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Salary negotiation is a touchy subject. Most job seekers are still unclear about the best practices for negotiating their salary. As a newcomer to Canada, the subject can be even more intimidating. You’re new to the country and you may be unfamiliar with common job search practices. Many people fear that asking for more money means they will miss out on the job offer. Others may immediately accept a job without knowing you have the option to negotiate salary and other benefits.
Negotiating your salary in Canada is common. It’s part of the hiring process. So, you shouldn’t shy away from the topic. As with other aspects of the job search process, there is a time and place for everything. There will be some jobs where there is no room for negotiation. There are also certain times when it is better to discuss money with your potential employer.
Here are specific actions, tips, and advice for when and how to negotiate your salary in Canada.
Yes, you can negotiate your salary when applying for jobs in Canada. A job offer is just that – an offer. You can negotiate all aspects of it, including your salary.
Remember that as a job candidate, you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. You need to be sure the company is somewhere you want to work. And you need to make sure you will be compensated fairly for the work you will do.
This applies to entry-level positions as well. Most people incorrectly assume entry-level salaries are non-negotiable. But this is not always true. Companies will make exceptions for candidates they feel are the right person for the job. However, you usually have less wiggle room for these entry-level positions because they are easier to fill.
There are a few common situations where you will find yourself in a position to negotiate your salary.
Salary negotiation is a normal part of the job search process. While it can be an intimidating process, it’s completely normal. Here are some reasons you should negotiate your salary before accepting a job offer:
Ready to take control of your financial journey in Canada? Join our expert-led online webinar! Learn essential banking tips to build a strong financial foundation. Hear from David Frattini, Managing Partner at Prepare for Canada, and Neil Dhanani, Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, as they guide you through everything you need to know.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you are going to negotiate your salary, you need to approach it the right way with the following actions:
You need to understand the salary trends for your industry and your specific position. Consider your skills, education, and level of experience. All these factors play a role in determining how high of a salary you can command. This will take some research.
The more information you have, the stronger case you will be able to make to justify your salary request. You can’t ask for more money “because you think you should make more.”
Learn how much other companies pay for a similar position. Research the employer’s compensation structure. Find out how much people are paid for similar job titles.
Use websites such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and job boards such as Indeed to get this information.
You can ask others about the employer’s hiring practices to determine if they are receptive to negotiating salary.
If you plan to ask for a higher salary, expect the employer to ask you to justify why you should get more money. You can expect employers to push back and need to understand your positions.
Have several well-thought-out reasons why you should have a higher salary. For example, fluency in another language is a great asset for a global company. Or, you may have specialized training the employer requires.
If the employer is willing to negotiate, have a clear salary in mind. You should also expect them to counter your offer.
They may offer you more but not as much as you are asking. So, choose a number you know is higher than you expect. For example, a job has a salary of $40,000 per year. You believe you should make a little more. You ask for $50,000. The employer counters with an offer of $45,000. You meet in the middle, and everyone is happy.
Remember you can also negotiate more than money. If an employer won’t budge on the salary you can ask for other benefits such as more vacation time.
This is important and often overlooked by employees. Get all agreed-upon salary terms and conditions in writing. This will ensure everything you have spoken about is documented.
Here are some important pointers to keep in mind. Avoid doing the following as part of the negotiation process:
The timing of your negotiations is important. Ideally, you should wait until you have received a formal offer in writing. Feel free to ask for time to consider the offer and formulate your salary request.
It can be very easy to get yourself into a mindset where you are only thinking about salary. Salary is important but it is not the only thing. Consider the possibility of a signing bonus, commission, and other forms of compensation as part of your job offer package. Other things to negotiate on top of or in addition to base salary include:
Don’t reveal your bottom-line number or you will lose your leverage in the negotiation. Know your worth and do not be afraid to ask for it. Employers will respect this. Your offer will not disappear because you want to negotiate. In most cases, the worst thing that will happen is they will say no to your request for a higher salary.
Salary negotiations can be intimidating, but they are necessary if you want to be paid what you are worth. It’s also a common practice in the hiring process in Canada. So if you don’t negotiate salary, you could leave money on the table.
There’s no magic wand available to achieve your goals and create the life you know you want to live. However, there is a powerful process you can follow to turn your vision into reality.
