How to Work in Canada: Canadian Work and Study Permits
Do you want to give your career a professional twist? Have you thought about making it abroad? Have you wondered how to work in Canada? Then you came to the right place.
In this article you will find the basic advice on how to work in Canada to give the turn you are looking for in your life.
Working in Canada will allow you to be part of one of the strongest economies in the world. It is an enriching experience both professionally and personally. And in addition, it will train you as an international professional, this will open the doors to new labor markets.
Discover how to work in Canada, the requirements, salaries and the best tips to start the path to your success. You may be interested in knowing everything about studying and working in Canada
Shall we start?
Main requirements to work in Canada
Canada, with its excellent immigration policy, offers you different options so that you can be part of its workforce. However, it is essential that you meet the basic requirements to do so.
Visas and permits to work in Canada
Student visa for Canada
It is the visa that you are granted if you are going to study in Canada. This visa allows you to work 20 hours a week while you study and full time during vacations (except for language courses).
Work visa in Canada
Canada grants temporary work visas for those positions in which there are not enough professionals to cover the demand. To apply for this permit you must necessarily have a job offer from a company duly registered in the country.
Additionally, this company must demonstrate that your profile is key to its processes or needs.
Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
This permit will allow you to work in Canada after completing your study program. To apply, you must have studied at a public college for a minimum of 8 months and apply no later than 90 days after completing your program.
This permit will have a duration equal to the duration of your study program, that is, if you studied for 1 year, your post-graduation work permit will be for 1 year.
Working Holiday Visa Canada
To apply for Working Holiday you must be between 18 and 35 years old. This visa will allow you to work and study in Canada for one year and study for a maximum of 6 months.
This visa is valid only once, however, the only Spanish-speaking countries with this benefit are Chile, Spain and Costa Rica.
Salaries in Canada
Salaries in Canada for professionals are very good. If we compare these salaries with those of Latam for the same professions and positions , we could say that they are considerably higher.
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On the other hand, you should know that you can find different types of employment in Canada depending on your level of English .
The difference between cities can be as much as $3 CAD (approximately $2.18 USD).
The minimum wage in Canada is 11 CAD, about 8.15 USD . Although usually, wages for unskilled jobs are a little above this.
Salaries for professionals
Salaries in Canada for professionals are very good. If we compare these salaries with those of Latam for the same professions and positions , we could say that they are considerably higher .
On average, a Senior Project Manager in Canada earns a monthly salary of USD 8,840, while in Latam the average monthly salary is USD 1,733.33.
A Marketing Manager earns in Canada approximately USD 5,081 and in Latam his salary is USD 1,066.67. Just to mention two of the most sought-after professions in that country.
It is clear that these salaries depend on the professions, but also on the level of experience of each person. Also, if you do vocational programs in Canada, your profile as a foreign professional will have better opportunities.
International Student Salaries
While you study in Canada you have the possibility of working 20 hours per week and full time during school holidays. With an open mind, you can get good tipped jobs and earn more income.
The most common jobs for students are bartenders, event logistics, vendors, kitchen helpers, and waiters. The average hourly rate for these jobs is $14 CAD ($10.18 USD).
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Tips for working in Canada
There are multiple employment options that you can get in Canada. However, it is convenient that you follow these tips that will show you how to find a job in Canada:
- Take a study program in Canada that helps you stand out so that your profile is competitive and thus obtain better employment opportunities.
- Prepare your resume in the Canadian format, write it in perfect English, do not put photographs or hobbies on it and make sure that the supports are current and fully legalized.
- Make as many contacts as you can, in Canada it is much easier to get a good job through a network of contacts. They are all potential employers.
- Use employment platforms , they will show you the options available in the cities in which you are interested in working.
- Bring your resume in person so you have the opportunity to get to know your employer, and your employer to get to know you. This method is very popular among students.
Take into account the minimum requirements to work in Canada, apply for the visa that best suits your goals, find out about the salaries for your profession as well as the city where your professional area is most sought after.
CO-OP Programs: Work and Study in Canada
Combining work and study in Canada is possible! One of the most attractive destinations for students and professionals who want to boost their careers and at the same time obtain a good work experience, is Canada.
And it is that not only this country stands out for its natural beauty and excellent quality of life, it also offers you an excellent educational system , with various types of study programs.
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These programs include the CO-OP, which are a great work and study alternative in Canada, with which you will obtain excellent professional training while gaining work experience abroad.
The name CO-OP refers to a “ Cooperative education ”, which means that it is a collaboration between companies and schools, to support students so that they can work while they study and then graduate with work experience. You want to know more? Let us begin!
How CO-OP programs work in Canada
CO-OP programs are based on the comprehensive training of their students. They have the particularity of developing theoretical-practical content that allows students to learn, while taking advantage of the job opportunities that Canada offers them in the area they are studying.
These programs have the uniqueness of operating through agreements with companies, who offer vacancies so that you can carry out your professional practices.
When you start the program, your theoretical classes will be taught, however, you can work 20 hours a week during this period , through the work permit that you obtain with this program.
Then, at the end of your theoretical classes, you will be able to work 40 hours a week, thanks to the internship period. This will allow you a good income.
These programs are offered by public and private institutions, who have agreements with companies in all economic sectors. However, keep in mind that if you attend a private institution, you do not have the option of obtaining a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
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Types of CO-OP Programs in Canada
The offer of these programs is quite wide. You should know that the study programs with a CO-OP component can be found at:
- Certificates
- diplomas
- advanced diplomas
- University majors
- Masters
On the other hand, it is noteworthy that the areas that present a greater offer to study in CO-OP programs are:
- Business
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Engineering
- information technology
Regardless of the program and area you choose, in this type of program you have guaranteed work practices , which in turn will allow you to expand your network of contacts to later obtain better job offers.
Requirements to take a CO-OP program in Canada
If you are interested in the idea of taking this type of study program in Canada , it is essential that you know the most important requirements:
- Being over 18 years
- Your passport must be valid for the entire time of your studies
- You must have an advanced command of the English language, which is why we recommend studying English in Canada .
- Have the financial resources that allow you to cover your expenses during the time of studies
- Take an internationally recognized English test (IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge)
- Have your previous titles, if necessary
- Enroll in a college, either public or private
- Apply for your student visa
It is essential that you take into account the dates and deadlines for each of these processes. If you have doubts, you can seek support from an educational advisor. These study abroad experts will help you throughout the process.
Why they are the best alternative to combine work and study in Canada
Without a doubt , the CO-OP programs represent for you the best work and study alternative in Canada , since they allow you to develop your professional abilities and at the same time improve your skills in the labor area.
These programs will allow you to enter the Canadian labor market, one of the most competitive in the world, more easily. In addition, you will be able to expand your network of professional contacts internationally.
Equally, and no less important, is the security and confidence in decision-making that you acquire by taking these programs, highly valued skills in the workplace.
In addition, you will have work experience in Canada that will make your resume shine in any selection process in your country.
You may also be interested in knowing the top 5 of the best universities in Canada.
Conclusion
Knowing how to work in Canada is the first step in boosting your career in this amazing country.
And it is that, Canada offers you job opportunities that will allow you to grow and develop professionally and personally, while providing a better quality of life for your family.
CO-OP programs thus represent a very advantageous option for you if you want to boost your professional career, obtain better job offers and improve your quality of life.
The fact of being able to study and work in Canada , in the area in which you are preparing, gives you an additional advantage over your colleagues: international work experience.
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