Ontario Immigration - Working in Ontario

Find Your Profession

The Ontario Government also provides a variety of programs and services for newcomers working in regulated professions. Each link below will take you to a page with information and resources on how to get licensed, get help and find work in that profession in Ontario.

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.

Did You Know?

Many professions in Ontario are not regulated by law, but do have voluntary professional bodies. Some of these organizations may offer certification courses and registration, which can help you find work.

Regulated Non-Health Professions

Did You Know?

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.

Regulated Health Professions

Did You Know?

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

Learn how you can practise as a regulated health professional in Ontario with our career maps. You will also find useful information on entry to practice requirements on the HealthForceOntario website.

Do you have questions about working in your profession or trade? If so, Ask an Expert.

Go back to the Work in Your Profession page.

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.