Linda Ryan is the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). A career and certified performance coach, she and the BCCA-IN team specialise in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
Linda Ryan works closely with newcomers who are eager to continue their careers in Canada. In conversation with her, she discusses common obstacles people face when creating a vision for their business, career, or life. So whether you’re moving to Canada and starting a new career, or navigating any change, here are Ryan’s three tips to help you achieve your goals in life, create your reality, and act on your dreams.
The brain is a funny thing. It’s a data processor and as such, likes nothing more than having something to focus on. As the old saying goes; “garbage in = garbage out”! So be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling right now. If the answer is ‘negative’, why not make a conscious choice to think positively about your future?
Although you may not know exactly what the future looks like, choose to create a positive mindset around it and choose to put positive action towards it. Like all habit-forming, your new behaviour will take multiple tries (and fails) to become your new norm. But you know what? I think you’re worth it. Do you?
I work with many clients who know they’re not living their dream and I find that nine times out of ten their biggest obstacle is they are afraid to admit it. Unfortunately, in choosing to deny the existence of your fear (which by the way is a natural survival reaction designed to keep you safe), you are actively choosing to remain stuck. And if you choose to hold yourself back-guess what? You ain’t ever gonna get there! So whatever your goal in life, dream big, and take the necessary steps to get there.
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This is often the question that evokes the strongest reactions in my clients. I’ve seen everything from disbelief, disdain and even disengagement. Great! That’s the reaction I want to see in a client because if that’s what they feel about being asked the question, imagine what they feel about the focus of the question-their vision, their ideal life, and their ability to create it! So we get to working on their ‘best life’ by posing the question again, not as a judgement but as a challenge.
I challenge you to think, act and be like a child when pondering your best life. Visualize your perfect life by allowing yourself the luxury of describing your perfect day. Write it, sketch it, better still, collect pictures from magazines and stick ’em to a sheet.
Having fun creating your story, fuels your desire to make it a reality. Clients who truly allow themselves to go there, elevate their thinking and energy to a child-like level where anything is possible. And guess what? When you allow yourself to even remotely believe anything is possible, you create a new set of emotions, actions and norms that will actually get you there.
So what are you waiting for?
Go have fun with your dreams and goals in life. If you don’t, no one else will!
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
Are you moving to Canada? Thousands of immigrants come to the country every year. There are newcomers dispersed from coast to coast. One of the biggest decisions all newcomers must make is where they choose to live. While Barrie is lesser-known than a large city like Toronto, it’s a popular alternative to living in the Greater Toronto Area.
Where you choose to live will have a direct impact on your career options, financial success, housing costs, and overall lifestyle.
To find a lower cost of living and more affordable housing, many people are moving out of the city to more rural areas within the province of Ontario. Spending the time researching your options will help you choose the best city for you and your family.
Are you interested in learning more about the city of Barrie, Ontario? Read our guide below with helpful information about living in Barrie.
Barrie, Ontario is a beautiful waterfront city located on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, the western side of Lake Simcoe. It is a growing area that has become a popular destination for new immigrants and people moving out of Toronto as part of a recent interprovincial migration trend.
People are attracted to the region for several regions. It is a bedroom community of Toronto located about 90 km north of the city and about an hour’s commute. The lower housing prices and cost of living are appealing. There is large employment growth and it has a good transit system. The city is also ideal for people who love the outdoors because of the swimmable beaches and ski hills located nearby. There are many great hiking paths, great skiing, and many watersports.
Over the past few decades, it has evolved from a small town to an up-and-coming city. Barrie was first settled during the War of 1812 as a supply depot for British soldiers. The city was named after Sir Robert Barrie, an officer in the British Navy. Over the years it has evolved from a village (1854) to a town (1870), and became a city in 1959.
The population of Barrie has grown rapidly over the past few years. The city has recently made the list of the top 5 most moved-to cities in Canada. As of 2020, there were about 155,000 residents in the city. And the government of Ontario projects the city population could double to 300,000 residents by 2051. This is based on increased immigration and intra-provincial migration.
The economy in Barrie is in a growth phase. As more people move out of the big city, businesses are choosing to invest in Barrie. The projected 70% population growth by 2041 brings new jobs and opportunities. Estimates project more than 30,000 new jobs will be created over the next 20 years.
Some of the biggest growth sectors are arts, entertainment, and recreation, manufacturing, finance and insurance, healthcare, and construction.
