Popular Links

These are links to some of the most popular immigration-related sites.

Ontario’s Human Rights Code, the first in Canada, was enacted in 1962. The Code protects people in Ontario against discrimination in employment, accommodation, goods, services and facilities, and membership in vocational associations and trade unions.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is one part of the Canadian Constitution. The Charter sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. Some of the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter are:

freedom of expression
the right to a democratic government
the right to live and to seek employment anywhere in Canada
legal rights of persons accused of crimes
Aboriginal peoples’ rights
the right to equality, including the equality of men and women
the right to use either of Canada’s official languages
the right of French and English linguistic minorities to an education in their language
the protection of Canada’s multicultural heritage

Through the government of Ontario website, you can find timely information to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about careers, education, employment, and business plans. Labour market information provides valuable insights into labour market conditions and trends in Ontario, as well as in specific regions or communities in the province.

The Ministry of Labour’s mission is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well being of the people of Ontario. The ministry is responsible for occupational health and safety, employment rights and responsibilities, and labour relations. To assist newcomers, the ministry has multilingual employment standards brochures in 23 different languages.

Ministry of Labour Fact Sheet: Federal Live–in Caregiver Program.

Foreign Credentials Referral Office: The Employer’s Roadmap is a tool for employers, human resources professionals, recruiters and managers in small to medium-sized enterprises interested in hiring internationally trained workers.

TRIEC the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council is an organization working to improve access to employment for immigrants to the Toronto region.

Settlement.org has information about settling in Ontario.

Canadian Immigrant Magazine

Canadian Newcomer Magazine

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.