Planning to study, work, or settle in Canada? This guide explains how Nepali students and skilled workers can successfully find jobs in Canada, understand the work rules, and maximize career opportunities.
You’ll learn:
- IRCC’s latest student work hour rules (2025 update)
- Best job search tips for students & skilled workers
- Salary expectations in Canada
- Work visa types you need to know
- Tips to balance work and study
- How consultancy support can help you succeed
1. Understanding Canadian Work Rules for Nepali Students
If you’re arriving in Canada with a study permit, you must follow the rules established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Key 2025 rules for students:
- Off-campus employment while attending classes: A maximum of 24 hours per week (policy change in November 2024 – supersedes the previous 20-hour restriction).
- Off-campus during breaks: Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks like summer/winter holidays or reading week.
- On-campus work: Unlimited hours if you meet the eligibility conditions, and it can be combined with your off-campus work.
- DLI:You need to be registered as a full-time student at an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Work Hours Summary Table:
|
Work Type |
During Classes |
During Breaks |
|---|---|---|
|
Off-Campus |
Up to 24 hrs/wk |
Unlimited |
|
On-Campus |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
2. Work Permits & Options for Skilled Workers from Nepal
- Express Entry: encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): province-specific job offers and settlement
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):work permits supported by a Canadian employer
- Atlantic Immigration Program: for employment in Atlantic provinces with approved employers
3. Best Job Search tips in Canada
i) Official & General Job Portals
- Job Bank (Government of Canada): The official website managed by the Government of Canada that is secured, validated, and particularly beneficial for positions with LMIA approval. jobbank.gc.ca.
- Indeed.ca: The most popular job portal in Canada, covering part-time, full-time, and student jobs.
- LinkedIn Jobs: Essential for both students and skilled workers. Great for networking with Canadian recruiters and companies.
- Eluta.ca: Lists jobs directly from employer websites across Canada.
- Talent.com: A global job aggregator located in Montreal featuring numerous job listings from Canada
ii) Student-Friendly Options
- University/College Career Portals: Every Canadian DLI (e.g., UBC CareersOnline, U of T Career Centre, McGill myFuture) has exclusive postings for students.
- On-Campus Jobs: Apply directly through your school’s Student Employment Office or Career Services.
iii) Industry-Specific Portals (for Skilled Workers)
- IT & Tech: ITWorldCanada Jobs, Dice Canada.
- Healthcare: Healthcarejobs.ca, Mediacorp’s Canada’s Top 100 Employers (for hospitals & health networks).
- Engineering & Trades: EngineeringCareers.ca (run by Engineers Canada).
iv) Gig & Flexible Work Apps (Extra Income for Students)
- Uber / Lyft: Driving jobs (if eligible with local licensing).
- SkipTheDishes, DoorDash, UberEats: Very popular food delivery apps among students.
- Fiverr / Upwork: Freelancing in IT, design, and content writing (works globally, including Canada).
v) Pro Tip for Nepali Students & Workers
- Always cross-check if the employer is LMIA-approved (important for skilled workers).
- Students should stick to on-campus jobs, Job Bank, or major portals like Indeed & LinkedIn to avoid illegal “cash jobs.”
4. Salary Expectations in Canada (2025)
Average hourly wages for part-time student jobs:
- Retail associate / cashier: CA$15-18/hr
- Food service worker: CA$15-30/hr
- Campus research assistant: CA$15-46/hr
Average annual salaries for skilled workers:
- Biomedical Engineer: CA$80k-100k/year
- IT Software Developer: CA$80k-100k/year
- Registered Nurse: CA$80k-90k/year
5. How to Apply for Jobs in Canada
For Students:
- Get your SIN (Social Insurance Number) before working.
- Check your eligibility with your school’s international student office.
- Apply through campus job boards, career fairs, and online portals.
For Skilled Workers:
- Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Improve your IELTS score for better Express Entry ranking.
- Apply to employers with a valid LMIA(Labour Market Impact Assessment).
- Establish a Job Bank profile and connect it to your Express Entry account.
6. Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Avoid exceeding the work hour limit set by IRCC, as it may lead to losing your status or being deported from Canada.
- Never accept cash jobs without a work permit - it’s illegal.
- Tailor your resume to each job posting.
7. Tips to Balance Work and Study (for Students)
- Keep work hours manageable and prioritize academics.
- Choose jobs with flexible schedules.
- Work more hours during holiday breaks to save money.
8. How Consultancy Support Can Help
A trusted consultancy can assist with:
- Visa application guidance
- Resume preparation for Canadian employers
- Connecting with job search platforms
- Work permit advice
- Post-Arrival Support
For Nepali students and skilled workers, Pathfinder International Education offers tailored assistance to ensure your Canadian journey is smooth, legal, and successful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are Nepali students allowed to work over 24 hours per week while studying in Canada?
No. IRCC permits students to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.Only during official breaks can you work unlimited hours.
Q2: Is a job offer necessary before I can apply for a Canadian work visa as a skilled worker?
Not always. Express Entry (FSW program) doesn’t require one, but having a valid job offer improves your CRS score.
Q3: Can students and skilled workers bring family to Canada?
Yes. Spouses can apply for an open work permit, and dependent children can attend school.
Q4: What’s the easiest job to get as a Nepali student in Canada?
Campus jobs are the simplest since they don't need additional work permits.