The top sectors in Barrie are:
Barrie is home to several corporate headquarters. There is an opportunity to work for larger organizations. Some of the major employers in Barrie are:
There are several ways you can explore career opportunities. You can search the Government of Canada Job Bank or other online job boards. you can search for jobs online You can also use local recruitment agencies such as Randstad Canada, IS2 Workforce Solutions, TalentWorld, and AppleOne Employment Services.
For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page to get the help you need and achieve your career goals in Canada!
Ontario Canada | Population, Cities, Economy & Culture
It is important to assess where you want to live within the city. Ideally, you want to choose a neighbourhood that is close to work, schools, and other amenities. But this has become more challenging in recent years as the city is experiencing some growing pains.
The availability of housing is one of the issues. With more people moving to Barrie, there is a smaller supply of housing options. Fortunately, there are new housing developments underway, that will offer newcomers more options soon.
The housing market is more affordable than in other cities in the Greater Toronto Area, but with housing prices on the rise, the gap is shrinking. The lack of supply and not enough new builds are driving up the cost.
Renters in Barrie can choose from single-family homes, condos, apartments and townhouses in many unique neighbourhoods. To get a sense of the character of each neighbourhood, check out, Best Barrie Neighbourhoods for Renting.
There are a few ways you can look for rental units. You can search online, use realtor websites or you can use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Barrie. Here, you can also find current rental prices in Barrie.
Rentals start at about $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit. The average rent for an apartment in Barrie is $1,842 for a 1 Bedroom and $2,199 for a 2 Bedroom. When renting, it’s a good idea to get 
to protect your family, belongings, and finances.
Get more information about renting a home: Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know.
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Buying a home in Barrie has become more expensive. For example, prices have increased by over 30% in the past year, and are predicted to increase by as much as 15% in 2022. The average price for a detached house in Barrie is $980,000. The average price for a townhome is $853,000 and the average cost for a condo is $626,000.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Barrie is a commuter city. Many people drive to work within the city or to other locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Barrie is served by a strong road system. There are several highways in the area. Highway 400 is the major highway that goes between the city and Toronto. Highway 26 is the main highway that goes through the city and heads toward Collingwood. Other highways in the area include Highway 27, Highway 90, and Highway 93.
All drivers must have an Ontario driver’s licence. To get a licence you will need to complete the graduated licencing process. For information on driving in Canada and how to get a licence, see:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know.
Getting Your Drivers License in Ontario
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
Barrie Transit provides public transit and bus routes throughout the city. As well, you can take advantage of daily GO Train and Bus service to downtown Toronto and other cities in the region. And, using public transit is a convenient, affordable, and simple way to travel within Barrie and across the region. Get more information about Barrie Transit fares.
There are no major airports in the city. The closest is Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.
Barrie and Simcoe County offer support services to new immigrants who move to the community. You can get information about living and working in the community.
Some of the settlement agencies include the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Immigrant Services, The Learning Centre, Georgian College, and Bradford Immigration & Community Services (BICS).
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page to help with your settlement needs.
Many community agencies offer free language classes. In Barrie, you can take courses at The Learning Centre, Georgian College, and through the YMCA Immigrant Services. Or, you can also take courses with the Simcoe County District School Board in the Adult English as a Second Language program.
Having a strong financial management plan is important for new immigrants. Newcomers have access to banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions where you can open a bank account, get a credit card, or line of credit, and apply for a mortgage. Most banks and financial institutions offer specific products and programs for new immigrants. Visit a local branch to open an account. You will need proof of residence and proper identification.
For more information about your financial first steps in Canada, visit our Banking in Canada resource page.
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Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
The Government of Ontario manages the school system, including elementary, high school, and post-secondary education.
Barrie offers residents several elementary and high school education options. You have the choice to attend the public or Catholic school board. It also has two French school boards and several private schools. You can enrol your children at a school with one of the following:
Located in Barrie is Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology. It offers over 130 full-time career-focused programs. There are over 13,000 full-time students including 4,500 international students from over 85 countries.
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Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Top-quality health care is something we value as Canadians. In Barrie, you can get urgent care through the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. You can also go to walk-in clinics throughout the city to receive care for non-urgent needs.
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides residents with health care coverage. Learn how to apply for an OHIP card.
You can also pay for additional 
to help cover the costs of prescription drugs and services that are not covered by OHIP. Some employers offer third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Finding a family doctor is an important step to ensure you are caring for your health. You can search for a family doctor who is taking on new patients through Health Care Connect. You can call 1-800-445-1822 or visit www.ontario.ca/findadoctor to search online.
