Popular Job Sectors in Canada

The labor force in Canada is still in a wonderful position to welcome immigrants. The current high incidence of job vacancies creates a significant need for skilled people to fill the open positions. Here are some of the popular jobs for international students:-

1. Key account manager

Key account managers serve as strategic partners for their company, assisting in client retention through sales and customer service activities. People in this position are required to assist firms in thriving in a post-pandemic economy. The median hourly wage on average is $50

2. Developer

As companies continue to rely on technological solutions, developers have been in high-demand jobs throughout the epidemic. Due to the high demand, individuals with experience in these fields of work also have a variety of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) possibilities. The median hourly wage on average $38.46.

3. Marketing Director

By 2028, it's anticipated that over 19,000 new positions for marketing, PR, and advertising managers would be available. Managers of marketing assist companies in putting online and offline marketing plans into action. Provinces like Ontario frequently accept Marketing Managers directly from the Express Entry pool to fill the demand for this occupation. The median hourly wage on average is $43.27

4. Registered nurse

All around Canada, there is a high demand for jobs in the healthcare industry. Nurses have been getting an increasing amount of bonuses and benefits due to a labor shortage during the pandemic. Due to the popular demand for nurses, candidates from outside the country who have nursing expertise also have a variety of immigration alternatives at their disposal. The median hourly wage on average is $40

5. Welding

By 2028, Canada expects the economy to add 23,000 welding jobs. British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have a particularly popular demand for welding positions. However, nationwide, people with welding experience are probably at a significant advantage. 
The median hourly wage on average is $19.00.

6. Engineering

In Canada, engineers are in popular job demand, whether they deal with physical or digital infrastructure. Employers look to foreign applicants to fill holes in the labor market as Canada struggles with a scarcity of engineers. The median hourly wage on average is $44.00

7. Accountant

A successful company's operations depend heavily on its accountants. In the post-pandemic economy, as businesses expand, controlling funds play a bigger role in ensuring continued success. In the coming years, accountants can anticipate career possibilities around the nation with potential growth. 
The median hourly wage on average is $35.75

8. IT project manager

IT project managers assist in directing, organizing, and carrying out a company's IT objectives. The ICT sector in Canada is expanding rapidly with most tech professions being in demand across Canada. In order to meet this high demand for labor, IT project managers are needed. 
The median hourly wage on average is $52.88

Finding a job in Canada for international student

For international students studying in Canada, working can be a terrific way to get experience, network, and make extra money to pay the bills (or treat yourself to something special!). There are limitations on who can work while studying in Canada, as well as the kinds of popular jobs they can hold. Before you begin your job hunt, you should be aware of the following.

  • Things to know for international students working in Canada
  • Make a good timetable. It is simple to fully commit when balancing work and school, especially in your first year of study. Before looking for new job, it can be smart to give yourself some time to get used to your new schedule.
  • Look for opportunities that are relevant to your subject of study or that will help you gain new skills (like enhancing your English or French!)
  • Jobs can offer advantages beyond merely generating income. Use this chance to study outside the classroom and perhaps even establish some useful contacts in your industry.
  • Think about your employer's potential for a future job. Former interns or employees who have previously worked with Canadian businesses on a part-time basis are frequently given full-time positions. Utilize your co-op or part-time position as a way to network.
  • Think about your employer's potential for a future job. Former interns or employees who have previously worked with Canadian businesses on a part-time basis are frequently given full-time positions. Utilize your co-op or part-time position as a way to network.
  • Make connections at work and ask your manager to recommend you on LinkedIn to demonstrate to potential employers that you are a valuable member of their team. Building your network will be essential to learning about career chances in Canada since many positions are filled through recruiters' networks. Use this chance to network with professionals in your area. Even if they don't wind up hiring you, they might know someone else who is in need of a job.
  • Take initiative. Ask your manager about other chances and convey your interest in working on a certain project without being afraid to ask. You won't get what you don't ask for!
  • When you need assistance, ask for it. The majority of Canadian businesses value collaboration and encourage staff to request assistance when necessary. Asking a colleague or management for assistance might be a chance to learn and network.

Who is allowed to work while a student is in Canada?

If international students complete all of the below-mentioned standards, they are eligible to work on campus without a work permit. Take note that you must terminate your job on campus on the day your full-time study program concludes.

  • You are a full-time postsecondary student at a Canadian private institution that is authorized by your province to grant degrees, a public postsecondary institution, a private college-level institution in Quebec that receives at least 50% of its funding from public grants, or a public postsecondary institution in Canada.
  • Your study permission is still in effect. 
  • You hold a Social Security number. 

