Heitor Castro, Brazilian International Student, explains the benefits
Toronto, Canada a multicultural and diverse urban centre that offers a variety of outdoor activities and beautiful parks. The quality of life, public transportation, and entertainment make Toronto one of Canada’s top destinations for international students.
Studying in Canada has another perk: international students are permitted to work while completing their programs. Along with the possibility of earning extra cash, students can gain valuable work experience. There are three employment options for students: Employment without permit, Co-op Work Permit, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
Employment without permit must follow the study permit visa conditions which usually state that a full-time student is allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on or off-campus. Many of these positions can be found in local services businesses such as restaurants and shops or as entry-level assistants. During school holidays, the student is allowed to work up to 40 hours.
Co-op Work Permit jobs can be a mandatory requirement of some programs (see the list of Humber College’s programs and their requirements here). With this specific work permit, a student can apply for positions that will complement their resume and academic program. Some internships or entry level positions require this work permit. The hours to be worked vary according to the specific program requirements.
After graduating, there is an option of applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWPP). A PGWPP may be issued for the duration equivalent to the length of the program the student was enrolled in, up to a maximum of three years.
A good source of information for jobs and opportunities in Canada is the Humber Career Centre which also offers exclusive services for students and alumni such as resume and cover letter reviews and mock interviews to help students prepare for their career in Canada.