As a waterfront community, Barrie offers many year-round activities for residents. You can enjoy the beaches in the summer and head over to nearby ski clubs in the winter. And it is only a short drive to many other outdoor adventures. Downtown Barrie is at the heart of it all.
The city offers many local attractions including the Simcoe County Museum, Fort Willow, Centennial Park, and Bear Creek Eco Park. If you are into the arts and theatre, check out Five Points Theatre or Maclaren Art Centre. Be sure to check out the iconic Spirit Catcher sculpture.
Downtown Barrie is the place to go to have dinner or enjoy entertainment and cultural activities. The city hosts many festivals such as Kempenfest, Barrie Waterfront Festival, Winterfest, and the Barrie Film Festival.
Located on Lake Simcoe, Barrie provides residents with the opportunity to walk along the waterfront, go boating and enjoy the beach life in the summer months. Be sure to check out the beaches at Minet’s Point, The Gables, Tyndale, Centennial, and Johnson’s Beach.
In the winter, Horseshoe Resort, Snow Valley and Blue Mountain are great for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Or check out nature at Arboretum Sunnidale Park.
Barrie is home to the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League, and other minor sports teams. If you want to catch a concert, check out Sadlon Arena or Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, which is home to the popular country music festival Boots and Hearts.
Barrie is not traditionally known as a diverse city, but it is on the path to becoming more diverse. There are about 20,000 immigrants in the city. 7.6% of the population are minorities and 5% are Aboriginal. The city has a large francophone community with close to 10,000 residents being bilingual.
The largest minority groups are Black (2.7%), South Asian (2.2%), Chinese (1.2%) and Latin American (1.1%).
Barrie is mainly a Christian community. Around two-thirds of residents identify as Catholic, United, or Anglican. About 30% of the population has no religious affiliation. About 1-2% of the population identify with another religion.
Barrie has a climate like the rest of southern Ontario. They experience warm and humid summers and cold winters. It is a humid continental climate. The region experiences heavy thunderstorms in the spring and summer.
In the winter, the city gets significant snowfall, largely because it is close to Georgian Bay, Lake Ontario. The average temperature is -8.1 C in January and +21.0 C in July.
Barrie is a mid-sized city that offers a slower-paced lifestyle than living in a large city such as Toronto. Though Barrie is known for being more traditional, it is becoming a more diverse city. Barrie was named the safest city in Ontario to live in. If you are into the outdoors and cottage lifestyle, it’s a great place to consider.
It’s vital to consider the pros and cons of a city before you choose where you want to live. On the plus side, Barrie is a great location, with a growing job market, a safe community and offers many great seasonal activities. On the downside, it’s less diverse than a city such as Toronto and other potential issues such as road congestion, challenging winters, and rising housing costs.
Barrie is more affordable than many cities in the Greater Toronto Area, but housing prices are rising as the city has become a prime location for interprovincial migration. As well, many Toronto residents are moving to Barrie. As a result, the cost of housing is rising.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!
Newcomers to Canada often ask this burning question “how long will it take to get a job?” However, a better question might be “how can I reach my career goals?” By asking this question, it allows you to focus on what you truly love to do and help you to achieve your long-term career goals.
Linda Ryan is the Provincial Manager (Apprenticeship Services), BCCA. Prepare for Canada (PFC) spoke to Ryan to get her valuable insights about how you can commit to your long-term career goals by not applying for jobs. Sound odd? Find out about a smarter approach to achieving career success and the advice that Ryan provides to newcomers.
BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, is a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). The BCCA-IN team specialises in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
Forget about applying for the job and instead commit to building your long term career!
Linda Ryan
I tell them to forget about applying for the job and instead commit to building their long-term career. And in that one sentence, I manage to dash hopes and yet plant a seed for success. My comment is perplexing until I follow it up with these questions, “what’s your dream job?” or “what’s the career you’d truly love?” Let’s face it, the last time you’ve been asked those questions was when you were a kid, everything was possible, and money didn’t matter.
Well, for immigrants preparing to arrive in a new country, it’s nice to bask in the warm glow of the “I’m in” feeling. This is common, especially after receiving a confirmation letter from the government. However, it can quickly dissipate when the cold reality of “oh crap, how can I afford this?” sets in. So, the best advice I give to clients is to prepare yourself (from both a time and money perspective) for it to take up to six months to find the work you truly love to do.
Hold true to your dream job but be realistic and take small steps to get there.