If they satisfy all of the following conditions, international students are permitted to work off-campus without a work visa. (Take note that you cannot begin working in Canada until your studies program has begun in full.) 

  • You attend a designated learning institution full-time (DLI) 
  • You're enrolled in a secondary-level vocational training program or a postsecondary professional, vocational, or training program (Quebec only) 
  • You're enrolled in a course of study that lasts at least six months and leads to a diploma, degree, or certificate. 
  • You've already begun your studies. 
  • You possess a Social Security number (SIN) 

Since you're in the final semester of your program and don't need a full course schedule to finish it, you must meet all of the above-mentioned requirements if you're a part-time student.

Jobs that are permitted

  • On-campus work

Any popular jobs conducted in structures on the campus of your school are considered on-campus employment. You can often only work on the campus where your studies are taking place if your school has more than one campus. However, if you're a teaching or research assistant or if your employment is associated with research funding, you may be able to work at other places. Your school, a staff member, a student organization, a private contractor that offers on-site services, or even you if you own a business with a physical presence on campus can all be considered on-campus employers. The number of hours you can work on campus is unrestricted.

  • OFF-CAMPUS WORK

You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during ordinary school terms and semesters if you satisfy all of the prerequisites for off-campus employment. You are free to work more hours or take on two part-time jobs that total more hours than normal during school breaks, such as the winter or summer holidays. Keep in mind that in order to qualify, you must be enrolled full-time both before and after a break. The summer vacations that come before and after your study term are thus excluded.

  • Co-op and internship placements

Work experience is a component of certain study programs' curricula. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if this pertains to your program and you satisfy the following criteria:>

  • You possess current study permission.
  • You must put in the effort to finish your course of study in Canada.
  • You possess a letter from your university confirming that all participants in your program must undergo work placements in order to receive their degrees.
  • Your study program's co-op or internship accounts for no more than 50% of it.

Note: For remote co-ops and internships during COVID, the Canadian government has allowed some exclusions.

Step by Step process to apply for popular jobs

If you are an international student studying in Canada, you might be unsure of your job status. Many students in Canada on student visas have chosen to work in order to support themselves while studying there. If your study permit includes that you can work on or off-campus, you might be qualified to work in Canada while you are a student. Additionally, you must satisfy all other conditions. Only after your study program has begun in Canada are you able to begin working.

If you are aware that you are able to work in Canada, you might be wondering how to find popular jobs. You might be eligible to work on or off campus if you have a study permit without obtaining a work permit. Before you apply for jobs, make sure you are qualified.

1. Update Your Resume for Canada

When applying for a job, many employers also want to see a cover letter in addition to your resume. A cover letter should always be included with any job application. You should describe your interest in the position and your qualifications in a cover letter because it offers you the chance to address your visa situation.

2. Network Everywhere

Networking chances are one of the best aspects of job searching while a student. You should seize the chance to go to as many networking events as you can while in school. Outside of school, you should continue to network with everyone you encounter. Explaining your objectives and background will help others understand what you're looking for.

3. The greatest place to start while looking for a job is usually the Internet, which offers a wide variety of chances across various industries. In Toronto, some of the most popular job search websites are:

  1. Toronto Jobs (be sure to check out their career fair, too!) is customized exclusively to the city.
  2. Workopolis has numerous positions available across Canada
  3. Career Builder provides a range of job opportunities.
  4. Eluta, which also features among the top 100 employers in Canada
  5. Hot Jobs in Canada gives a good variety of popular job opportunities in your location.
  6. Jooble provides numerous high-demand student jobs where you can be sure to find a position that suits you.

Note: Checking the biggest job sites like LinkedIn, indeed, Monster, and Simply Hired is also a smart idea.

4. Be receptive to volunteer work or internships

Many jobs and careers demand experience in the field before being applied for. If there is a company, you’re looking at that gives internships or volunteering opportunities it would be great for you to take advantage of it! Employers adore seeing applicants with volunteer and internship experience.

5. Acquire Professionalism Skills in Canada

Take note of how those in positions of authority behave and dress in your workplace and try to emulate them. You should always come a few minutes early and never make people wait because Canadians are very punctual. Always follow through on your commitments. Nothing conveys a negative impression more than making a promise and breaking it.

