- International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours weekly during term time, with unlimited hours permitted during scheduled academic breaks.
- Toronto and Vancouver offer the highest hourly wages for part-time student jobs, starting at CAD 17.60-17.85/hour.
- Cities like Winnipeg and Halifax combine affordable living costs with reasonable hourly wages of CAD 16-18/hour.
Part-time jobs in Canada for international students offer opportunities to manage living expenses and build valuable work experience. Canadian cities provide varying hourly wages influenced by provincial minimum wage regulations and local economic conditions. Understanding hourly wages by city helps international students plan finances effectively and identify the best earning opportunities.
In this blog, we will explore hourly wages for part-time jobs in Canada for international students across major cities, provincial minimum wage rates, high-paying student job sectors, and work regulations in 2026.
Work Regulations for International Students in Canada
International students in Canada must follow specific work guidelines to maintain valid study permit status. These regulations balance academic priorities with financial independence during your Canadian education journey.
Study permit holders can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions. Full-time work becomes possible during scheduled breaks, including winter, spring, and summer holidays. Co-op and internship programmes that form part of your curriculum fall outside these hour restrictions.
Key work restrictions for international students include:
- Part-time work limited to 24 hours weekly during term time
- Unlimited hours during official study breaks
- On-campus employment allows unlimited hours
- Off-campus work permitted without separate work permit
- Post-graduation work permit available after degree completion
Provincial Minimum Wage Rates for Student Jobs in Canada
Each Canadian province sets its own minimum wage, creating significant variation in earning potential for international students. Provincial rates are adjusted annually based on Consumer Price Index changes and cost of living factors.
| Province/Territory | Minimum Wage | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | CAD 19.00/hour | ₹1,248/hour |
| Yukon | CAD 17.94/hour | ₹1,179/hour |
| British Columbia | CAD 17.85/hour | ₹1,173/hour |
| Federal | CAD 17.75/hour | ₹1,166/hour |
| Ontario | CAD 17.60/hour | ₹1,156/hour |
| Northwest Territories | CAD 16.95/hour | ₹1,114/hour |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 16.50/hour | ₹1,084/hour |
| Prince Edward Island | CAD 16.50/hour | ₹1,084/hour |
| Manitoba | CAD 16.00/hour | ₹1,051/hour |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | CAD 16.00/hour | ₹1,051/hour |
| New Brunswick | CAD 15.65/hour | ₹1,028/hour |
| Saskatchewan | CAD 15.35/hour | ₹1,008/hour |
| Alberta | CAD 15.00/hour | ₹986/hour |
| Quebec | CAD 16.10/hour | ₹1,058/hour |
Hourly Wages for Part-Time Jobs in Canada by Major Cities
City-specific hourly wage variations reflect local economic conditions, industry presence, and demand for student labour. Metropolitan areas typically pay international students above provincial minimums due to competitive job markets and higher living expenses.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto’s dynamic job market creates strong wage opportunities for international students. Entry-level part-time jobs start at CAD 17.60/hour (₹1,156), with skilled roles reaching CAD 22-25/hour (₹1,445-₹1,643). International students working 24 hours weekly at CAD 19/hour earn approximately CAD 1,824 monthly (₹1,19,837).
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver matches Toronto’s hourly wage levels with its robust economy. Entry-level part-time jobs pay CAD 17.85/hour (₹1,173), whilst technical and specialised student jobs command CAD 23-26/hour (₹1,511-₹1,708). The city’s tech sector offers particularly strong opportunities for international students.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal provides moderate hourly wages for part-time jobs with lower living costs. International students earn CAD 16.10-19/hour (₹1,058-₹1,248) in most sectors, generating CAD 1,545-1,824 monthly (₹1,01,507-₹1,19,837) working 24 hours weekly. Bilingual student jobs offer premium hourly rates.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary’s energy sector drives higher hourly wages across industries for international students. Part-time jobs average CAD 17-20/hour (₹1,117-₹1,314), with technical and oil-related student roles exceeding CAD 24/hour (₹1,577). Strong demand exists in hospitality and retail student jobs.
Ottawa, Ontario
Government presence creates stable employment opportunities in the capital. International students earn CAD 17.60-20/hour (₹1,156-₹1,314) for part-time jobs, with bilingual student positions commanding CAD 21-23/hour (₹1,380-₹1,511). Research and administrative student roles abound.