Linda Ryan
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The worst thing you can do as a newcomer is to accept ‘survival jobs’ too early to earn some cash. Yes, it’s tempting and practical but it can kill your career. This is because it’s so far from your profession that you’ll never be able to use it as a ‘Canadian experience’ reference. Or because it pays so little that you’ll have no spare time and energy to devote to:
Another common mistake is to assume that your out-of-country or in-country experience in a different discipline or industry equates to a role you’re fooling yourself into applying for. I always tell clients to aim for the moon and if you fall you’ll hit a few stars along the way! What I mean is, hold true to your dream job but be realistic and take small steps to get there.
Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can shoehorn your project management experience for financial services companies into project management for construction companies. Or fool yourself that 10 years of engineering in another country will be accepted at face value for 10 years of engineering in Canada. It won’t! While the fundamentals are the same; the industries, credentials, processes, codes, and laws can be very different. Until you have a few years of Canadian experience under your belt, your expertise or seniority will not be considered like-for-like.
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I offer three smart and easy steps to take to ensure you land a career-building role faster:
Invest more time in researching roles, duties, companies and less time applying. Don’t adopt the ‘spray and pray’ approach by firing off your resume. Decide that you are a 100% fit for the role (i.e. you could do the job with your eyes closed). Also ensure that the company is a match for you and that you tick the practical boxes (i.e. realistic commute, salary, hours etc.). Do this before you edit your resume.
Take the time to read the job description and critically assess your entire education and career (not just your existing resume), so that you are confident you can demonstrate you are the obvious best match for the role.
Yes, it requires you to park your ego and take a few steps back to get in the door, be employed in a role aligned with your career goals, and earning while learning. So, before you spend time editing your resume or drafting a cover letter ask yourself: Is this role a solid stepping stone for my long-term career goals? Will the role give me opportunities to expand my network, credentials, job prospects in the field I’m interested in? How can I express these goals in my cover letter to test if a potential employer is open to supporting me on my career journey?
Then and only then are you ready to apply for the job.
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
If you are moving to Saskatchewan, you must register for a health card to receive health benefits. It’s vital that you apply for your Saskatchewan health card soon after you arrive because you may have a waiting period of up to three months before you receive coverage. As well, you can only apply for a health card after you arrive in Canada. Learn more about the Saskatchewan health plan, who is eligible, and how to obtain your health care card. This is vital information for newcomers so you know how to benefit from Saskatchewan’s healthcare system and ensure your health and wellness.
Usually, your health coverage begins on, or before, the first day of the third month after you arrive in Saskatchewan. For example, if you arrive on September 27th, your coverage would begin on December 1. However, You may be eligible for benefits on your first day of arriving in the province if you belong to any of these special classes of newcomers:
To find out if you can skip the waiting period, it’s best to contact eHealth Saskatchewan or call toll-free: 1-800-667-7551.
Canadians are proud of their privilege and access to one of the greatest healthcare systems in the world. Canada’s universal health care system is funded by tax dollars and Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for public health insurance.
Because health care is the responsibility of the provinces and territories in Canada, each province may have slightly different plans. So, it’s important to understand what the health plan covers in the province that you move to. Here’s what you need to know about health care in Saskatchewan and how to apply for a health card.
Many, (but not all) health care services are free if you have a Saskatchewan health card. For example, with your health card, any necessary medical services provided by a doctor are free (this includes both inpatient and outpatient services). Other services are covered in part, and some services are not covered.
However, not all health care services are free. Some services are only covered for a part of the cost and you are responsible to pay the rest of the cost.
But, many employers provide additional health insurance to their full-time employees to help cover some of the costs that the public health care plan doesn’t cover. So, be sure to find out if your employer offers health insurance, what the plan covers, and how much they cover.
If your employer does not provide health insurance, you can purchase private health insurance to pay for health expenses for you and your family.
To apply for a health card, you’ll need supporting documents for you and each family member under the age of 18:
For Permanent Residents, proof can include a document such as:
For Foreign Nationals proof can include a:
If you need help to complete your health card application, many settlement agencies can help you with this, along with many other free services.
