estudiar y trabajar en canada
Vivir en Canadá

How to study and work in Canada?

If you are thinking about moving to Canada to study and work for a season, you have come to the right place. We will tell you everything you need to know: advantages, visas, requirements, tips, and more.

Reasons to study and work in Canada

Can you imagine living in one of the happiest countries in the world while learning a language, discovering another culture, and making friends for life? Cool, right?

Well, that’s what awaits you if you decide to travel to Canada to study and work, one of the countries with the best quality of life. But just in case you’re still not convinced, we’re going to give you a few more reasons…

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Double language immersion

The possibility of learning two of the most spoken languages in the world exists in very few countries, and Canada is one of them. This way, not only will you have the option of studying a French or English course with native people, but you will also be able to practice it in your daily life.

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Renowned education

Canadian schools are highly recognized worldwide, so being able to include in your CV that you studied in any of them will give you many opportunities in a job selection process.

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Good quality of life

Every year, the UN draws up a ranking of the best countries to live in the world, following human development indexes, and it is no coincidence that Canada is always among the top places. All foreigners who travel to the country are surprised by something: how well things work there. It is a very safe, calm, welcoming country with a stable economy, several factors that make the country of the maple leaf an ideal place to live.

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Job opportunities

Canada has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world (5.3%), that’s why if you are looking not only to learn a language but also to work to cover the cost of living there, save money, or build a CV in what you like, Canada is a perfect destination.

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Incredible landscapes

From Ontario to Yukon, Canada will leave you speechless with its natural wonders and since a picture is worth a thousand words, we invite you to discover it yourself. Can you imagine having photos in all those places? An envy-worthy Instagram feed.

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Adventure sports

With so much nature, this country is the mecca for many adventure sports lovers. Its mountains and natural environments are the perfect setting for adrenaline fans and you will be able to practice climbing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and of course winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.

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Climate

It is possible that one of the things that holds you back the most when making the decision to emigrate to Canada is the climate. But despite what you might think, Canada is a country that has 4 well-defined seasons, you can sunbathe in summer and in winter enjoy the snow practicing snowboarding in the Whistler-Blackcomb mountains. And if what worries you is the cold, with the heating at full blast in schools, transportation, or stores, you will totally forget about it.

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Multiculturalism

Canada’s policies favor immigration to work or study in the country, so it is a place where you can make friends and meet people from all over the world.

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Courses to study and work in Canada

Whatever course you are looking for to study in Canada, you will be able to find it, since the country of the maple leaf has one of the best educational offers in the world. Not only because of the wide variety it offers but also because of the recognition of its schools at an international level.

But depending on the course in which you decide to enroll, you may or may not be able to work. For example, vocational training courses allow you to work while you study, but on the other hand, English courses do not allow it.

That is why it is important that you are clear about what you are looking for in Canada, and to help you decide we are going to explain below all the programs you can find in the country and how each one differs.

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English courses

As you know, Canada is a bilingual country where you can learn both English and French in any school.

  • General English or French course: With which you will learn to manage with the language in any situation of your daily life. A complete course that will allow you to enjoy your free time while studying at the same time.
  • Intensive English or French courses: If you have little time and want to learn as quickly as possible, the intensive course is for you. In less than 6 months, this program will help you reach the level you want in record time. Being a course with many hours per week and of such short duration, you will not have much time left to work, so to enroll you will only need a tourist visa.
  • Course for official exams: Are you looking to pass a level test to obtain an official language certificate? This is the course you are looking for! In it you will learn the language working on the structures and exercises that you will be asked for in the exam, so that on test day you will be more than prepared.

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  • English and French course: Is there anything better than learning one language in Canada…? Learning two! And this course offers you just that. A bilingual program in which you will work first on English until you reach the level you want, and then French.
  • Business English course: For all those who want to focus the language on something professional. In business English courses they will teach you to master the language with work vocabulary in different areas of the professional world such as marketing, politics, or economics. A program that will help you consolidate the language to feel confident in project presentations or professional meetings.
  • Academic English course: A course aimed at those who intend to improve their linguistic level in order to pursue higher or university studies in English. In this program you will work on the language to manage in educational environments, for example to make presentations 100% in that language.
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Cursos formación profesional

As we mentioned earlier, these courses will allow you to combine studies and work. They are perfect for all those who want to expand their CV at a professional level while practicing the language.

Canada offers two types of vocational training courses that will undoubtedly make your application stand out in any selection program. And we are going to tell you what they are and explain their differences.

