If you are a student trying to earn a few extra bucks, a part-time job can make all the difference. We have compiled a list of some of the highest paying part time jobs in Canada, including the highest paying part time jobs for students. We show you how to get a Canadian study permit and the best part-time jobs to make your life in Canada safe and easy.
1. Self-Employed
Freelance jobs are on the rise following the COVID-19 pandemic. Working through freelance portals like Fiverr or Upwork can help you earn money from home in your spare time. Freelancing is one of the highest paying part-time jobs in Canada, with many freelancers earning over $25 an hour.
You can set your schedule and choose your clients. You can work from home and work around your schedule. Working online can lay the foundation for your future career and gain experience doing paid work with real clients.
However, building up a clientele is not easy, especially when you’re just starting out. There’s little correspondence with the amount of money you can earn as a freelancer. You must have the ability to sell in the independent market. The most sought-after freelance jobs are primarily for copywriters, web & graphic designers, as well as translators.
Here are some helpful tips before you start:
- Create a profile on multiple websites as soon as possible.
- Be sure to respond to any posted position that you think you can accept.
- Be patient.
- Have a portfolio of work to convince potential clients of your skills.
2. Sales Assistant
Working as a salesperson is easy work, can be one of the highest paying side jobs for college students, and provides the stability that freelance work lacks. It’s a solid place to get your first part-time job in Canada if you are a student.
There are always vacancies in retail. Some universities have developed programs to hire international students in certain campus companies. The job is more stable and usually has a weekly or monthly salary with commission. It also helps you learn specific skills such as sales, language and customer management. Depending on where you are going to work, the job can also be relatively easy.
Working hours are less flexible than self-employment. As a general rule, you will receive appointments according to your availability. You also have to deal with demanding customers.
There are a few things to consider before you start looking for a job as a salesperson.
If you are studying, check your campus bulletin board as there is a high likelihood of finding work on campus.
Many companies post jobs on sites like ZipRecruiter or Indeed.
3. Servers
One of the highest paying part-time jobs for college students is serving in a cafeteria, bar, or restaurant. Jobs are generally easy to find and experience is often not required to work as a waiter. There is still a base salary, but most of your income comes from tips. The average tip in Canada is 15 to 20% of the total bill. You can ask to work at a specific time of the week and change your working hours provided you inform your employer in good time.
Because you work for a company, you have to adapt to their schedule. There can be a lot of late nights when working in a bar or nightclub. Base fees are usually low, so you will rely on the advice of these customers. Working with clients often requires good English/French. The service environment can be chaotic and lead to burnout.
There are a few ideas to consider:
- If this is your first server job, work in a smaller setup.
- Although you may earn less, it will be easier to assimilate.
- Start on campus or near you if you are a student.
- Get to know your colleagues. They know the job better than you and can help you.
4. Ridesharing
Are you over 21 years old? Do you have a smartphone, a reliable car and a valid driver’s license? Then you are in luck with one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada: ride sharing through companies like Lyft and Uber.
As in independent work, you can define your hours. Depending on the job, it can be lucrative. This job allows you to get to know the special features and people of your new city.
However, this may take some time. There is always something to do and people often get tired trying to take as many trips as possible each day.
For the best start to this job, follow these guidelines:
- Make sure your language skills are strong to interpret client instructions.
- Start slow and only increase if you can handle it.
- Only consider this part-time job if you live in a big city with a large customer base.
- A good starting point is your local airport as there is always work to be done.
5. Tutor
One of the highest paying side jobs for students is tutoring. As a tutor, you can work on campus or at a nearby school. As a rule, you work within the career you have chosen. If you are an independent tutor for individual clients, you can set your schedule. This path can be very lucrative without consuming too much time.
As a tutor, preparing lessons and correcting exercises can take a lot of time and effort. Also, if you are teaching a course, you will need to match your hours with the schedule. Otherwise, you will have to work with the availability of the student. The results you get from students determine your success. You must also have a proven track record in your chosen subject, which can only be a good high school diploma or college degree in a specific subject.
The essential things are:
- You can often apply for a tutoring role through your institution or a local agency.
- Just teach what you know.
- If you have trouble speaking in public, start tutoring to get used to the role.
Do you have something that validates your experience?
Get a Canadian Study Permit
Obtaining a study permit in Canada is the first and most important step. The process is not difficult as long as you meet the required criteria and follow it correctly.
The first step is to register with a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a government-approved educational institution for international students. Here is a list of DLIs from the Canadian government.
If a DLI accepts you, you must apply for a study permit. For this you need:
- Your DLI approval notice
- A valid travel document
- Proof that you can support yourself and your dependents while in Canada.
You may need additional documents, including:
- a Quebec registration certificate
- Letter explaining the reasons for your move to Canada
- a declaration of custody if you are under 18
Once you have your documentation, you will need to pay your biometric and processing fees. This applies to anyone applying for a visa. The costs incurred are as follows:
Canadian Study Permit Fees
| Fee | Amount in CAD$ |
| Study permit – per person | $150 |
| Restore status + new study permit | $350 |
| Biometrics – per person | $85 |
| Biometrics – per family | $170 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | $7 |
You must then be examined by a licensed doctor and obtain a permit from the police. You can take your medical exam after submitting your application. In this case, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send you instructions on how to take your medical exams.
Then you have to wait for the results of your application. The delivery time depends on your country, but it usually takes about 16 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
As A Student, Can I Do Part-Time Jobs in Canada If I Don’t Have a Work Permit?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time. You must have a valid study permit, be enrolled in a DLI, be in a Quebec high school vocational program, or be enrolled in a vocational program of at least six months. If you are not a student, you will need a work visa.
What are the Best Cities in Canada for International Students to Find Work?
Canada is renowned for welcoming international students. As a result, all major cities offer plenty of part-time job opportunities for internationals. The best cities to work in are Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Burnaby and Calgary.
How to Get a Part-Time Job in Canada?
You must ensure that you have a Social Security Number (SIN), resume, and cover letter to apply for most positions at the institution. Universities often have requirements for applying for on-campus jobs. However, waiter and retail jobs usually only require an interview and ID.
Get To Work
When you arrive in a new country and need to balance your work with your other responsibilities, finding a way to earn money can be crucial. Whether you choose traditional ways of working as a tutor, server or detailer, or prefer freelance work as a freelancer or carpooler, part-time jobs are plentiful in Canada. Playing using your skills or interests will be most beneficial. In general, the best paying part-time jobs in Canada are often at your doorstep.