Your Saskatchewan health card ensures you receive the medical care you and your family need. So to apply for a health card, follow these three simple steps:
2. Ensure you have the supporting documents (proof that you can live in Canada and proof of residency as listed above)
3. Start your online application. (Register for an account as a New User to complete your application).
Or you can print this Health Card Application Form, complete it, and send it with the required documents to:
eHealth Saskatchewan
2130 11th Avenue
Regina, SK
S4P OJ5
If you are an international student, you may be eligible for Saskatchewan health coverage. You will have to show proof of full-time enrolment at an accredited school and a valid Study Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
You can only apply for your health card when you arrive in Saskatchewan. And, be sure to apply for it as soon as you arrive because you may have up to a three-month waiting period.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Saskatchewan and reside in the province for at least six months per year. Your health coverage will begin when your application is approved.
While you are waiting for access to public health care, you may want to purchase private travel medical health insurance to cover any health care costs or emergencies.
Yes, if you are travelling within Canada and need medical services but, you need to show your Saskatchewan health card. So, be sure to carry your health card with you at all times. Provinces (except Quebec) and territories have an agreement to cover the cost of necessary medical services. The province of Saskatchewan will reimburse the host province’s costs.
However, some services are not covered such as hospital transfer, ambulance, and return transportation to Saskatchewan. If you have private insurance, your insurance company may pay for these additional services. But, check with your insurance provider to find out what they will cover.
Medical services may be much higher outside of Canada. And, you are responsible to pay the amount above what the Saskatchewan health plan covers. When travelling outside of Canada, it’s best to buy additional travel insurance.
Physician, Surgeons or Specialists: Find a physician who is taking new patients in Regina, SK.
Immunization Services: Learn about programs and when to get immunized.
Primary Health Care: Get help to find a family physician in Saskatchewan and support to navigate the health system.
Emergency Medical Services: Find ambulance, emergency 911, hospitals, and poison control services.
Notification of Updated Immigration Document: Complete this form if you have an updated document such as a work permit, study permit, visitor record, or permanent resident card.
One of the greatest benefits for newcomers is access to world-class and publicly-funded healthcare. This information ensures you know how to apply for a Saskatchewan health card for you and your family’s well-being.
Networking is a crucial way to research and learn about your profession in Canada. And asking the right networking interview questions can help you to make professional contacts, speed up your job search, and grow your career. Another key to successful networking is being authentic.
Linda Ryan is the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). A career and certified performance coach, she and the BCCA-IN team specialise in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
When it comes to networking, Ryan provides great insights and advice to newcomers on the importance of authenticity. Read more to learn why networking is important, how to create a network, and how to network while being yourself.
Networking is all about building rapport and rapport is all about being authentic.
Linda Ryan
Networking provides a chance for newcomers to connect with others from a range of professions. It’s also a vital way to achieve career success in Canada. When networking with a goal to build a genuine relationship, it can help you to:
And when you connect to ask networking interview questions you’ll gain helpful information about:
And as Ryan points out, you’ll achieve success when instead of ‘trying’ to network, you commit to building a genuine relationship by being curious, present, and authentic. In doing so, you’ll benefit by learning from their career experiences.
[cjtoolbox name=’BCCA Webinar LP’]
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Prepare for Canada asked Ryan for her best networking tips. Here’s what she had to offer about being genuine, authentic, and present:
You’ve heard it before, and it’s true, first impressions count! Ryan advises against entering a room with a “me, me, me” agenda. “Even if it’s only in your head, you’ll inadvertently push people away. They may not be able to put their finger on it, but on a primal level, they’ll sense an ulterior motive. As a result, they subconsciously see you as a threat and quickly and quietly move towards the exit or a less threatening professional animal!”
Another one of her favourite truths, you can’t fake it ’till you make it’ especially with a smile! As she explains, it’s all to do with muscles, tendons and exposure of the teeth. “You actually engage a different set of muscles to force a smile. So, your best efforts to force a smile (even if well-intentioned) are more like getting ready to bite. And guess what this does? It triggers another subconscious fight or flight instinct in your ‘prey’. I mean peer network!”
Ryan explains that this pearl of wisdom was shared with her early. “It was like the heavens opened and the light shone for the first time. I always felt uncomfortable with my approach to networking, but I never knew that simple lever to pull. As a result, I got stuck every time when trying to create a meaningful networking connection.”
When you’re waiting to talk, you’re in your own head (so people feel unheard). If you’re waiting to talk, you’re not truly listening to what the other person is saying. Instead, you’re trying to find something intelligent or insightful to broadcast (so people feel undervalued). And, if you’re waiting to talk, you’re not allowing yourself to experience the human connection (subtle body language, energy, pitch/pace/tone of voice) that’s possible.