Certificates with Co-Op

The Co-Op certificate is a job training course that lasts from 6 months up to 2 years. Its program is divided into two parts, a first theoretical part and a second practical part. In the second, students do internships, mostly paid, in Canadian companies.

With this program you will be able to work 20 hours while taking the theoretical part and 40 hours during holidays or internship periods.

It is a very good option if you are looking to enter the Canadian labor market, since you can start working in a company through the internships and, once the program ends, stay in it through a Post Study Work Permit, if the course was done in a public College.

Certificates without Co-Op

Unlike the previous one, this certificate does not include the practical part. Some students opt for this option because it is cheaper and because it offers you the possibility of working part-time while the study period lasts and full-time during holidays.

Vocational training programs are highly valued by companies, so you can then look for a job on your own… you will definitely find one!

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University studies

From the University of Toronto to the one in Montreal, Canada has some of the best universities in the world and we’re not the ones saying it, the QS World University Rankings 2022 says so. That’s why, if you are looking to study a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate in a university with international prestige, Canada is your ideal destination.

Including any of these institutions in your CV will help you get more than one job offer and to lead the selection process you set out to.

Which are the best cities to study and work in Canada?

In its 9,984,670 km² of extension, Canada has many great cities to live in, but without a doubt we have our favorites. Below we are going to tell you a bit about them so you can decide which one best fits your lifestyle and thus choose your best Canadian destination.

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Toronto

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is at the same time the economic capital of Canada. With 3 million inhabitants, it is the most cosmopolitan city in the country. It is very close to the US, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic coast. It is one of the safest cities in the world, and at the same time it has the highest salaries in all of Canada, but careful! Rents are also more expensive than in other cities. If you have ever dreamed of living in NY, you will like to know that Toronto is its northern twin.

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Vancouver

The coastal city of Vancouver has a fairly pleasant climate and numerous beaches. If you like nature, this city has a lot to offer you: from hiking, kayaking, cycling, mountain excursions, sledding…

Vancouver is a city very connected to nature, so much so that it is a pioneer in the use of renewable energies.

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Montreal

The second largest city in Canada is also the university city par excellence. It’s no coincidence that it is home to some of the most renowned universities in the country.

Its good summer weather combined with its architecture will invite you to enjoy its streets part of the year.

Montreal is a very multicultural city with a great leisure atmosphere, ideal especially for those looking for specialized offers in a specific sector.

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Visas to study and work in Canada

Well, maybe you’ve already decided and the country of the maple leaf will be your next home. So, we are going to explain the types of visas you can apply for if you want to study and work in Canada. Mainly you have two options: the student visa and the Work & Holiday Visa and here we explain what they consist of and what differentiates them.

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Student visa

Also known as Study Permit, this visa allows you to study and work in Canada as long as you are enrolled in courses of more than 6 months such as a vocational training course (with or without Co-Op) or a university one. Remember that in case of studying only English, you will not be allowed to work with this visa.

It lasts the same time as your study program, it is requested online before traveling to Canada and for that you will need:

  • Enroll in the course and present a letter of acceptance from the educational center, where the duration of the course is specified.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
  • Prove that you have 883$ CAD saved for each of the months that the program lasts.
  • A medical exam that certifies that your health is good.
  • A document that proves that you have no criminal record.
  • A motivation letter
  • A letter of acceptance from the Government.
  • Pay the visa fees (150$ CAD).

In addition, if your intention is to take a vocational training course or university program that requires minimum levels of the language, you will have to prove a certificate that accredits the level that is required of you for said course.

Student visa as a couple

One of the advantages that Canada has is that if you are married and you come to study in the country, your partner will be able to accompany you and apply for the Open Work Permit (550$ CAD). A visa with which they will be able to work full-time while you study. To be able to apply for the student visa as a couple, you will have to meet one of the following three options:

  • Be enrolled in a public College, University, or CEGEP in Quebec.
  • Be enrolled in a private university in Quebec.
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Work & Holiday Visa

It is undoubtedly one of the most requested visas by foreigners because it offers many advantages. It has a duration of one year, although it can be extended up to 2 years. Its popularity resides above all in that it is the only visa that allows you a lot of freedom to combine work and studies. For example, it allows you to work full-time while you study a course of up to 6 months in duration, or to work while you study a language course.

