Best Jobs in Canada for International Students in 2026: Top Picks, Pay, and Rules
International students in Canada face high living costs, but part-time work offers a way to earn $1,500–$3,000 monthly while gaining experience. In 2026, with updated rules allowing up to 24 hours/week off-campus, options abound--from no-experience retail at Tim Hortons ($16–20/hr in Ontario) to high-stipend co-ops (20% earnings boost) and tutoring ($25–80/hr). This guide covers the best jobs in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and more, compliant with study permits. Learn legal limits, top earners like PhD research assistantships ($40k/year), and proven tips to balance studies and gigs like Uber Eats or Amazon warehouse roles.
Quick Answer: The Top 5 Best Jobs for International Students in 2026
For the best mix of pay, flexibility, and accessibility, here are the top picks based on 2026 data from Admitx, Wise.live, and upGrad:
| Rank | Job | Avg Pay (CAD/hr or total) | Max Hours/Week | Best Locations | Why Best? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research Assistant (PhD/Grad) | $40k/year package (UofT) | Unlimited on-campus | Toronto, Vancouver | Highest pay, funding + experience; no hour cap. |
| 2 | Tutoring | $25–80/hr | 24 off-campus | University cities (Toronto, Montreal) | Flexible, high rates, skill-based; no experience for peers. |
| 3 | Co-op Programs (Tech/Engineering) | 20% higher than avg internships | Full-time during terms | Waterloo, UBC (Vancouver) | Paid work-study, 40% employability boost, 90% visa approval. |
| 4 | Delivery/Gig (Uber Eats, Bike) | $20–35/hr + tips | 24 off-campus | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal | Flexible schedules, evenings/weekends; bike OK in cities. |
| 5 | Retail/Food Service (Tim Hortons, Starbucks) | $16–25/hr + tips | 24 off-campus | Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary | No experience needed, always hiring. |
Key Takeaways Box:
- Highest Earner: RAships/TAships for PhD (~$40k/year).
- Easiest Entry: Retail/barista ($16–20/hr Toronto/Vancouver).
- Most Flexible: Gig delivery ($20–35/hr).
- Long-Term Win: Co-ops for networks/PR paths.
- Avg monthly: $1,500–$2,500 at 24 hrs/week.
Key Takeaways & Quick Summary
- Top Jobs: Tutoring ($25–80/hr, Wise.live), co-ops (20% earnings edge, upGrad), RAships ($40k/year UofT).
- Rules: 24 hrs/week off-campus (CICnews/Canada.ca); unlimited on-campus; full-time in 150–180 day breaks.
- Wages by City: Toronto $17.60/hr entry (Admitx); Vancouver $17.85/hr; Calgary $17–24/hr skilled.
- No-Experience Wins: Retail/food ($13–25/hr + tips, Ausizz), Amazon warehouse.
- High-Skill: Tech internships $30–50/hr (Nxtgen); nursing aide Alberta.
- Gig Economy: Uber Eats (21+, license; $20–35/hr); legal freelance if documented.
- Seasonal: Banff summer hospitality, Whistler winter ($20+/hr).
- Pro Tip: Get SIN first; track hours to avoid violations.
Work Permit Rules for International Students in Canada 2026
Compliance is key--violations risk deportation or future visa denials (Y-Axis). In 2026, rules stabilize at 24 hrs/week off-campus (up from temporary 20+ hrs pre-2025, per CICnews/Canada.ca).
Checklist: Steps to Get SIN & Verify Eligibility
- Enroll full-time at Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN) online/via Service Canada.
- Confirm study permit allows work (most do post-2024 updates).
- Track hours via app/journal--multiple jobs OK if total ≤24.
- Full-time OK during scheduled breaks (up to 150–180 days/year).
Off-Campus Work Permit Rules 2026
No separate permit needed if eligible (Canada.ca): Full-time DLI student, valid permit. Apply to change conditions if needed (IMM 5709). Gig work like Uber Eats counts toward 24-hr cap unless on break.
On-Campus vs Off-Campus: Pros, Cons & Comparison
On-campus prioritizes studies with unlimited hours; off-campus offers variety but caps.
| Aspect | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Unlimited | 24/week (academic terms) |
| Pay | $20–40/hr (RAships) | $16–25/hr (retail) |
| Flexibility | Campus-tied | Any employer |
| Pros | No commute, resume boost | Higher volume hiring |
| Cons | Fewer spots | Hour tracking, violations risk |
PhD library assistants/grad roles often pay $20+/hr (UofT data).
Highest Paying On-Campus Jobs for International Students
Focus here for top stipends--ideal for grad/PhD.
- Research Assistant (RA)/Teaching Assistant (TA): $40k/year package (tuition + stipend, UofT iSchool). PhD students average 10 hrs/week.
- Library Assistant: $20–25/hr for grads.