Networking is about connecting with people who have similar interests. And a key element of your network is to provide mutual help and support. Strong networking skills can help you to find a job. As well, these skills will also help you to achieve success in the workplace after you land a job. So building and nurturing your network contacts is an essential part of your career success!
An important benefit of networking is that it can help you learn about jobs that are not yet advertised, also called the “hidden job market”.
To understand the hidden job market think of it as an iceberg. The top of the iceberg represents the visible job market or jobs that are widely advertised. The bottom part of the iceberg represents the hidden job market. This is where you can learn about jobs that are currently only posted internally.
When a company advertises a job externally, it’s common for employers to receive hundreds of applications for one position. And that means more competition for you. So networking is a helpful way to access the internal hiring process.
Building a wide network of contacts is key to accessing the hidden job market. A helpful way to create a network is to make a list of people who can help you. This can include:
You can also identify contacts from:
When networking it’s good to start with who you know. However, that can be hard if you recently arrived and know very few people. So connecting with professional associations can be a great place to build your network and meet new people!
If you’re not used to networking for business purposes, it can feel uncomfortable. But, remember that other people want to help you to succeed in Canada. And one day, you’ll be in the same position when you can help others arriving in Canada.
You’ll become more comfortable when you ask the right networking interview questions. These networking questions are thoughtful and lead to useful information to conduct your job search. And by asking thoughtful questions you’ll leave people with a good and lasting impression. And like Ryan stated, “first impressions count”.
You’ll likely have your own questions that you would like to ask. And here are some other questions that you can add:
Listen actively to their responses and probe for more information with related networking interview questions.
Networking is a great way to propel your job search. But it’s also important to maintain and nurture your relationship. A strong relationship based on mutual support will go a long way to advance your career. These tips can develop and enhance your networking skills.
Building relationships with other professionals is important when networking. And asking thoughtful networking interview questions can help you build rapport and reach your career goals.
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
As you are planning on coming to Canada, you will probably want to drive here. For this reason, it is important to know what you need to do in order to drive here legally. If you already have a licence in your home country then you can check if you can exchange that license for a Canadian driving licence. Or, you may need to take a driving test in Canada. Each province in Canada has slightly different rules around how to do this. Take a look below at the process of getting your driving licence in Alberta, Canada.
If you’re exchanging a valid driver’s licence from one of the countries in the list below, you can get your Alberta licence without taking a knowledge or road test: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.
To exchange your licence for an Alberta licence, you must:
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To exchange a licence from a country that doesn’t have an agreement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge and road test.
Step 1. Exchange your driver’s licence
Visit a registry agent and hand in your valid driver’s licence that is equivalent or higher to an Alberta Class 5 licence.
The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) exemption program and will give you an application to complete.
Step 2. Pass a Class 7 knowledge test
Visit a registry agent and take a knowledge test.
Your licence, application for GDL exemption and support documents will be sent to the Alberta Government for review.
Step 3. Get a full Class 5 licence
There are two ways you can get a full Class 5 licence:
When you have more than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test to get a full Class 5 driver’s licence
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
When immigrating to Canada, newcomers often consider a career change. Especially when uprooting yourself from everything you know and love and arriving in a land with new people, cultures and possibilities. While reinventing your life, why not also reinvent your career? Marine-based industries can be a career change to consider in Canada.
Linda Ryan is the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). A career and certified performance coach, she and the BCCA-IN team specialise in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
When it comes to job searching in Canada, Ryan works closely with newcomers who are eager to continue their careers in Canada. Ryan also provides ideas on alternative careers and companies that are hiring across Canada. In this article, we asked her about interesting roles that newcomers could consider in the marine industry.
I could dedicate an entire article to the pros and cons of a complete career change. I’ve successfully done it myself and regularly help clients take small steps to morph themselves into something else.
Linda Ryan
Ryan discussed three organizations for those with a love of water. So if you want a career in a marine-based industry, explore these exciting options.
The CCG welcomes all and is actively recruiting. Formed in 1962, the CCG operates the federal government’s civilian fleet and provides maritime services to Canadians. For example, the coast guard provides:
The CCG is responsible for the longest coastline of any country. It also ensures the safety of international commercial ships and Canadian citizens who navigate our lakes and oceans.
