Before You Arrive
Moving to Ontario is one of the most important choices you will ever make. This section gives you information to help guide you. It includes what you need to know about housing, health care, how to find a job, enter a profession or trade, start a business or go to school.
Ontario is a land of opportunity. It is a prosperous, democratic society built by the hard work of generations of immigrants. We hope that you will decide to make Ontario your new home.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we welcome the talent and energy that newcomers bring to our province. In return, we offer opportunities and a quality of life that are second to none.
The Entry Requirements Tool will provide you with the requirements to enter Canada that apply to your personal situation. The Entry Requirements Tool is provided by the Canadian federal government through its Going to Canada portal.
From the world’s longest street to the world longest freshwater beach, there’s always more to discover in Ontario. Explore your new home.
Explore the Working in Canada Tool to obtain information and referrals to help you prepare to work, specific to where you live (or plan to live) in Canada.
If you want to move to Ontario, this section provides practical information on the immigration process. The Government of Canada decides who can come to Canada. This section of the website tells you how to apply to immigrate and explains the different categories (known as classes) of immigrants, family sponsorship, refugee status and similar issues.
This section also suggests things you can do to make your arrival easier. For example, you can read a guide to getting ready before you leave for Canada. It is full of useful information.
In order to make your move easier, you may also want to learn about the weather in Ontario before you arrive.
Global Experience
Global Experience Ontario offers resources for internationally educated professionals to become licensed in Ontario.
Advisory Notice: Paid Representatives
The Ministry of Citizenship and immigration is aware that, in the past, some individuals considering immigration to Ontario have paid large fees to persons who may have provided incorrect or fraudulent advice.
Individuals who are considering hiring a paid representative to assist them with immigration matters processed by the OPPNP and/or the Canadian Government should be aware the federal government’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations state that only authorized representatives may charge fees to represent an individual in an immigration application. The OPPNP applies this rule.
Section 13.1 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations states, “…no person who is not an authorized representative may, for a fee, represent, advise or consult with a person who is the subject of a proceeding or application before the Minister, an officer or the Board.”
Only an authorized representative belonging to a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), or the Chambre des notaires du Québec may charge a fee for conducting business on an individual’s behalf.
For more information about representatives, how to choose a representative, what services they may offer and frequently asked questions, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/index.asp.
Important Links You Will Find in this Section
Immigrating to Ontario – Learn about the immigration classes and download the applications. Also find out how to work or study in Canada.
Find out what documents you must bring with you when you arrive and see what items you cannot bring into Canada.
Looking for a Job will suggest valuable tools to help prepare you for your job search in Ontario.
Also, Work in Your Profession provides information to newcomers about getting licensed to work in the jobs in which they’ve been trained.
