Student AffairsAre you an international student searching for part-time or summer employment while you are studying, or a recent grad figuring out your next steps? Do you need support writing your resume/CV or learning to network? Queen's has services to help you out!
We are here to support you with any career questions you might have, including:
- How do I get started with my job search?
- Will I be able to get a job if I don’t have any Canadian work experience?
- Can I use my experience from abroad, and will it be helpful in my job search?
- Can I get help with my resume, cover letter, or job interview preparation?
- How do I make the most of LinkedIn?
- How do I network if I don’t know anyone in my field?
- Will employers hire me if I am not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
This depends on several factors. Review our work permits page, or see one of our International Student Advisors for more details and clarification.
If you are working in Canada, your income will be automatically taxed. For information about paying taxes in Canada, see our taxes page.
Queen’s Career Services
Career Services offers a comprehensive range of accessible services to support undergraduate, graduate and professional students, and recent alumni from all disciplines in making informed decisions around their career development and goals.
- Career Services staff members can support you in identifying and developing career skills, including resume and cover letter writing, interview strategies, networking, applying for further education, and more
- Career Educator & Coach is available at QUIC on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and can support you whether you are looking for a job, considering further education, or making career decisions. Drop-in Advising is offered in-person and via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 PM – 2 PM. Please refer to the QUIC Events Calendar for details, including the Zoom link. Individual 30-minute appointments are held at QUIC and can be booked through QUIC Booking Page.
- Please visit the Career Services website to learn more about the variety of supports available, and log in to MyCareer to register for workshops and events.
- Career Services is located on the 3rd floor of Gordon Hall. Contact them at 613-533-2992 or mycareer@queensu.ca.
Video Guide
Watch this Introduction to Career Services video to learn more about career supports and resources available to international students.
Resources and Tips
Career Services offers a variety of helpful information. Explore their Tipsheets and Resources page where you can access beneficial tipsheets, digital resources, and much more!
- Review the Best Resumes Magazine for resume support and tips on how to get started
- For support with your cover letter, check out the Best Cover Letters Magazine
- If you need help with interview preparation, read through the Best Interviews Magazine
Studies show that only 49% of international students obtain Canadian work experience during their studies, compared to 86% of domestic Canadian students. Even though international work experience is highly valuable, many Canadian employers appreciate domestic work experience when they hire new staff – which can mean that international students face barriers when they apply for jobs without Canadian work experience.
The key to overcoming this is to start early, so you have time to gain professional experience in Canada before the end of your program! Whether you volunteer, complete a summer internship, or have a part-time job – gaining work experience in Canada will help make your transition after graduation easier as you start your career. Starting early means that you have enough time to assess what your professional goals look like, create a rough plan to achieve them, and master your resume and cover letter skills so you can start taking action.
International students and graduates might face barriers in their search for employment that domestic students do not. You bring unique experiences, skill sets, and language skills to the table that employers can benefit from! Our Job Search Advisor can support you in highlighting these advantages on your resume and cover letter, or discuss effective interview techniques.
Common concerns of international students related to job searching:
- Lack of Canadian work experience
- Not having a network to rely on and work with
- Language barriers
- Cultural barriers
- Immigration status (not a Canadian permanent resident or citizen)
If you plan to work in Canada, you will need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your SIN is a number issued by Service Canada which is associated with your Canadian income. They are used for payroll, taxes, and sometimes banking. Your SIN will remain valid as long as you are eligible to work in Canada and following IRCC regulations. If you become a permanent resident of Canada, your SIN will change.
You must ensure that you always apply to extend your study permit or work permit before the expiry date, which will maintain your status in Canada, also known as implied status.
Employers are encouraged to contact Service Canada if they have questions about the expiry date of your SIN and your eligibility to continue using it.
To learn more about getting a SIN, contact an International Student Advisor.