions added if you’re eligible to work off-campus.

Some of the general rules surrounding work include: 

• Students can work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session
• Students are allowed to work full-time during semester breaks 

It is also essential to take note of the average minimum wage per hour — this varies by province. According to Yocket, it can be between 11 Canadian dollars to CA$16.

You cannot work off-campus without a work permit if:

• Your study permit says you aren’t authorised to work off-campus while you study
• You’re only enrolled in an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) programme
• You’re only taking general interest courses
• You’re only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time programme
• Your situation changes and you no longer meet all of the requirements to work off-campus

“If any of these situations apply to you, and you want to work while studying in Canada, you need to apply for a work permit,” notes the government.

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) 

To work in Canada, you will first need to obtain a SIN number — a nine-digit number issued by the government that gives you access to various government programmes and benefits. 

It’s completely free to apply for a SIN number, and you can apply for it online, in-person or by mail. 

Open a Canadian bank account 

Aside from managing your financial needs and expenses, a Canadian bank account is also necessary for you to receive your salary. 

According to Logic Publishers, popular banks among international students include Scotiabank, CIBC, RBC, BMO and Bank of China. 

Be prepared to pay taxes 

Any Canadian-earned income is taxable in Canada, meaning that a sum of your salary (usually around 15 to 20%) will be automatically deducted. For instance, if you earn CA$1,200 a month, approximately CA$200 will be deducted from your salary. You may also need to report any income earned from outside of Canada. 

Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if you have questions about filing your tax return in Canada. You may be able to get help at free tax clinics too.

Work regulations for on-campus work

• You can work on campus only after the start of your studies
• You can work on campus only if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus

Good to know: If your study permit doesn’t mention that you can work on or off campus, you can ask for this change to be made (free of cost).

You don’t need a work permit to work on campus as long as you meet these conditions:

• You are a full-time post-secondary student
• You have a valid study permit
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Learn more about working on campus in Canada and who can’t work on campus.

Work regulations for off-campus work

• You can work off campus only after the start of your studies
• You can work off campus without a work permit only if both you and the employer ensure that this is possible before you take the job. If you start working without meeting the requirements, you could be asked to leave the country!
• You can work on campus only if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus

You don’t need a work permit to work off campus as long as you meet these conditions:

• You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI); if your university isn’t a DLI, you won’t be able to work.
• You are enrolled in a post-secondary academic/vocational program or a professional training
• Your studies last a minimum of 6 months, and you’ll graduate with a degree, diploma, or a certificate
• You have a valid study permit
• You have a Social Insurance Number

During the academic or school terms, you can only work for 20 hours per week. You have more freedom during schedule breaks — e.g. the winter or summer holidays — when you can work full-time, overtime or take 2 part-time jobs.

Work regulations for work after graduation

You might be able to work full-time after graduation in Canada. These are the two main scenarios in which this is possible:

• BEFORE your study permit expires, you apply for a work permit or a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
• You enrol in a new study program at a DLI; if your university isn’t a designated learning institution, you won’t be able to work

Conditions to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP):

• You need to graduate from a DLI in order to apply for the PGWP
• Graduating from a DLI makes you eligible but doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive the PGWP
• You need to apply for the PGWP within 180 days (approximately 6 months) after graduating from university/after receiving your final grades or marks
• The study program you finish must last for at least 8 months
• You can’t apply for a second PGWP if you’ve already received one after completing a previous study program
• You need to pay the application fee of 255 CAD

It takes around 53 days for the PGWP to be issued. Depending on the duration of your academic program, the PGWP can be valid for anywhere between 9 months to 3 years.

Whether you are in the planning stages of coming to study in Canada, or you are already accepted into a post-secondary institution here, it’s never too early to start thinking about and checking off these twelve necessities for starting as an international student in Canada.

1. Your passport

A passport is essential to travel internationally. If you don’t have a passport, apply to get one in your home country. If you do have a passport, check the expiry date: you cannot travel internationally if your passport expires in six months or less. 

If you have other official government identification from your home country, you should also bring it or a photocopy of it. This can include:

• Valid driver’s license
• Birth certificate

Once you arrive in Canada, you are responsible for making sure your passport is up-to-date. If you need to extend or renew your passport while in Canada, you will need to contact your country’s consulate or embassy.

2. A letter of acceptance

If you have been accepted into a designated Canadian post-secondary institution, you will have received a letter of acceptance. A letter of acceptance may also be called an offer letter or an acceptance letter. You will be required to provide your letter of acceptance to obtain a study permit.

Some letters of acceptance are conditional. This means that they have special requirements that the applicant must follow before they can begin their main program of study. A common condition is completing English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) training.

3. A financial plan

To obtain a study permit, you have to produce evidence that you will be able to fund yourself, including both in your tuition costs and additional living costs properly. This is called proof of financial support. 

Canada requires all international students to prove minimum funds of $10,000 CAD per year, or $833 CAD per month, with additional financial requirements if you are bringing family members with you. In the province of Quebec, you must have $11,000 CAD per year. 

There are a few ways to provide proof of financial support:

• Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
• Your bank statements for the past four months
• A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
• Proof showing that you’ve paid tuition and housing fees
• A letter from the person or school giving you money 
• Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

4. A study permit

Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada. A study permit costs $150 CAD to apply for. 