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton mirrors Calgary’s hourly wage structure with slightly lower living costs. Standard part-time jobs pay CAD 16-19/hour (₹1,051-₹1,248), whilst specialised student roles offer CAD 21-24/hour (₹1,380-₹1,577). Energy and healthcare sectors hire international students actively.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax presents affordable living with moderate earning potential for international students. Part-time jobs pay CAD 16.50-18/hour (₹1,084-₹1,183), earning students CAD 1,584-1,728 monthly (₹1,04,069-₹1,13,530) at 24 hours weekly. Maritime industries and tourism provide student job opportunities.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg combines low living expenses with reasonable hourly wages for international students. Part-time work pays CAD 16.00-18/hour (₹1,051-₹1,183), providing adequate income for student budgets. Retail, hospitality, and transportation sectors hire students regularly.
Top-Paying Part-Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
Certain industries actively recruit international students and offer hourly wages substantially above minimum rates. These student jobs value academic skills and provide genuine career development opportunities during your degree programme.
| Job Category | Student Job Positions | Hourly Rate (CAD) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | Academic subjects, language teaching | 20-50 | ₹1,314-₹3,285 |
| IT Support | Software testing, helpdesk, coding | 20-28 | ₹1,314-₹1,840 |
| Research Assistant | University research projects | 19-33 | ₹1,248-₹2,168 |
| Virtual Assistant | Administrative support, remote work | 18-35 | ₹1,183-₹2,300 |
| Banking | Teller, customer service | 18-23 | ₹1,183-₹1,511 |
| Healthcare | Pharmacy assistant, care aide | 17-21 | ₹1,117-₹1,380 |
| Hospitality | Server, bartender, hotel staff | 17-20 plus tips | ₹1,117-₹1,314 |
| Retail | Sales associate, cashier | 17-19 | ₹1,117-₹1,248 |
Key Takeaways
Part-time jobs in Canada for international students offer competitive hourly wages, with northern territories and western provinces leading in earning potential. Provincial minimum wages establish baseline income for student jobs, whilst skilled positions and tutoring roles provide substantially higher hourly rates reaching CAD 50/hour (₹3,285).
Your city choice impacts both living costs and earning potential from part-time jobs. Toronto and Vancouver offer the highest hourly wages but demand higher expenses, while cities like Winnipeg and Halifax provide affordable living with moderate income opportunities for international students. The 24-hour weekly work limit during term time balances financial needs with academic success.
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FAQs
What is the highest minimum wage for international students working part-time jobs in Canada?
Nunavut offers the highest minimum wage at CAD 19.00/hour for international students working part-time in Canada.
How many hours can international students work during university term time in Canada?
International students can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions in Canada.
Which Canadian cities pay the best hourly wages for international student part-time jobs?
Toronto and Vancouver offer the highest hourly wages, with entry-level positions starting at CAD 17.60-17.85/hour and skilled roles reaching CAD 25-26/hour.
What are the highest-paying part-time jobs for international students in Canada?
Tutoring positions offer the highest hourly wages for international students, ranging from CAD 20-50/hour depending on subject expertise.
Do international students need a separate work permit for part-time jobs opportunities in Canada?
No, eligible study permit holders can work off-campus without requiring a separate work permit if their study permit includes work authorisation.
Are international students in Canada required to pay employment insurance premiums?
Yes, international students working in Canada have EI premiums deducted from their paycheques, though EI benefit eligibility may be limited due to work hour restrictions.
Can international students work for multiple employers simultaneously in Canada?
Yes, international students can work for multiple employers provided their total hours don’t exceed 24 hours weekly during term time.
Do international students pay income taxes on part-time job earnings in Canada?
Yes, international students pay federal and provincial income taxes on employment earnings and must file annual tax returns in Canada.
Can international students work remotely for foreign companies whilst studying in Canada?
Yes, international students can work unlimited hours remotely for foreign employers with no Canadian ties, and these hours don’t count towards the 24-hour weekly limit.
Are co-op work hours counted towards the 24-hour weekly limit for international students?
No, mandatory co-op and internship programmes that are part of your curriculum require separate work permits and are exempt from the 24-hour restriction.
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