- Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms, a rule made permanent in November 2024, and full-time during scheduled breaks
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit remains valid for up to three years
- Canada's federal minimum wage rose to CAD 18.15 per hour on 1 April 2026
- Salary figures below use Government of Canada Job Bank median wages.
What Jobs Are Available in Canada for International Students?
Canada offers international students strong opportunities across healthcare, technology, engineering, finance, education and skilled trades. High-demand roles include registered nurses, software engineers, accountants, financial analysts and teachers. After graduating, students can work full-time on a Post-Graduation Work Permit, while current students may work part-time off campus during their studies.
Canada combines a strong economy, high living standards and welcoming immigration pathways, which makes it a leading destination for graduates seeking work. Demand is broad, spanning healthcare, technology, finance, education and skilled trades, and international graduates can transition into these roles through the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Healthcare and nursing
- Software engineering and IT
- Accounting and finance
- Financial analysis
- Teaching and education
- Human resources and management
- Marketing and business development
- Engineering and skilled trades
How Can You Get a Job in Canada from India?
Start by targeting Canadian job portals such as the Government of Canada Job Bank and LinkedIn, and tailor your resume to pass Applicant Tracking Systems. Network with recruiters, gain Canadian references where possible, and apply early. Securing a study permit, then a Post-Graduation Work Permit or permanent residence, strengthens your eligibility to work.
Many Canadian employers screen applications with an Applicant Tracking System that filters resumes against the job description. Keep your resume updated, use relevant keywords and align it closely with each role you apply for so it reaches a human recruiter.
- Tailor your resume to pass Applicant Tracking Systems used by Canadian employers
- Search official portals such as the Government of Canada Job Bank and LinkedIn
- Build a network and secure Canadian references where possible
- Apply through a study permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit route, or consider permanent residence
How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada?
Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, a limit made permanent in November 2024. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, they may work full-time. Wages must meet the applicable provincial or federal minimum wage for the job.
During scheduled academic breaks, eligible students may work full-time, subject to a limit on total full-time weeks per year. On-campus work and co-op or internship placements follow separate rules. Whatever the job, employers must pay at least the applicable provincial or federal minimum wage.
Intakes in CanadaRead →What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada in 2026?
Canada's best-paid roles for graduates cluster in management, technology, healthcare and finance. Using Government of Canada Job Bank median wages, human resources managers earn about CAD 57.69 per hour, software engineers CAD 56.49, marketing managers CAD 55.29, and teachers CAD 45.67. Full-time, these translate to roughly CAD 90,000 to 120,000 per year.
The figures below use national median wages published by the Government of Canada Job Bank for the 2023 to 2024 reference period. Actual pay varies by province, employer and experience, and top earners in each field can earn well above the median shown.
| Occupation | Median wage 2026 (CAD/hour) | Approx. full-time 2026 (CAD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Human resources manager | 57.69 | ~120,000 |
| Computer software engineer | 56.49 | ~117,500 |
| Marketing manager | 55.29 | ~115,000 |
| Secondary school teacher | 45.67 | ~95,000 |
| Registered nurse | 43.27 | ~90,000 |
| Financial analyst | 43.27 | ~90,000 |
| Accountant | 40.36 | ~84,000 |
What Are Part-Time Job Options and Pay in Canada?
Popular part-time jobs for students include retail sales, food service, campus roles, tutoring and delivery work. Pay must meet the legal minimum wage, which varies by province. Ontario's general minimum is CAD 17.60 per hour until September 2026, rising to CAD 17.95, while the federal minimum wage is CAD 18.15.
Typical student jobs include retail sales, food service, campus positions, tutoring, ride-share and delivery work. These roles must pay at least the legal minimum wage, so wages published in older guides that fell below CAD 17 an hour are now outdated across most provinces.
| Minimum wage benchmark 2026 | Rate (CAD/hour) | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| Federal minimum wage | 18.15 | 1 Apr 2026 |
| Ontario general minimum | 17.60 | to 30 Sep 2026 |
| Ontario general minimum | 17.95 | from 1 Oct 2026 |
How Does the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Work?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets eligible graduates work in Canada for up to three years, with the length matching the program studied. University degree graduates qualify regardless of field, while non-degree college graduates who applied on or after November 2024 must study an eligible field of study.
The permit length matches your program, up to a maximum of three years, and cannot extend past your passport's expiry date. University bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates qualify regardless of field of study, while college programs must meet field-of-study rules for study permits filed on or after 1 November 2024.
Which Fields Have the Strongest Job Demand in Canada?
Healthcare, technology, skilled trades, education, finance and business services show the strongest demand across Canada. Registered nurses, software engineers, accountants, financial analysts, teachers and human resources managers all appear on high-demand lists with solid median wages. Job Bank publishes current openings, wage ranges and job outlooks for each occupation and province.
- Healthcare: registered nurses and care aides
- Technology: software engineers and data specialists
- Education: secondary and primary school teachers
- Finance: accountants and financial analysts
- Management: human resources and marketing managers
- Skilled trades and construction