If you have completed the first three steps of this checklist, you will have the proper documentation to obtain your study permit. To recap, you need:

• Proof of acceptance
• Proof of identity (passport)
• Proof of financial support

You may also require:

• A letter of explanation: This letter is to help the visa officer understand you and your goals. It explains why you want to study in Canada, how the program will help further your career goals, and helps convince the officer that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
• A certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ):  If you want to study in Quebec, you need a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Gouvernement du Québec. Your school can give you all the details on how to apply for the CAQ. 
• A custodian declaration (minors only): If you are a minor studying in Canada, you will require a custodian, and must include the Custodianship Declaration form with your application. It has two pages that must be notarized (certified by a notary) and then included with your study permit application.
• Other documents: All documents indicated and specified on the document checklist by your local visa office must be included in the application. 

  5. Find accommodation

  You will need to have secure accommodation set up for you when you arrive at university. Finding somewhere affordable and close to your school can be difficult if you have never been to the area before, but there are many ways to reach out for accommodation. You should start planning your accommodation as soon as you have been accepted to university.

  6. Student health insurance

  All international students in Canada are required to have basic and extended health insurance. The Government of Canada does not sponsor health insurance for international students. You may get private or provincial health insurance, depending on your location. 

  Provincial health insurance covers health basics, but does not cover dental care, vision care, and more specific health concerns, depending on your province. International students with valid study permits are eligible to receive a provincial health insurance card.

  Private health insurance has more personalized insurance plans to cover your specific extended needs. Some universities have student health insurance programs to cover extended health care. Speak to your school’s international students’ department to find out your best options for health insurance.

  7. A copy of your medical records and ongoing prescriptions

  Before you leave home, you should ask your doctor’s office for a copy of your medical records and immunization records. Any ongoing health concerns or prescriptions should be noted so that you can continue treating them when you start studying in Canada. Many Canadian universities have a clinic on-campus or close to campus in case you need medical attention at school. 

  8. A Canadian bank account

  You will need a bank that understands your personal needs as both a newcomer and a student. RBC (Canada’s largest bank*) has been such a partner to newcomers for 150 years. It’s why they support everything we do at Arrive

  To open a student bank account with RBC, you will require the following documents:

  • Your passport
  • Student permit (IMM 1442) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
  • Proof of enrollment (optional, but recommended; can be acquired from your university)
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) or proof of residence (optional, but recommended)

  9. A list of emergency contacts

  Your university may ask you to provide a list of emergency contacts and their phone numbers in case of an accident or emergency. Pick one or two family members or close friends back in your home country to list as your emergency contact. You may also wish to include an emergency contact in Canada if you have close family or friends in the country. 

  10. A cell phone plan

  If you already have a cell phone, you will need to get a Canadian cell phone plan. Canadian phone plans tend to be more expensive than in other countries. Cell phone plan prices will vary, depending on what services are covered in your plan. Most plans include a data package; a 5GB data plan plus calling and texting can be anywhere from $60-100 CAD per month.

  Cell phone prices also vary depending on the type of phone you need. A smartphone can easily cost over $1000 CAD, while a non-internet enabled phone can be cheaper than $50 CAD. Common Canadian phone plan providers include Rogers, Bell, Telus, Fido, Virgin, and Koodo.

  11. A laptop computer or tablet

  As most university courses now have an online course component, you will need to be able to access the internet on some form of a personal device. Laptop computers or larger tablets can be used to take notes, access course materials, study, and participate in online lectures. Your technology needs may depend on your course of study. Check your faculty or department’s technology recommendations before making a laptop purchase.

  12. Winter gear

  Last but not least, winter gear is essential for all international students coming to Canada. If you have never seen snow or felt -30 degree Celsius temperatures, you may be surprised at just how cold it can get here in the winter. 

  Layering clothes is key in cold conditions. Consider picking up a few of these items when it starts to get chilly in October or November:

  • Gloves, hat, and scarf
  • Long pants
  • Thin long-sleeve shirts to layer under sweaters
  • Warm sleepwear
  • Waterproof boots
  • Thick socks
  • A quality winter jacket
  • A rain jacket and umbrella in rainier cities (e.g. Vancouver, Halifax, etc.).
• Once you have checked these twelve items off of your list, you will have the essentials covered to study in Canada as an international student. 

Source: Student Checklist: 12 Essentials to Study in Canada | Arrive (arrivein.com)

1. High-quality education and excellent standard of living

Canada is known internationally for its excellent education system and world-class universities and this is one of the most important reasons why so many international students come to Canada.

A degree from a Canadian university stands for excellence and the diplomas are recognized globally.

2. Affordable fees

The cost of tuition fees is a significant obstacle for most students who want to study abroad. When compared to the USA, UK or Australia, prices in Canada are much more affordable.

For example, for undergraduate courses in Canada, tuition fees range between $5,000 – $20,000 per year.

For undergraduate courses in the USA, tuition fees start from $23,000 per year and the country is known to be one of the most expensive countries to study in for international students.

In Canada, you can apply to a range of scholarships which could potentially cut down your educational expenses even further.

Some of the most affordable university cities are:

Hamilton

Quebec City

Ottawa

3. Work while you study

Despite Canada being quite an affordable option for many students, studying abroad can still be expensive.

The good news is that international students are entitled to earn income and to work up to twenty hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks like the summer vacation. Plus, you don’t need a work permit to work while studying.

4. Live in a safe country

Canada is a safe and progressive society.

Besides being the #1 country in the world for quality of life, Canada is also recognised as one of the safest places to live around the world.

With low crime rates, Canada is second behind Switzerland on the list of the world’s safest countries.

5. Job offer after graduation

After you graduate, you will enter the Canadian workforce and it is possible that you can get a job offer. Many companies in Canada are looking for new talented individuals.

Besides this, your permanent residence can be sponsored by your company for the position and this will save you money during the immigration process.