Information to Help You Settle

How to use this site

As you are getting settled, you will probably have many questions about how things are done. This section of the website helps you to learn about living, working, doing business and studying in Ontario.

Publications and Resources

Download (PDF format): These documents are available in Acrobat PDF format (version 7 minimum). A free copy of the Adobe Acrobat software, required to view PDF files, is available to download. The Adobe website is created by an organization outside of the Ontario government and which is solely responsible for the information contained therein.

Welcome to Ontario


English	French Français	Arabic العربية	Chinese 中国 (Simplified)	Chinese 中文(Traditional)	Greek Ελληνικά
Hindi हिंदी	Italian Italiano	Korean	Polish Polski	Portuguese Português	Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Russian Русский	Spanish Español	Tamil தமிழ்	Ukrainian	Urdu اردو

First Days in Ontario


English	French Français	Arabic العربية	Chinese 中国 (Simplified)	Croatian Hrvatski	Farsi فارسى
Filipino Tagalog	Greek Ελληνικά	Gujarati	Hindi हिंदी	Italian Italiano	Korean
Polish Polski	Portuguese Português	Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ	Romanian Română	Russian Русский	Serbian Српски
Somali Soomaali	Spanish Español	Tamil தமிழ்	Ukrainian	Urdu اردو	Vietnamese Việt

Building a New Life in Ontario


Arabic عربي	Chinese (Traditional) 繁體中文	English	Farsi فارسى	Filipino Tagalog	French Français
Greek Ελληνικά	Hindi हिंदी	Italian Italiano	Korean 한국어	Polish Polski	Portuguese Português
Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ	Russian Русский	Spanish Español	Tamil தமிழ்	Urdu اردو

How do I apply to immigrate to Ontario, Canada?

The Government of Canada, through the department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), is responsible for processing immigration applications. You can find information on their website. Ontario has a Provincial Nominee Program, Opportunities Ontario, where Ontario nominates individuals for permanent resident status.
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required for temporary and permanent residents to work legally in Canada and to have access to government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office. Make sure you bring with you the required documents and a completed application form.
Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and others may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public as soon as you arrive to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care.
How can I find out about Ontario's Francophone community?

You will find information about the different programs and services available to Francophone immigrants in Ontario in our Living in French section and on Etablissement.org (en français).
What should I do if an employer wants me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends.You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool.
How can I get my education and professional credentials assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get information about the Ontario economy?

You can find information about Ontario's economy and get economic updates on the Ontario Ministry of Finance's website and find out about the Canadian economy from Industry Canada.
How much does it cost to apply as a business immigrant?

You can find the application fees on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada site and additional information on business immigration such as how much you need to invest in Ontario on Invest in Ontario.
If I am an international student, what are my employment options?

There are employment opportunities for international students while studying in Canada. Certain students are eligible to work in their field of study for up to two years after graduating. Eligible students must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a work permit. You need a social insurance number to work in Canada.