Overview
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Immigration Pathways
Ontario’s economic immigration program for skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs. Through OINP streams, Ontario nominates individuals with the skills and experience needed in the province for permanent residency.
Jobs & Employment
Entry-Level Jobs
Jobs for beginners and those starting their career
Visa Sponsorship
Jobs with employer sponsorship support
LMIA Approved
Labour Market Impact Assessment approved positions
Newcomer Jobs
Opportunities specifically for newcomers to Canada
Student Jobs
Part-time and full-time positions for students
Cost of Living
Housing in Ontario (especially Toronto and Ottawa) is expensive, offering low affordability. Toronto’s average rent for a 2-bedroom is around $2,690, and buying a home requires a significantly high income. Smaller cities are more affordable but Ontario overall has a housing affordability challenge.
Utilities in Ontario are moderately priced. Electricity rates have risen in recent years, but government rebates help. An average apartment might see ~$150/month in hydro and heating costs.
Transportation costs vary. In Toronto, a monthly TTC transit pass is $156. Car insurance in Ontario is among the highest in Canada, particularly in the GTA, which raises overall transport costs if driving.
Groceries in Ontario are moderately expensive – generally on par with national averages. In Toronto, expect slightly higher costs due to city pricing. A single person’s grocery bill is roughly $300–$350 per month.
Entertainment costs in Ontario range widely. Big-city entertainment (sports, concerts) can be costly, but everyday activities are moderate. A dinner for two at a casual Toronto restaurant is about $100, and movie tickets are ~$15 each.
Education
Ontario offers excellent educational opportunities with research-focused universities and technical colleges. International students are welcome and can transition to permanent residency through graduate immigration programs.
University of Toronto
U of T is Canada’s highest-ranked university, renowned for research and programs across engineering, medicine, AI, and humanities; very large international student population. (~27,000 international students)
University of Waterloo
Waterloo is famous for computer science, engineering, and its co-op education model; a top innovation school attracting international STEM students. (~10,000 international students)
Humber College
One of Ontario’s largest public colleges offering career-focused diplomas and degrees in business, technology, health, and media with strong industry connections. (~6,500 international students)
Healthcare
Ontario has a comprehensive public healthcare system and excellent private healthcare options. Healthcare professionals are in high demand, making it an attractive destination for medical workers and their families.
Healthcare System
Ontario provides public healthcare through OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), which covers core medical services. Ontario’s system is extensive but strained: many residents lack a family doctor and experience wait times in hospitals (especially ER). The province is actively recruiting healthcare workers and expanding team-based clinics to improve access. Newcomers become eligible for OHIP after a brief waiting period (currently 3 months).
Community & Culture
Ontario is known for its welcoming communities and vibrant cultural scene. Multi-cultural neighborhoods, festivals, and community organizations make it easy for newcomers to feel at home and build meaningful connections.
Multiculturalism & Diversity
Ontario is one of the most multicultural places in the world. More than 200 languages are spoken in Toronto. Festivals celebrate global cultures (e.g. Caribana, Diwali celebrations). Newcomers can find communities from almost any country, making it relatively easy to settle and feel at home in cultural enclaves.
Urban Lifestyle
Ontario offers vibrant urban living. Toronto is Canada’s largest city, with world-class restaurants, arts, sports teams, and nightlife. Ottawa, the capital, provides a mix of government town and cultural hub. Urban Ontarians enjoy a fast-paced life with extensive public transit and dense, walkable communities in city centres.
Arts & Culture
From the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to Stratford’s Shakespearean theatre, Ontario is rich in arts and culture. The province hosts major concerts, museums (like the Royal Ontario Museum), and a thriving music and film industry. Culturally, there’s always something happening, reflecting Ontario’s status as an arts hub.
Economy
Ontario's economy is diverse and resilient, spanning energy, technology, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. Strong economic growth and business-friendly policies create abundant opportunities for entrepreneurs and workers.
Median Household Income
Median after-tax household income in Ontario. It’s around the national average, with high earners in finance/tech balancing lower incomes in some regions. Cost of living, however, especially in the GTA, affects disposable income.
Employment Rate
Ontario’s employment rate is ~61%. The rate is influenced by a large service sector and manufacturing base. While unemployment in 2023 was low, the sheer size of Ontario’s population means some regions have surplus labour while others face shortages, averaging out the participation rate.
Climate & Weather
Ontario experiences distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. The lower humidity levels and clear skies are features many newcomers appreciate. Outdoor recreation is popular year-round.
Summer
Ontario’s summers are hot and humid, especially in Southern Ontario. Toronto sees July highs around 27–30°C with humidity often making it feel in mid-30s. Thunderstorms are common in late day. Northern Ontario has milder summers (22–25°C) and cooler nights. Summer is cottage season – many city dwellers escape to lakes. Urban areas host numerous festivals (e.g. Caribana in Toronto) in the warm summer evenings.
Winter
Ontario winters vary by region. Southern Ontario (Toronto) averages about -5°C in January, with periodic snow that often melts between storms, plus occasional ice storms. In contrast, Ottawa and Northern Ontario have colder, snowier winters (Ottawa ~ -10°C, substantial snowpack). Lake-effect snow affects areas near the Great Lakes (e.g. snowbelts). Ontarians enjoy skating (the Rideau Canal in Ottawa), hockey, and skiing despite the cold. Major cities keep services running efficiently through typical winter weather.