- Co-op Integrations: Highest stipends in tech/engineering (upGrad).
Mini Case Study: A UofT PhD student landed a $40k RA/TA package in Year 1 via CUPE job board, covering living costs fully.
Top Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs: Ranked by Pay & Accessibility
No-experience roles dominate, with Toronto/Vancouver leading wages (Admitx).
| Job | Avg Pay | Requirements | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Center | $20/hr | Communication skills | Toronto |
| Delivery (Uber Eats) | $20–35/hr + tips | 21+, license/bike | Montreal, Toronto |
| Amazon Warehouse | $17–22/hr | Open work permit | Nationwide |
Mini Case Study: Toronto student earned $1,500/month Uber Eats (20 hrs/week evenings), netting $25/hr after tips (Nxtgen).
Retail & Food Service Jobs (No Experience Needed)
- Tim Hortons (Ontario): $16–20/hr + tips; always hiring students.
- Starbucks Barista: $16–22/hr + tips ($50–150/week, Ausizz).
- Retail Malls: $13–25/hr commission (Nxtgen). Toronto/Montreal hotspots.
Delivery & Gig Economy: Uber Eats, Amazon, Bike Delivery
Flexible for bike users in Montreal. Uber: 21+, provincial license (Canadim); 24-hr cap applies. Earnings $20–35/hr peak times.
High-Paying Skilled & Location-Specific Jobs in 2026
Target booming sectors: tech (CIVS), healthcare.
- Tech Internships: $30–50/hr (Nxtgen); Toronto/Vancouver/Montreal.
- Nursing Aide (Alberta): $20–30/hr entry.
- Construction Laborer (Calgary): $20–25/hr (Moving2Canada; medians higher for skilled).
- Trucking (Saskatchewan): $40/hr median (Immigration.ca).
- Seasonal: Banff summer farms ($20+/hr IEC), Whistler winter hospitality.
Mini Case Study: Whistler intl student earned $2,500/month hospitality (winter season, Stepwest vibes).
Tech Internships, Tutoring & Freelance (Remote/Legal Options)
- Tutoring: $25–80/hr (Wise.live); university peers $25+, specialists $70+.
- Freelance: $20–50/hr (legal if SIN-reported, Nxtgen).
- Mitacs Globalink: Paid research internships.
Co-op Programs with Highest Stipends
40% employability boost, 90% visa approval (upGrad). Paid terms (4–6 months) beat unpaid internships; no extra permit needed.
City-by-City Comparison: Best Jobs in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary & More
| City/Province | Top Jobs | Avg Entry Pay | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Call centers, tutoring, Uber | $17.60/hr | High demand, tech | Competitive |
| Vancouver | Retail, tech co-ops, delivery | $17.85–26/hr skilled | Coastal lifestyle | High rent |
| Calgary | Construction, oil-related | $17–24/hr | Skilled pay | Weather |
| Alberta | Nursing aide | $20+/hr | Healthcare boom | Rural options |
| Montreal | Bike delivery | $16–20/hr | French bilingual | Language barrier |
| Banff/Whistler | Seasonal hospitality/farm | $20+/hr | Adventure | Temporary |
| Saskatchewan | Trucking | $40/hr median | High per capita jobs | Remote |
(Admitx data)
How to Land the Best Jobs: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Resume: Canadian format (1-page, skills-focused; Wayble).
- Platforms: Indeed, university boards, AngelList, LinkedIn.
- Network: Campus fairs, profs for RAships.
- Interview Prep: Practice "student balance" answers.
- Balance: ≤24 hrs; prioritize GPA.
Mini Case Study: No-experience student hired at Tim Hortons via UofT job fair, earning $18/hr part-time.
Pros & Cons: Part-Time Jobs vs Co-op/Internships for Students
| Option | Pros | Cons | PR Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time | Quick cash ($16–25/hr), flexible | Hour caps, no networks | Counts sometimes (Ausizz) |
| Co-op/Internships | Higher pay/networks, visa ease | Competitive entry | Strong pathways |
Co-ops shine for PR via experience.
FAQ
Can international students work 24 hours off-campus in 2026?
Yes, during terms (CICnews/Canada.ca); full-time in breaks.
What are the highest paying on-campus jobs for students in Canada?
RA/TA for PhD ($40k/year UofT); library assistants $20+/hr.
Uber Eats driver requirements for study permit holders?
21+, provincial license, vehicle/bike; 24-hr cap (Canadim).
Average tutoring hourly rates for international students?
$25–80/hr (Wise.live); higher for specialists.
Off-campus vs on-campus work: Which is better?
On-campus for unlimited hours/high pay; off for variety.
Co-op programs: Do they offer the best stipends and immigration perks?
Yes--20% earnings boost, 90% visa approval, paid terms (upGrad).
