Work & Money (BC)
Navigate work permits, employment rights, taxes, and financial support as a student in British Columbia. Learn your rights, find resources, and access step-by-step guides.
đŧWork While Studying (Compliance Basics)
If you're an international student, your study permit may allow you to work while studying. Understanding the conditions on your permit is crucial to maintain your status and avoid violations.
What to Do Now:
- âCheck your study permit for work conditions (full-time vs part-time, on-campus vs off-campus)
- âUnderstand the difference: co-op work permits are separate from regular work authorization
- âIf your permit says "may work" or "may accept employment," you can work up to 20 hours/week during school terms
- âDuring scheduled breaks (summer, winter), you can work full-time if authorized
- âFor co-op placements, you need a separate co-op work permit - apply before starting
- âKeep records of your work hours and employer information
Useful Links:
âī¸Employment Standards in BC
BC has laws protecting workers: minimum wage, paydays, overtime, breaks, and fair termination. These apply to most workers in BC, including students. Know your rights and how to enforce them.
What to Do Now:
- âKnow BC's minimum wage (check current rate - it changes annually)
- âUnderstand overtime rules: generally after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week (varies by industry)
- âYou must be paid at least twice per month, on regular paydays
- âKeep pay stubs, time records, and employment contracts as documentation
- âIf your employer violates standards, try to resolve first, then file a complaint with Employment Standards BC
- âYou cannot be fired for filing a complaint about employment standards violations
Useful Links:
Related Guides:
đĄī¸Workplace Safety (WorkSafeBC)
You have the right to a safe workplace. WorkSafeBC protects workers from unsafe conditions, injuries, and workplace hazards. You can refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation.
What to Do Now:
- âKnow that you have the right to refuse unsafe work if you believe it's dangerous
- âReport workplace injuries or near-misses to your employer immediately
- âIf injured at work, you may be eligible for WorkSafeBC benefits - file a claim
- âDocument unsafe conditions with photos, notes, and dates
- âContact WorkSafeBC if your employer doesn't address safety concerns
Useful Links:
đTaxes (Student-Friendly Guide)
Even with low or no income, filing taxes in Canada can help you access benefits and credits like GST/HST credits, climate action incentive, and tuition tax credits. Keep your T4 slips and receipts.
What to Do Now:
- âKeep all T4 slips (from employers), T2202A (tuition receipts from school), and receipts
- âFile your tax return by April 30th (even if you had no income - you may get credits)
- âUse free tax clinics (CVITP) if your income is low - volunteers help file for free
- âClaim tuition credits - they can reduce taxes now or be carried forward
- âCheck if you're eligible for GST/HST credit and climate action incentive payments
- âMany schools offer free tax clinics for students - check your Student Services
Useful Links:
đŗBudgeting & Banking Basics
Managing money as a student can be challenging. Learn budgeting basics, understand banking in Canada, and access free financial literacy resources.
What to Do Now:
- âOpen a Canadian bank account (you'll need ID, study permit, and proof of address)
- âCreate a monthly budget: track income (work, family support) and expenses (rent, food, tuition, transportation)
- âLook for student banking packages with no monthly fees and free transactions
- âUse free budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track spending
- âBuild an emergency fund (aim for $500-1000 if possible)
- âUnderstand credit scores and use credit cards responsibly if you get one
Useful Links:
đFinancial Support Types
Understanding different types of financial support can help you find what's available. Availability depends on your institution, program, and immigration status.
Types of Support:
- âĸScholarships: Merit-based, competitive, usually don't need to be repaid
- âĸBursaries: Need-based, may consider financial hardship, usually don't need to be repaid
- âĸGrants: Usually for specific purposes (research, travel), don't need to be repaid
- âĸEmergency Aid: Short-term financial assistance for urgent situations (unexpected expenses, crisis)
- âĸLoans: Must be repaid (government student loans, bank loans)
What to Do Now:
- âCheck your school's Financial Aid or Awards office website for available opportunities
- âNote: Many scholarships/bursaries are only for Canadian citizens/permanent residents - check eligibility
- âFor emergency aid, contact your school's Financial Aid office directly - they can help quickly
- âApply early - many deadlines are at the start of the academic year
- âKeep documentation ready: proof of income, expenses, and any financial hardship
Email Template: Request for Bursary/Emergency Aid Info
đCo-op, Part-time Jobs, and Building Experience
Finding work experience while studying helps build your resume, develop skills, and can lead to post-graduation opportunities. Use official job platforms and be aware of job scams.
What to Do Now:
- âCheck your school's Career Services or Co-op Office for job postings and co-op programs
- âUse WorkBC for official BC job listings and career resources
- âFor co-op placements, ensure you have the correct work permit before starting
- âNetwork with professors, classmates, and industry professionals
- âBe cautious of job scams - never pay upfront fees, verify employers, watch for red flags
- âKeep a record of your work experience for your resume and future job applications
Useful Links:
â ī¸ Scam Warning: Be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true, ask for upfront payments, or request personal information before an interview. Learn more about job scams on our Fraud & Safety page â