It is a visa that you can only apply for if your passport is from Spain (800 places), Chile (725 places) or Costa Rica (80 places). If that is your case we are going to tell you what requirements you need to apply:

  • First you will need to open a profile on the Immigration page of the Canadian government. They will assess your application and once accepted you will be able to start the application process.
  • Have a valid passport with a validity equal to the total time of your stay in Canada.
  • Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of applying for the visa.
  • Prove that you have 2500$ CAD in your bank account to be able to cover your first expenses in Canada.
  • Take out medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Canada.
  • Prove that you do not have dependents.
  • Have an up-to-date CV in the Canadian style.
  • Prove that you have no criminal record.
  • Pay the visa fees (155$ CAD)
  • Provide your biometric data upon your arrival in Canada at the Immigration Department offices.

The Work $ Holiday Visa is also such an attractive visa because it also allows you to enter and leave the country as many times as you want and work full time anywhere in Canada.

What are the requirements to study and work in Canada?

Now that you already know which visas you need to apply for to study and work in Canada, we are going to tell you what basic requirements are needed to be able to do so.

  • Have a valid visa to study and work in Canada, such as the student visa or the Work and Holiday visa. There are other types of visa such as the Express Entry visa, but these do not allow you to study, only to work.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have medical insurance in your name. To get it you can be advised by our Dingoos guides.
  • Have a Canadian bank account where you can receive your paycheck when you work and from which to make the payments that you may need in some procedures.
  • Having a good level of English will not only help you when communicating but will allow you to access more and better job offers.

If you are worried about doing things correctly to apply for your visa, don’t worry, at Dingoos we are experts in helping students submit all the documents correctly and in making sure that you obtain your visa to study and work in Canada. Write to us!

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How to stay working in Canada after finishing your studies?

If you study a vocational training course of at least 8 months in a public college or pursue university studies, you will be able to apply for the Post Graduation Work Permit when your student visa ends.

The Open Work Permit is a visa that allows you to stay in the country and work full-time for the same time that your studies have lasted and up to a maximum of 2 years.

To apply for this visa, in addition to complying with the above you will need:

  • Be in Canada with a valid visa or be outside the country.
  • Have completed an educational program of more than 8 months.
  • Have finished your studies less than 6 months ago.
  • Have been enrolled as a “full-time student” until completing the entire course.
  • Obtain a letter from your educational center where it is reflected that you have been enrolled in the school and completed your studies successfully.

Jobs for students in Canada

In Canada you will be able to find job offers in many sectors. In general there are some that have greater demand and for which much previous experience is not usually required. Specifically, the service sector usually has a high demand for workers and you will be able to find positions from the restaurant sector (barista, waiter, pastry chef or kitchen assistant), delivery person, cleaning and maintenance services…

If you want to learn English and at the same time practice other languages there is also a lot of supply of customer service jobs such as receptionist or flight attendant.

And if you like children we recommend the job of Au Pair, where you will have the opportunity not only to speak the language all day, but also to live with a Canadian family.

But these are only some of the jobs you will be able to find, if you want to know more about any of them or find more alternatives we recommend jobs for foreigners in Canada.

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Tips for studying and working in Canada

At Dingoos we ourselves were the ones who a few years ago emigrated to Canada to study and work. Since then we have been helping young people like you for years to fulfill their dream of studying and working in the country. That’s why, as old dogs at this, we are going to tell you some tips for when you decide to work in the country.

  • Translate your CV into Canadian, and we don’t just mean the language but the content. Adapt it depending on the job position you want to get, include important data, be brief telling only the most relevant, export it in pdf and do not include either your date of birth or your photo, this way Canadians make sure to hire people for their trajectory and not for other factors.
  • Accompany your CV with a cover letter, a presentation letter written to perfection in which you explain the reasons that lead you to apply to that candidacy and in which you argue why you are the ideal candidate.
  • If you have the opportunity, do some volunteering, it will give you experience, it will be highly valued and it will help you make one or another contact for future jobs.
  • Don’t let the cold stop you, go out on the street and hand in your CV yourself. In Canada it is common to print your CV and leave it in those places where you would like to work.
  • Look for work through the internet via websites specialized in this such as Linkedin, Craigslist, Indeed, Monster or Glassdoor. But also in Facebook groups.

How does Dingoos help you to study and work in Canada?

We have already told you all the tricks to travel to Canada, but if you want to know more about how to start your adventure, or you have any questions we recommend that you get in touch with our Dingoos guides. They will advise you free of charge and in the event that you decide to start your trip they will guide you throughout the whole process.

Because it is not easy, nor simple to emigrate to a different country, that’s why Dingoos helps you in the process making you forget about all those procedures of visas, enrollments and other paperwork, we will help you manage your enrollment, take out health insurance if you need it and even open your bank account so that you can work in Canada.

In addition we will be your family in your new destination, we will accompany you to a new home and we will welcome you with the rest of our team.

Don’t think about it anymore, start your adventure!

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