Working hours for international student

  1. In the regular academic sessions or semesters, 20 hours a week are the maximum you can work. As long as you continue to adhere to the terms of your study permit, you are permitted to perform more than one job to make up these hours.
  2. During the school year's designated breaks, if you have a scheduled break, such as the winter and summer vacations or a fall or spring reading week, you are permitted to work full-time. You are free to work more hours or two part-time jobs that total more hours than normal.
  3. To work full-time, you must be enrolled in school full-time before and after the break.
  4. You are not allowed to work during the break before your first semester of school.
  5. How many hours are considered full-time?
  6. There is no predetermined number of hours that constitute full-time employment per week. However, your employer(s) must abide by all provincial regulations regarding time between shifts and overtime compensation.
  7. You are in violation of the terms of your study permit if you work more than 20 hours per week. If you do this, you risk losing your student status and risk having future requests for a study or work permit denied. You might even need to leave the nation.

How to calculate your hours?

Both of the following are your duties:

  1. Tracking the hours, you spend working off-campus and tracking the hours you spend working off-campus and hours are defined as any time you spend receiving pay or commissions, even times when you are only on call and not actually working.
  2. Showing that you are following the guidelines of your study permit.

You must demonstrate that you are actively pursuing your studies, working no more than 20 hours per week, and fulfilling any additional requirements outlined in your study permit in order to achieve this.

Self-employed students

If you work for yourself, you must also keep track of your off-campus working hours and provide documentation that you are abiding by the terms of your study permit.

Any time you spend on any of the following is counted as an hour:

  • Earning wages
  • Receiving compensation for providing a service or selling a product.
  • Generating income by receiving compensation for providing a service or selling a product.

Work law

International students are Temporary Residents in Canada, and Canadian regulations shield them from the possibility of being taken advantage of in the country's labour market. Understanding their rights and obligations in the Canadian workplace is crucial for students. The Employment Standards Act (i.e., the statute) and the Regulations are administered by Nanaimo's Employment Standards Branch. If their Study Permit provides work authorisation, international students who are enrolled full-time in academic, vocational, or professional training programs may work 20 hours per week while they are taking classes. During specified breaks, students are permitted to work full-time off campus (e.g., summer vacation, Christmas break, and Study Days). Please be aware that not all VIU programs have planned breaks, as shown in the chart below.

If an employer does not request a student's social security number, the student can be engaging in unlicensed employment. The Employment Income Tax Law may be broken by both employers and students. International students will be regarded as not complying with the requirements of the Study Permit in this situation. The cancellation of the Study Permit or enforcement action by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) may also follow non-compliance.

Furthermore, neither the Employment Standards Act nor Work Safe BC provides protection to overseas students who are working unlawfully. For international students, the repercussions of working illegally could be severe: even if they were working in hazardous conditions, they might not be able to file a claim for compensation if they get into an accident on the job. The employer might not pay the entire number of hours worked or the minimum wage in British Columbia. As of June 1st, 2022, the minimum wage in British Columbia is $15.65.

Please take note that unless they have a temporary foreign worker, post-graduate, or spousal work permit, an international student runs the danger of working against the law in the following situations:

  • Students are not enrolled full-time at VIU (e.g., working while on an approved leave of absence, on academic pause, or have taken time off arbitrarily).
  • Study permit does not have the authorization to work.
  • The student is enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program (if the work is off-campus) 
  • The student is enrolled in High School in Canada.
  • The student is working more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions.

Minimum wages

The minimum wage in Canada differs from one province to another. The following table displays the minimum wages per hour earned in each province.

Province Wages (CAD/hour)
Alberta $15.00
British Columbia $14.60
Saskatchewan $11.45
Manitoba $11.90
Ontario $14.25
Quebec $13.10
New Brunswick $11.70
Nova Scotia $12.55
Price Edward Island $12.85
Newfoundland and labrador $12.15
Yukon $12.46
Nunavut $16.00

The majority of international students in Canada seek jobs in restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, retail stores, or as a lifeguard, swimming teachers, customer service representatives, or translators. Given that Canada is a multicultural country, translation services are in high demand.

The student will have a better chance if he already has the necessary experience or skills. Cook, clerk, teacher, and web designer are a few examples of part-time employment in Canada that demand experience.

The table below provides an overview of the minimum pay for a few part-time jobs in Canada:

Part-time work Expected Salary/Wages (in CAD/hour)
Customer service representative 14
Cook 13-15
Clerk 15
Sales associate 12
Teacher $14.25
Web designer 20