I arrived in Canada as an international student in December 2023 to achieve academic excellence and gain invaluable professional experience. My studies in Canada officially began on January 8th, 2024. I have opted for Information Technology Business Analysis, a 16-month program, and will complete it by April 2025. I was eager to work part-time to supplement my studies and Canadian lifestyle and gain some Canadian work experience, which would help me during my professional journey in Canada following my studies.
- However, I soon found that the Canadian job market presented unforeseen challenges during the winter months. My desire and courage allowed me to look for part-time work despite early difficulties in the job search process. In this article, I share my experience looking for work in the dead of winter, highlighting my challenges and the hope that keeps me going.
- The job market has grown more difficult in recent years for overseas students looking for part-time employment, especially in light of stricter laws and a large intake of students.
- Additionally, this article explores the current situation that international students here in Canada are facing in 2024, highlighting the challenges they face in finding part-time work given the tight regulations and large student body.
The Winter Job Search Challenge:
- I started looking for part-time work when I arrived in Canada in December 2023 to obtain experience in the Canadian workforce and learn more about the country’s people and market. Employers’ response, however, was discouraging; many mentioned the poor business activity of the winter and the decision to delay hiring until spring 2024.
- Despite receiving this disappointing reply, I didn’t give up and searched for a job with my roommates. We looked for opportunities in many local areas and nearest places, like Stratford and New Hamburg, along with Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.
Keep going when Things Are Tough:
When winter ended and my first semester of classes ended, I continued searching for part-time work. I had a lot of rejections and disappointments, but I didn’t give up. Instead, I found strength in self-motivation and solid trust in my abilities. Day by day, I continued my commitment to finding work and contributing to my academic and personal development while living in Canada.
International students must have great courage and determination throughout this time to maintain their faith and not give up.
When my two-week break ends on May 6, 2024, when my college second semester begins, I hope to receive some positive news about part-time employment.
Challenges Faced by International Students in 2024:
a. High Student Inflow:
- Over the past several years, Canada has seen a significant increase in the number of international students arriving, with 8 to 9 lakhs expected in each of the years 2022 and 2023.
- Due to the increased competitiveness for part-time work, the job marketplace has been overcrowded, and there are fewer roles accessible to students due to this inflow. One of the leading causes of the challenging employment situation for international students is the increased number of students enrolling.
b. Delayed Job Search:
- Even after several months of looking, many international students, even those who arrived for the January 2024 intake and earlier intakes, have yet to get employment due to Canada’s low demand for part-time jobs, particularly during the Winter season.
- International students should keep in mind that there is more competition for positions on the market with every intake because current foreign students are also searching for part-time work.
One major suggestion to the foreign students is that, rather than wasting their first month off, international students studying in Canada should be looking for part-time work. While it is true that students require time to recharge and adapt to life in Canada, but still, it is advised that they begin their job search when situations do not favor them.
The Impact of Policy Changes:
a. Transition to 40-Hours Work in a Week:
- Previously, foreign students studying in Canada could only work 20 hours a week while classes were in session, giving more international students more significant opportunities to work various shifts.
- Yet, a recent policy adjustment effectively doubled the maximum number of hours a student can work, extending the cap to 40 hours per week until December 2023 and then again until April 2024. As of April 21, 2024, the latest decision is yet to be announced.
I personally feel, this move has unintentionally increased competition for part-time work, even though the original goal was to provide students more freedom. Employers may now recruit fewer students for full-time positions rather than several students for part-time ones and train them.
b. Competition from Work Permit Holders:
- Furthermore, the vast number of international students studying in Canada has made it more difficult for some to switch from study visas to work permits, increasing competition for employment opportunities. These former study visa holders are becoming more and more competitive with international students as Canada’s unemployment rates grow.
- I understand that changing the study visa to a work permit is the procedure. However, the problem is that, with the Canadian job market being so competitive due to the large influx and outflow of students, converting a study visa into a work permit poses a severe risk to international students.
- Furthermore, companies may also give full-time work permit holders preference when hiring since they consider work permit individuals more dependable and dedicated than those on study permits.
- With an increased number of job seekers with unlimited work permits, this change has made it more difficult for overseas students looking for part-time employment.
Navigating the Current Scenario:
a. Economic Recission:
- Canada is currently experiencing an economic recession that has resulted in many job losses and increased competition for jobs in all industries.
