Adjusting to the Canadian lifestyle with unbearable financial expenses is the reason most Ghanaian students prepare to work in Canada. You need to have great plans to enable you afford to fund your studies, stay in a good apartment and support your family back at home.

In this article, am going to unravel the requirements to work in canada.

Working in Canada as a Ghanaian student can help you get practical work experience and build your network. It may even help you stay and work in Canada after your academics.

Even though it could be a tiresome task, it becomes less arduous when you know the right ways to prepare to work in Canada as a Ghanaian student.

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Eligibility Requirements to Work while Studying in Canada as a Ghanaian Student

A recent law in Canada allows Ghanaian students to be eligible to work for up to 20 hours per week on-or off-campus. Taking on a part-time job as a student can help you afford your living expenses and reduce the amount you have to borrow in student loans. Read on for a closer look at the eligibility requirements for working in Canada as a Ghanaian student.

If you’re pursuing your degree in Canada, you may be able to work if you meet all of these requirements. It is your responsibility as a Ghanaian student to understand your work conditions and authorizations.

As long as you have a valid study permit, you won’t need a special work permit for an on-campus or off-campus job.

“On-campus” refers to all the buildings on your university or college campus, while off- campus” means the parts of your town or city that are not part of the university or college campus.

You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of these requirements:

1. You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution.

You must be enrolled in your program full-time to qualify to work in Canada. The only exception is if you’re in your last semester of your study program and don’t need a full-time course load to complete it. You also must have been studying full-time up until this final part-time semester.

You also must have already started studying in your post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program. Secondary-level vocational training programs count too, as long as they’re located in Quebec.

2. You are enrolled in either of the followings:

a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional program, or

a secondary-level vocational training program (as long as the program is located in Quebec only)

3. Your study program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. 

4. You’ve started studying

5. You have a social insurance number (SIN).

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for you to work in Canada as a Ghanaian student. You can apply for your SIN after receiving your study permit, which will state whether or not you’re permitted to work in Canada. If your study permit does not include this permission, you may be able to get it amended at no cost.

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How many hours can you work? 

Generally, international students who meet the above requirements can work for up to 20 hours per week on-campus or off-campus.

Some part-time jobs include:

• working at your school library,
• in the gym
• with a faculty member
• at a local restaurant.

Generally, Ghanaian students can work full-time during official school breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break. You could also work after you finish your studies if you have applied for a non-student work permit.

Read Also: Job Interview Coaching for International Students Abroad

WHO CANNOT WORK IN CANADA AS A GHANAIAN STUDENT 

You cannot work in Canada unless otherwise authorized to do so if your study program is less than six months in duration, or if you are enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program. Additionally, visiting or exchange students at a DLI are not permitted to work while studying in Canada.

Special requirements for internships and co-ops 

Co-op placements

A co-op placement or program involves working as part of your program of study. You may work on or off campus. While you don’t need a special work permit for a part-time job in Canada, you may need to apply for a co-op permit if you want to work an internship or co-op placement as a student. To be eligible for this permit, you’ll need to:

• You have a valid study permit.
• Working is integrated into your study program in Canada; you are required to work the internship or co-op to complete your study program
• You have a letter from your designated learning institution that confirms all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree.
• Your co-op or internship is 50% or less of the total program of study.

You are not eligible for a co-op work permit and you will need to get a valid work permit if you are studying:

• Preparatory courses to prepare you for another study program in Canada
• English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL)
• General interest courses

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Internships

An internship is an opportunity that provides you with on-the-job training. As an intern, someone in the workplace supervises you. You also gain knowledge and skills to help you succeed in a trade or profession.

The work permit you need for an internship is the same as the work permit for co-op students.

Learn more: Job Opportunities in the USA for Ghanaians

EASIEST JOBS TO GET IN CANADA

• Hotel attendant
• Hotel front desk clerk
• Hotel housekeeper
• Nanny
• Server
• Landscape labourer
• Tour guide
• Cleaner

Learn more: Checking in After The interview

CONCLUSION

There is a strong culture of working while studying in Canada, and you shouldn’t hide the fact that you’re a student. Remember that your studies come first, and don’t be shy to ask for the time off that you need during exam periods or in preparation for a big deadline. Students who work while studying have the same labour rights as all workers in Canada.

Reach out to work with us at IBS to make your experience less stressful. We are here to support you all the way.

We wish you a successful adventure in Canada!

Learn more: Applying for Job When You Have Relevant Experience