What do you think your life in Canada would be like? Fun, enjoying, living the dream of most people, in a new country, new friends, new opportunities, and a place where no one knows you?
It can be just as you have thought of it, or even better!
Studying abroad is always a dream come true for every student appearing for higher studies. But, due to monetary problems, they are unable to join abroad. Money and the will to learn are all you require to study abroad.
Now, speaking of money, how much do you really need to study abroad?
A lot!
And asking for money from your parents just doesn’t feel right, especially when you’re studying in one of the most expensive countries- Canada. The cost of living in Canada is way higher than what you spend in your home country.
This is the reason most of the students opt for some part-time work while also pursuing their studies in Canada. And if you have made up your mind to study in Canada. Then this page drives good news for you!
Now, you can support your finances in Canada by working part-time, 24 hours a week! Sounds great right?
Well, as an international student who doesn’t want to burden their parents, you should be. Part-time jobs not only act as a support system for your personal finances but also help you gain much-needed work experience.
In this blog, we will discuss the whole thing, part-time jobs for you, duration, and the pay you will be expecting.
Know every detail, with this complete guide. Read it till the end and apply the steps to make your dream come true, successfully.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Who is eligible for off-campus work?
Not everyone is eligible for off-campus work, the 24 hours a week work permit. The Canadian government has imposed some rules and eligibility criteria, qualifying which you will be allowed to work.
Now, what are the eligibility criteria to get to work, without the need for a student work permit?
1. You need to be full-time enrolled in any of the designated learning institutes (DLI) of Canada.
It doesn’t matter which course you opt for, it can be anything among post-secondary academic, vocational, or even professional programs. You just need to be a full-time enrolled student.
2. Student study program is the next most important thing that the government looks for.
If you are enrolled in any of the study programs in Canada. Which promises to provide you with a degree, certificate, or diploma, only then you will be eligible for an off-campus work permit. However, it is important that your course duration lasts for at least 6 months or above.
These study programs may include your vocational training at the secondary level in Quebec.
3. You must have your study permit to study and live in Canada. If you don’t have one, you will not be eligible for an off-campus work permit.
4. To avail the benefits of working while studying you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Make sure you have one, before starting your work.
How many hours do you need to work to be considered full-time?
Well, the answer is- there is no fixed time that the Canadian government and authorities have set that clarifies a particular number of full-time hours. So, relax.
However, for students, the Canadian government has clarified that students can now work for 24 hours a week when their programs do not have scheduled breaks in between.
Make sure you don’t exceed this work hour limit, or else you may have to face problems.
Problem? Like what?
As you will be violating your study permit terms, you may have to face consequences related to your permit. And you may have to face additional problems with future work.
Now, who cannot work off-campus?
We have already discussed who can be a part of 24 hours of work a week, but knowing this is not enough. You need to have further clarity on if YOU are eligible for work off-campus or not.
We will let you know now.
There are a few categories of students who are not allowed by the authorities to work without having a separate work permit.
- If your study visa strictly denies, or does not allow you to work off-campus.
- You are enrolled in any of the language proficiency classes. Like English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) programs.
- If you are a student with only general interest courses, you won’t be able to work off-campus.
- If you are already a university student, but not a full-timer, you are not eligible. You need to be first accepted as a full-time student to get the benefit of a work-off-campus permit.
- And last, if in the middle your study circumstances change, and you no longer meet the eligibility criteria. Then you will not be eligible for work.
If you are a student who falls into any of these categories, then sorry you are not eligible for work. However, you can if your situation changes, and it also depends on the program you are studying as not all programs allow their students to work sidewise.
A better experience for international students in Canada
The Canadian government has extended the working hours in order to maintain the integrity of the study program visa. This extension will provide students with better on-the-job experience in Canada.
This program aims to align temporary residents from all over the world, to the economic growth and goals of Canada.
Economic goals of the country
It is seen that due to the new immigration policy of Canada, most of the students who were planning to shift to Canada for study won’t be joining in.
So, the numbers are bound to decrease in the near future as well. That is why the Canadian government with this program aims to achieve long-term economic goals for the country.
Conclusion
So, you read the whole blog successfully? Great job dude.
In this blog, we discuss the minute details of the new 24-hour work off-campus, and who is eligible for it.
Immigrating to Canada is quite a tough task, and the need for finance is just never-ending. The working hour extension not only helps the country economically but also provides students with the much-needed work experience.
However, a student needs to balance a life between his academics and his work life. Studies come first, make sure you focus on academics even if you have work to do.
