Summer Job Guidelines and Plan Ahead for New School Year of 2024
For students entering university in 2024, summer is only halfway through. However, for those moving from first to second year, second to third year, and third to fourth year, summer is nearing its end. For those graduating this year, whether in June or October, a summer job in this summer will be a key turning point in your journey towards a new milestone in life.
From late last year to early this year, when the winter semester (some schools define it as the winter session) ended, the immigration authorities introduced a series of reforms to student visa policies. In addition to increasing the financial proof requirements for first-time student visa applicants, new regulations on international student work hours will be implemented starting in the fall semester this September. These changes will bring new challenges to international students’ job hunting, particularly in terms of planning for part-time work once the school year begins.
If you are an international student and do not plan to fast-track your credits to graduate early, but rather want to experience local work life in Canada, it is crucial to find a job. Similarly, if you plan to stay in Canada in the future, you must secure a job. While you still have student status, most employers offer considerable tolerance and opportunities. Although the starting salary might only be the minimum wage, it is still an excellent chance to gain local work experience and enrich your resume. It is also a valuable opportunity to expand your local network.
Additionally, earning an income allows you to start saving for your retirement plan and can increase the chances of getting approved for a credit card with a higher limit, enabling you to start building your credit score. This will be beneficial whether you choose to stay in Canada, move to the United States, or go to other Western countries in the future. Of course, as a student, never forget that your primary responsibility is your studies.
Here are the important considerations for international students regarding summer jobs and advanced planning for studies and work after the start of the school year:
- Residency Status Requirements
- Bank Account Information and Tax Planning
- Job Type Restrictions
- Work Hour Restrictions Before and After the Start of the 2024 Fall Semester
- How to Plan for the New Work Hours
- Additional Considerations for Cross-Border Jobs
Residency Status Requirements
- Residency Status Requirements:
- Study Permit: Ensure you have a valid study permit.
- Compliance with Section 186 of the Federal Immigration Act: If you do not have any other work permit, you must comply with Section 186 and its detailed provisions.
- Other Requirements:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): You need to have a SIN for work.
- Medical Insurance: Make sure you have the necessary medical insurance, such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Bank Account Information and Tax Planning
- Open a Student Chequing Account
- Direct Deposit: If your employer offers direct deposit, you can download the direct deposit form from your web banking instead of a void cheque. (Do not sign.)
- Taxation: If your earnings do not exceed your tuition fees plus the annual personal deductible, then, except, pension plan and EI, all paid tax dollars will be refunded.
Job Type Restrictions
- Contact with Minors – May require additional health examinations, vaccination records, and a criminal background check.
- Prohibited Industries – Cannot engage in the sex work industry (although legal in Canada, it is highly regulated and protected).
- Professional Certifications – Some jobs may require relevant professional licenses and operational permits.
Work Hour Restrictions Before and After the Start of the 2024 Fall Semester
Under the premise of fully complying with Section 186 of the Federal Immigration Act and its detailed provisions:
- Summer Before the Start of the 2024 Fall Semester: No restrictions.
- After the Start of the 2024 Fall Semester: 24 hours per week.
- Those with other valid work permits are not subject to this hour restriction.
How to Plan for the New Work Hour
- 8 hours/shift x 3 shifts/week
- 4 hours/shift x 6 shifts/week (e.g., administrative assistant, tutoring, other clerical work)
- 6 hours/shift x 4 shifts/week (e.g., retail, food service industry)
- 12 hours/shift x 2 shifts/week (e.g., logistics, transportation industry)
Additional Considerations for Cross-Border Jobs
If your job requires frequent travel across the Canadian border and your employer is a Canadian company, please pay special attention to the following:
- Keep all work logs
- Total paid work hours of any seven consecutive calendar days should not exceed 24 hours.
- Record border crossing time, including the location, date, time, and time zone.
