Ontario Immigration - Working in Ontario

Map Your Career

The Ontario Government has partnered with a number of regulatory associations to create career maps for internationally trained professionals. Career maps explain in detail every step of the registration process, including language requirements, industry trends, labour market conditions, credential assessment process, licensing fees and other important information.

Regulated Professions

The following professions are regulated in Ontario. To work in a regulated profession, you must be registered by the appropriate regulatory body. You may be able to work in a related field without a licence, but you should first check with the regulatory body to understand what restrictions exist. It is illegal to use the job title restricted to regulated professions without a licence or certificate from the appropriate regulatory body.

Regulated Professions

Accounting: Certified General Accounting

Many professions in Ontario are not regulated by law, but still have voluntary professional bodies.

The Certified General Accountants career map was developed by the Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA). Please visit the CGA website for the most up-to-date information about applying for membership.

Accounting: Certified Management Accounting

The career map for internationally trained Certified Management Accountants was updated in January 2012.

Accounting: Chartered Accounting

The career map for internationally trained Chartered Accountants was developed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (ICAO) in June 2011. It is a summary of information available on the ICAO website.

Agrology (agriculture)

The Ontario Institute of Agrologists offers news and other information resources for internationally educated professionals.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) helps internationally trained and educated individuals in regulated non-health professions find out how to qualify for professional practice in Ontario.

Architecture

The career map for internationally trained Architects was created in June 2011. It is a summary of information available on the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) website. Please visit the OAA website for the most detailed and current information about applying for membership.

Chartered Chemist

The career map for internationally educated Chartered Chemist was developed in June 2011. Please refer to the website of the Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario for the latest information or contact the Association directly.

Engineering: Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists

Certification for engineering technicians and technologists is available through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). This career map was developed by OACETT and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in March 2011.

Engineering: Professional Engineering

The Ontario Government has partnered with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), to create a career map for internationally trained engineers in March 2011. The career map explains in detail every step of the registration process, including language requirements, industry trends, labour market conditions, the credential assessment process, licensing fees and other important information.

Forestry

The career map for internationally trained Forester was updated in June 2011. It is a summary of information available on the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) website. Please visit the Association’s website for the most detailed and current information about applying for membership.

Geoscience

The career map for internationally trained Geoscientists was updated in June 2011. It is a summary of information available on the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO) website. Please visit the Association’s website for the most detailed and current information about applying for membership.

Insurance Broker

Information on licensing, continuing education and financial compliance is available from the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO).

Land Surveying

The career map for internationally trained Land Surveyors was updated in June 2011. It is a summary of information available on the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS) website. Please visit the Association’s website for the most detailed and current information about applying for membership.

Law

The career map for internationally trained lawyers was created by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in December 2011.

Real Estate Agent

Information on licensing and registration is available from the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

Social Work and Social Service Work

The Ontario Social Worker career map was developed by the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers and Ontario Immigration’s Labour Market Integration Unit, and updated in March 2008.

Teaching

The Ontario Teacher career map was updated in May 2011 in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. Requirements may have changed by the time you apply. Please contact the Ontario College of Teachers before completing your application.

Teaching: Early Childhood Educators

Qualification credentials are evaluated by the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO) and Association francophone à l’éducation des services à l’enfance de l’Ontario (AFÉSEO). The Early Childhood Educator career map was updated in November 2012.

Veterinary Medicine

The career map for internationally educated veterinarians was updated in May 2011. Requirements may have changed by the time you apply. Please contact the College of Veterinarians of Ontario before completing your application.

Regulated Health Professions

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario offers an online self-assessment tool, mentoring program, peer assessment program, and guides and forms for registration.

Chiropody and Podiatry

HealthForceOntario offers a number of services to health professionals, including a recruitment centre and jobs listing service.

The College of Chiropodists of Ontario outlines detailed requirements for registration as a chiropodist or podiatrist in Ontario.

Chiropractic

Registration information is available at the College of Chiropractors of Ontario and the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB).

Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygienist career map was developed by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and Ontario Immigration’s Labour Market Integration Unit, and updated in August 2007.

Dentistry

The career map for internationally educated dentists was developed by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, in collaboration with the Government of Ontario, and updated in March 2013.

Dental Technology

The Dental Technologist career map was developed by the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (CDTO) and Ontario Immigration’s Labour Market Integration Unit, and updated in May 2007.

Denturism

The career map for internationally trained denturists is currently being updated.

Dietetics

The Dietitian career map was developed by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and the Access to Professions and Trades Unit, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and updated in March 2007.

Massage Therapy

The Massage Therapist career map was developed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in May 2007.

Medical Laboratory Technology

The Medical Laboratory Technologist career map was developed by the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in August 2012. An interactive e-career map for internationally trained medical laboratory technologists is also under review as of July 2011.

Medical Radiation Technology

The Medical Radiation Technologist career map was developed by the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in July 2010.

Medicine - Physician or Surgeon

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care annually offers 200 assessment and training positions to international medical graduates. For more detailed information on how to obtain your certificate of registration to practise medicine in Ontario, visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

Midwifery

The Midwife career map was developed by the College of Midwives of Ontario with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in March 2013.