- Businesses may be less likely to hire international students as they require recovery support, preferring to give priority to Canadian residents or those with permanent residency status and work permit holders.
- The challenging economic environment makes it more difficult for overseas students to find part-time work and increases their financial burden. Indeed, Canada can face a recession, much like other nations worldwide, such as the US, India, and the European Union.
b. Shift in Employer Preferences:
Furthermore, employers believe hiring people with work permits will simplify administration and provide worker stability, and some employers—like employment agencies and warehouses—prefer to hire people with work permit. Employers tend to prefer candidates with unlimited work authorization, which has disadvantaged many overseas students seeking part-time employment positions.
c. Manage Financial Sources Wisely:
- Given the challenges in finding part-time employment, international students should prioritize effective financial planning and budgeting.
- Exploring alternative sources of income, such as freelance work or online gigs, if there is any possibility for specific individuals. But frankly speaking, as per the market scenario right now, getting freelancing is also too harsh.
I do freelancing stuff related to content writing and blogging, and I have applied for multiple jobs on LinkedIn and in other sources, too, but no luck for me. I received a couple of calls; a few were unpaid, and a few were looking for work permit holders; unfortunately, as I am on a Study Visa, it didn’t work out for me.
I am just trying to explain the situation so as not to frighten students. So, keeping the situation in mind, minimizing expenses can help alleviate financial strain during the job search process.
d. Diversify Your Job Search Techniques:
- International students must look into various job search options, such as work-study programs, off-campus jobs, and jobs on campus, due to the tight competition and lack of job openings. One’s chances of landing a job may also be increased by thinking about careers or industries other than their field of study.
- Try applying for a job on Indeed, LinkedIn, and the company’s official websites. To the best of my knowledge, most local retailers in Canada hire workers via online applications rather than accepting resumes in person. Therefore, it is highly advised to apply for jobs online in addition to going to the stores in person.
Does having references matter when applying for employment in Canada?
- Certainly, to the best of my knowledge and the situations I’ve witnessed, networking and references are essential to landing a job.
- As the number of students increases, so does the number of applicants, and the level of competition is high. Employers recruit candidates through networking, referrals, and known sources either for the part-time job or full-time opportunity.
- Sadly, most of the people I know from either the September 2023 intake or my own intake are likewise searching for part-time work. Very few cases exist where people are receiving jobs.
Having good networking and references can definitely help to make your life in Canada a little easier, not only when it comes to finding work but in general.
What actions is the Canadian government taking?
- Due to the massive influx of students expected in 2022 and 2023—roughly 8 lac per year—Canada is experiencing a housing crunch and high rent increases. Therefore, the Canadian government imposed restrictions and reduced the number of students entering the country to between 250000 and 300000 for 2024 and 2025, which is undoubtedly a relief for both Canadian citizens and international students.
- Considering the current economic situation, the Canadian government has decided to increase the GIC amount for international students from India to 20000+ CAD for the first time, from the previous amount of 10,000 CAD. This move will allow the students to concentrate on their studies rather than seeking part-time work and worrying about money. We should appreciate the Canadian government for implementing this.
Looking Towards the Future:
I’m not taking a break during the spring break of two weeks. I’m ready for the next few weeks with a fresh sense of hope and commitment. And I’ll spend the two weeks of my summer break looking for work. As spring approaches and there are signs of more hiring happening, I’m still holding out confidence that my hard work will soon pay off in the form of job openings.
Equipped with strength, patience, and a firm belief in the strength of commitment, I am excited for the chances and challenges ahead.
Note:
- This is my opinion about finding a part-time job that fits my experience and viewpoints. I respect the different views of each individual. Kindly note that the opinions expressed in this article are entirely mine.
- Additionally, this article aims to increase international students’ general understanding of part-time work opportunities in Canada. As a result, those who are willing to travel to Canada for higher education do so with some knowledge of what’s going on.
- This article is also for individuals willing to work part-time as international students in Canada, which is legal in Canada as of April 21, 2024.
If you are an international student looking for part-time job in Canada, please click this link to learn about the general procedure or method to use. And, if you would want to witness the Canadian way of life as an international student, kindly visit my YouTube channel, Babu Kanikicharla.