International students who receive an off-campus work permit may work up to 20 hours per week during the regular academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
International students have much to offer as part-time or summer employees, including:
- Skills in languages other than English
- A cross-cultural perspective
- Adaptability to different environments
- Motivation and dedication
International students may also have specific academic skills and technical expertise that will be valuable in the workplace.
An international student may respond directly to your help-wanted ad, or you may wish to recruit a student by contacting the employment/careers office at a campus near you. In British Columbia, you will receive applications from international students who are attending participating post-secondary institutions in the province.
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- Make sure the student has a permit for off-campus work.
- Check that the international student has a social insurance number (SIN). You must ask to see the SIN card of all new employees as soon as they are hired. However, employees may show the card, or proof that they applied for the card, within three days of starting work, and they may work during the waiting period. Temporary workers are given SINs that begin with a 9.
- Read your employee’s work permit, especially the “conditions” section. International students are responsible for following the conditions and time limits described on their work permits. Limits may also include what kind of work an international student may do, or special conditions depending on the job. For example, students must pass an immigration medical examination before they begin work in health care, child care, or primary or secondary education.
Aside from the above, your role will be the same as with any other employee in British Columbia. For instance, international students are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Employment Standards Act.
Under the Post-Graduation Work Program, international students who have graduated from eligible post-secondary institutions in Canada may be able to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. International students must apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of program completion. If they have done so, they are still eligible to work off-campus during that period, provided that they have a valid study permit and a valid off-campus work permit.
You may also wish to learn more about the Provincial Nominee Program. The international student category is designed to help employers recruit academically strong graduates who are expected to meet the future skill needs of their organizations.
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