Exchange in Canada: how to find job openings in 2025?
Embarking on an exchange in Canada is much more than learning English or French — it's an opportunity to live enriching experiences that transform lives and careers. In 2025, the Canadian labor market will continue to be receptive to international students, offering possibilities to supplement your income while you study in this country that is a reference in quality of life and multiculturalism.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to find job openings during your exchange in Canada in 2025, from search platforms to how to prepare your resume for the Canadian market. After all, working during your exchange is not only a way to finance your stay, but also an excellent way to build international experience and network.
Work permit for international students in Canada
Before starting the job search, it is essential to understand the rules and permissions for working as an international student. The good news is that the Canadian government has policies that favor the professional experience of foreign students.
Allowed hours for work:
- During term time: up to 24 hours a week
- During school holidays: no time limit
- You don't need to apply for a separate work permit if you have a valid student visa
This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with an enriching professional experience, especially if you are in a program of Public College in Canada, which offers work permits of up to 24 hours a week during the term of office and full-time work without time limitations during academic vacations.
Minimum wage in Canada in 2025
The minimum wage in Canada varies by province or territory, and is adjusted regularly. In 2025, the prices are among the most attractive in North America, making the country even more interesting for international students.
Minimum wage by region (2025):
- Federal: $17.75 per hour
- British Columbia: $17.40 per hour
- Manitoba: $16.00 per hour
- Ontario: $16.55 per hour
- Alberta: $15.00 per hour
- Quebec: $15.25 per hour
These amounts may vary, so it's important to check the updated information before planning your budget. As a comparison, working 20 hours a week with the federal minimum wage, you could earn approximately $1,420 CAD per month.
Best platforms for seeking employment in Canada
Canada has several online platforms where employers advertise job openings. Knowing these resources is essential to start your search efficiently.
Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca)
The official Canadian government platform is an excellent starting point. It offers:
- Specific filters for students
- Vacancies across the Canadian territory
- Information about salaries and requirements for each position
- Data on market prospects by area
One of the most popular platforms worldwide, with an intuitive interface and features such as:
- Possibility to upload a resume for quick applications
- Email alerts for new vacancies
- Company reviews by current and former employees
- Mobile app for searching anywhere
More than a professional social network, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for:
- Networking with professionals and recruiters
- Search for vacancies with recommendations based on your profile
- Visibility for recruiters looking for candidates
- Access to information about company culture and environment
Platform that offers, in addition to vacancies:
- Detailed information about real salaries
- Reviews about the selection process
- Stories about corporate culture
- Tips about interviewing
Workopolis
One of the most traditional Canadian job search sites, with:
- Specific sections for recent graduates and students
- Tips for career development
- Articles about the Canadian labor market
- Resources for international candidates
How to prepare an efficient resume for the Canadian market
The curriculum in Canada, known as a “resume”, follows a specific format that may be different from what you're used to in Brazil. Adapting to this format increases your chances of getting interviews.
Essential elements for your Canadian curriculum:
1. Personal Information
- Full name
- Professional email
- Telephone number with international code
- Current city (full address not required)
- Link to LinkedIn profile
2. Professional profile
- Brief presentation of 3-4 lines
- Highlight your key qualifications and objectives
- Adapt for each specific vacancy
3. upbringing
- Name of educational institution
- Course and dates
- Main disciplines relevant to the vacancy
- Mention your exchange in Canada
4. Professional experience
- Arrange in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
- Highlight responsibilities and achievements with action verbs
- Quantify results whenever possible
- Use bullet points for easy reading
5. Relevant skills
- Languages and level of proficiency
- Tools and software
- Technical skills specific to your area
- Soft skills valued in the Canadian market
6. Additional sections (optional)
- Certifications
- Voluntary work
- Relevant projects
- Prizes and recognitions
Formatting and style:
- Limit yourself to 1-2 pages
- Use clear, professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
- Keep spacing consistent
- Use bold type for titles and captions
- Check grammar and spelling in English
- Save as PDF to keep formatting
Tips for getting a job in Canada during your exchange
In addition to knowing the platforms and preparing a good resume, some strategies may increase your chances of finding a vacancy in the competitive Canadian market.
1. Start the search before you arrive
Starting networking and researching vacancies before you even embark to Canada can open doors more quickly. Connect with other Brazilians who are already there, join LinkedIn and Facebook groups about working in Canada.
2. Take advantage of your educational institution's resources
Canadian colleges and universities generally offer exclusive career services for students, such as interview preparation workshops, job fairs, and even a bank of exclusive vacancies. Be sure to take advantage of these features.
3. Invest in networking
In Canada, many opportunities arise through referrals. Attend events in your area, workshops, and extracurricular activities to expand your network of professional contacts.
4. Consider volunteering
Starting as a volunteer can be an excellent gateway to the Canadian job market, as well as improving your English and providing valuable cultural experience.
5. Be flexible
Especially at the beginning, be open to opportunities that are not necessarily in your area of training. Jobs in restaurants, cafés, and commerce are more affordable for international students and can be a first step.
6. Improve your English (or French) constantly
Language proficiency is essential to obtain good opportunities. Invest in complementary courses and practice daily, especially vocabulary specific to your area.
Areas with the most opportunities for international students
Some areas have a higher demand for labor in Canada, which may facilitate entry into the labor market:
- Information Technology: Web development, programming, data analysis
- Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions
- Retail: Stores, shopping malls
- Cheers: Assistants, administrative support
- upbringing: Monitoring, teaching assistants
- Logistics: Distribution centers, deliveries
For those seeking technical qualification, Co-op Private College programs in Canada combine academic studies with practical professional experience, making them ideal for those seeking personal and professional growth. These programs offer opportunities in areas such as IT, Business, Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, among others, with the potential for annual income between 130 and 300 thousand Canadian dollars for qualified professionals.
How Be Easy can help with your work exchange in Canada
At Be Easy, we understand that working during an exchange is more than making money — it's building valuable international experience for your future. Our programs are designed to facilitate your adaptation to the Canadian labor market, offering:
- Personalized advice to choose the ideal program according to your objectives
- Comprehensive guidance on legal issues and visas
- Workshops to prepare for the Canadian labor market
- Support in preparing resumes and preparing for interviews
- Access to our network of established former exchange students in Canada
- Accompaniment throughout your journey abroad
We offer several programs that allow you to work legally in Canada, such as Public College in Canada, Private College in Canada - Co-op and University abroad.
Don't let distance and red tape hinder your dreams. Be Easy is here to make your experience smoother and more rewarding, helping you transform your Canadian exchange into a journey of personal and professional growth.
Contact us today and discover how we can help you achieve an incredible international work experience in Canada in 2025!
