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If you’re a student, trying to make a few extra bucks, getting a part-time job can make all the difference. We’ve compiled a list of some of Canada’s highest paying part-time jobs, including best paying part-time jobs for students. We’ll show you how to get a study permit for Canada and the best part-time jobs to make your life in Canada safe and easy.
1. Freelancer
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, freelance jobs are increasing. Working through freelance portals like Upwork or Fiverr can help you earn from home, on your own time. Freelancing is one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada, with many freelancers earning above $25 per hour.
You can set your hours and choose your clients. You’ll be able to work from home and fit the work into your schedule. Working online can lay the foundation for your future career and build experience as you’ll be doing paid work with real clients.
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However, building a client base isn’t easy, particularly when you start. There’s little consistency with how much money you can make freelancing. You need the skill to sell on the freelancer marketplace. The most sought-after freelance work is primarily for content writers, web & graphic designers and translators.
Here are some tips to help, before you start:
- Build a profile on multiple sites as early as possible.
- Be sure to answer every posted job you feel you’d be able to do.
- Be patient.
- Have a portfolio of work to convince potential clients of your abilities.
2. Sales Assistant
Working as a sales assistant is a straightforward job, can be one of the best paying part-time jobs for students, and provides the stability freelancing lacks. This is a solid place to get your first part-time job in Canada if you’re a student.
There are always vacancies in retail. Certain universities have programs designed to employ international students at certain campus businesses. The work has more stability, usually having a weekly or monthly salary with commission. It also helps you learn specific skills like sales, language and handling customers. In addition, depending on where you get to work, the job could be relatively easy.
The hours are less flexible than freelance work. You’ll usually get shifts based on your availability. You’ll also have to deal with demanding customers.
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There are a few things to think about before you start looking to work as a sales assistant.
- If you’re studying, check your campus job portal, as there’s a good chance you can find work on campus.
- Many businesses advertise vacancies on sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.
3. Server
One of the best paying part-time jobs for students is serving in a restaurant, bar or café. The jobs are usually easy to get, and often there is no experience required to work as a server. There is always a base pay, but most of your income will be from tips. The average tip in Canada is 15-20 percent of the total bill. You can ask to work at a specific time in the week and move your shifts around, provided you tell your employer well enough in advance.
As you’re working for a business, you’ll have to fit into their timetable. There may be many late nights if you’re working in a bar or nightclub. The base pay is typically meagre, so you’ll rely on those customers’ tips. Working with customers often requires good English/French. The service environment can be chaotic and lead to burnout.
There are some ideas to keep in mind:
- If it’s your first server job, you’re best off working in a smaller establishment.
- While you may earn less, it will be easier to assimilate.
- Start on campus or in your local area if you’re a student.
- Get to know your co-workers. They’ll know the job better than you and can help.
4. Ridesharing
Are you over 21? Do you have a valid driver’s licence, a reliable car and a smartphone? Then, you have an excellent chance with one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada: ridesharing through companies like Uber and Lyft.
Like freelancing, you can set your hours. It can be lucrative depending on how much you work. You can get to know your new city’s ins, outs, and people through this job.
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However, it can be time-consuming. There is always work, and often people burn out trying to get the maximum rides each day.
For your best start in this job, follow these guidelines:
- Ensure your language skills are strong to interpret directions from customers.
- Start slow and only take on more if you can handle it.
- Only look into this part-time job if you live in a large city with a large customer base.
- An excellent place to start is at your local airport as there is always work.
5. Tutor
One of the best-paying part-time jobs for students is a tutor. As a tutor, you’ll be able to work on campus or at a nearby school. You’ll usually work within your chosen career path. If you’re a freelance tutor for one-on-one clients, you can set your hours. This path can be very lucrative without being too time-consuming.
To be a tutor can require a lot of time and effort spent preparing for lessons and marking exercises. In addition, you must set your hours to the class timetable if you teach a class. Otherwise, you’ll have to work with the availability of the student. The results you get out of the students dictate your success. You’ll also need to have a proven track record in your chosen subject, which could be as little as having good grades in school or studying a specific subject at university.
Essential things are:
- Often you will be able to apply for a tutor role through your institution or a local agency.
- Stick to teaching what you know.
- If you struggle with speaking publicly, start tutoring one-on-one to get used to the role.
- Have something that validates your experience.
Get a Canadian Study Permit
Getting a study permit in Canada is the first, most crucial step. The process isn’t difficult, provided you match the necessary criteria and follow it correctly.
The first step is to enrol at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is an educational institution approved by the Canadian government for international students to study. Here is a list of DLIs from the Canadian government.
If a DLI accepts you, you must apply for a study permit. To do so, you’ll need:
- The acceptance letter from your DLI.
- A valid travel document
- Proof you can finance yourself and any dependants while in Canada.
You may need additional documents including:
- a certificat d’acceptation du Québec
- letter explaining your reasons for moving to Canada
- a custodian declaration, if you’re under 18
Once you have your documentation, you must pay your processing and biometric fees. This goes for everyone applying for a visa. The costs involved are as follows:
| Canadian Study Permit Fees | |
|---|---|
| Fee | Amount in CAD$ |
| Study permit – per person | $150 |
| Restore status + new study permit | $350 |
| Biometrics – per person | $85 |
| Biometrics – per family | $170 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | $7 |
These costs will only go through at the end of your application.
Next, you need to have your medical exams by an approved panel physician and get police clearance. You can have your medical exam done after you submit your application. If so, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send instructions on doing your medical tests.
Then, you must wait for your application results. The waiting time depends on your country but generally takes around 16 weeks.
FAQ
Can I do part-time jobs in Canada as a student if I don’t have a work permit?
Yes. International students are allowed part-time jobs. They need a valid study permit, be enrolled at a DLI, studying a secondary-level vocational program in Quebec, or enrolled in a professional training program of six months or more. If you’re not a student, you’ll need a work visa.
What are the best cities in Canada for international students to find work?
Canada is famously welcoming to international students. As a result, all major cities offer plenty of part-time work opportunities for internationals. The best cities for work are Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Burnaby.
How do you get a part-time job in Canada?
You need to make sure you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a CV and a cover letter to apply to most establishment jobs. Universities often have requirements to apply for on-campus employment. However, server and retail jobs usually only need an interview and some form of identification.
Get To Work
When you arrive in a new country and have to balance work with your other responsibilities, finding a way to make money on the side can make all the difference. Whether you choose the traditional routes of working as a tutor, server or retail or prefer the freeform employment of freelancing or ridesharing, there are plenty of part-time jobs in Canada. Playing to your skills or interests will be the most beneficial. Overall, the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada are often right outside your front door.
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