Nursing

The career map for internationally trained nurses was developed by the College of Nurses of Ontario in collaboration with the Labour Market Integration Unit of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in August 2008. You can also view a guide intended for nurses who received their nursing education outside of Canada and who are not registered to practise nursing in Canada.

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapist career map was developed by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in December 2012.

Opticianry

Registration and licensing requirements are available from the The College of Opticians of Ontario.

Optometry

Registration requirements are available from the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

Pharmacy

The Pharmacist career map was developed by the Ontario College of Pharmacists and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in March 2012.

Physiotherapy

The Physiotherapist career map was developed by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in January 2008.

Psychology

The Psychologist career map was developed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the Labour Market Integration Unit, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and updated in February 2007.

Respiratory Therapy

Registration requirements are available from the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario.

Other Professions

Naturopathy

Registration requirements and forms are available online from the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy, the regulatory body.

Trades in Ontario

Automotive Service Technicians

Trade certification is available through Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). The Automotive Service Technician career map outlines the requirements to obtain your Certificate of Qualification.

Construction and Maintenance Electricians

Trade certification for Construction and Maintenance Electricians is available through Labour Market and Training Division Apprenticeship offices of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). The Construction and Maintenance Electrician career map outlines the requirements to obtain your Certificate of Qualification.

Cooks and Bakers

The Cook and Baker career map describes how you can be certified as a cook, assistant cook, chef, baker or baker-patissier in Ontario. You do not need a Certificate of Qualification to work in these trades. However, these trades are skilled trades and employers may ask for a certificate. Certification is voluntary.

General Machinists

Certified General Machinists have better employment opportunities and earn higher wages. Certification for this trade in Ontario is voluntary, but most employers ask for a Certificate of Qualification (or Apprenticeship). Follow this career map to become a certified General Machinist in Ontario.

Hairstylist

Hairstylists must be certified to work in Ontario. Certification is available through Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Follow this career map to become a certified Hairstylist in Ontario.

Hoisting Engineers

This is a regulated trade in Ontario – it is compulsory for all hoisting engineers (crane operators) to attain trade certification. Follow this career map to become a certified Hoisting Engineer in Ontario.

Industrial Electricians

Trade certification for Industrial Electricians in Ontario is available through Labour Market and Training Division Apprenticeship offices of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Follow this career map to become a certified Industrial Electrician in Ontario.

Industrial Mechanics (Millwrights)

In Ontario, Millwrights working in industry and manufacturing are called Industrial Mechanics or Industrial Millwrights, while those working in construction are called Construction Millwrights. Certification is voluntary (not required), but having the Certificate of Qualification will improve your chances of getting a job and higher wages. Follow this career map to become a certified Industrial Mechanic in Ontario.

Plumbers

This is a regulated trade, and certification is compulsory. Trade certification for plumbers is available through Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Follow this career map to become a certified Plumber in Ontario.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics

This is a regulated trade, and certification is compulsory. All workers must be certified by Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Employment & Training Division, Apprenticeship Branch. Follow this career map to become a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic in Ontario.

Sheet Metal Workers

As a regulated trade, certification is compulsory. Follow this career map to become a certified Sheet Metal Worker in Ontario. Trade certification is available through Workplace Training Branch Apprenticeship offices of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

Tool and Die Maker

Certification for this trade in Ontario is voluntary. This means that Tool and Die Makers can work without being certified. Although certification is not required, it is recommended. Certified Tool and Die Makers have better employment and earn higher wages. Follow this career map to become a certified Tool and Die Maker in Ontario.

Do you have questions about working in your profession or trade? If so, ask OntarioImmigration.ca.

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What is a temporary work permit and how can I get one?

Temporary work permits are used to give you permission to work for a specific period of time with an employer in Ontario. You must obtain this permit before entering Canada. Your Canadian employer will be required to consult with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You may also be interested in the Ontario's Multinational Employee Transfer.
How do I find a job 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. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
How can I get my education, professional credentials and skills 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 job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can use the Working in Canada tool for wage information, job demand and skills requirements in Canada. You can also find labour market information for Ontario including current market trends.
What should I do if an employer wants to hire 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 are my rights in the Ontario workplace?

The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is a law that sets minimum standards in employment for fair workplace practices in Ontario. You can find Employment Standards information on many languages. You may find the frequently asked questions and the Guide to the Employment Standards Act published on the Ministry of Labour's site very useful.
Where can I get information on professional associations and regulatory bodies?

In Ontario, each regulated profession has its own regulatory body. You will find informaton on regulated professions and their regulatory bodies on our site by choosing your profession in the left navigation bar.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
What programs are available if I want to upgrade or improve my education?

Adults who want to earn a high school diploma in Ontario may do so by attending classes through local school boards. Adults may also earn a high school diploma by studying at home through the Ontario Government's Independent Learning Centre. Universities and community colleges accept mature post-secondary students and will often offer continuing education programs.