This marine-based industry operates over 100 vessels and 20+ helicopters, along with a variety of smaller craft. And, there’s a myriad of cool jobs available. Everything from on-call lighthouse keepers, search and rescue technicians, deckhands, engineering operatives, and base operations personnel. So, if you have a love of the water, are English or French proficient and have an aptitude for technical, mechanical, IT, electronics and electrical stuff; this could be an adventure for you. Oh, by the way, the Coast Guard also has its own college. And, the CCG will pay for your entire education and offer you a job afterwards! Learn about the Canadian Coast Guard College.
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You don’t actually get to swim with the fish! But, you could be a fisheries technician, trainee deckhand, farm or feed manager. “Leading the Blue Revolution” and the future of seafood is Mowi. This global company works with the ocean to produce seafood. Mowi’s Canadian operation has salmon farms off the British Columbia coast. And, it employs 600 staff to help produce 45,000 tonnes of sustainable farm-raised Atlantic salmon each year to ship around the world.
This may be something to consider if you have some fisheries or water experience (pleasure or commercial) and want to protect the environment. Because if you do, you could work on any of the hundreds of off-shore farms around Vancouver Island. Learn more about jobs in this marine-based industry here.
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) offers roles as:
It is the only Transport Canada marine response organization on Canada’s West Coast.
WCMRC is industry-funded with more than 2,300 members that include oil-handling facilities, barging companies, freighters, ferries, cruise ships, and others. If you like being outdoors, on the water and can get basic commercial marine/boating short courses under your belt, a world of opportunities awaits you. Learn about jobs here.
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
Are you planning to move to Canada? The city you choose to call home is a very important decision. It will play a key role in your career opportunities and financial success going forward. Living in Hamilton, Ontario is one of many cities in Canada new immigrants consider.
Researching a potential landing spot will help you understand the local job market and your housing options. Recently Hamilton has seen a large increase in the number of immigrants coming to the city. So, it is a location worth considering.
Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Hamilton.
Hamilton is a medium-sized city in southwest Ontario, located about 75 kilometres from Toronto. The City of Hamilton includes the former municipalities of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek. The southern part of the city includes the Niagara Escarpment, which Hamiltonians call “the mountain.”
The City of Hamilton is the centre of the Golden Horseshoe — a densely populated region at the west end of Lake Ontario.
Affectionately known as “The Hammer”, it was named after George Hamilton, the man who established the town in 1815. With the opening of the Burlington Canal in 1830, the city became a vital port and railway centre. Over time, the region has evolved to be one of Canada’s top industrial sectors.
Job prospects when living in Hamilton, especially in manufacturing, are promising in the region. If you are looking for a lower-cost place to live, Hamilton is a safe and healthy place to raise your children. It has beautiful parks, trees and waterfalls, and several world-class schools.
Hamilton has the tenth highest population in Canada with a population of 569,355 according to the 2021 Statistics Canada census. It is the fifth most populated city in Ontario. In many other regions, it is experiencing growth which is largely due to newcomers moving to the region. The city itself had 536,920 people as of the 2016 census. The census metropolitan areas have about 770,000 residents. According to Statistics Canada, 24% of those residents come from other countries.
Hamilton is well known for producing steel for other kinds of heavy manufacturing. This is why it has earned the nickname “Steeltown.” The Hamilton area is the most industrialized section of Canada. It is known as the steel capital of the country for a reason. Hamilton produces 60% of Canada’s steel through two main companies – Stelco and Dofasco.
The job market in Hamilton is evolving. Hamilton’s major industries today include:
The city offers a diverse range of career paths and employers including:
Hamilton is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse economies. This growth is supported by gains in retail, utilities, wholesale, arts, entertainment, and recreation.
The city traditionally has a lower employment rate compared to the provincial and national average. Some of the top industries experiencing job growth currently include:
While finding a job is an important first step for newcomers. Another vital step is choosing where you will live. It’s common for new immigrants to opt for short-term rentals or to rent an apartment before buying a home.
Hamilton has more than 200 neighbourhoods to choose from, from central Hamilton (the downtown core) to Chinatown to Balfour. Rental and home purchase prices vary depending on the location.
Comparatively speaking, Hamilton is more affordable than large cities close by like Toronto, Mississauga, or Brampton.
Some of the most affordable neighbourhoods to consider include Glanbrook, Hamilton East and West, and Dundas. The most expensive areas to live in include Ancaster, Waterdown, Flamborough, and parts of Hamilton Centre.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThe cost to rent a home in Hamilton can vary based on your needs. Your location, type of property, unit size, and number of bedrooms will affect how much it will cost to rent monthly. You can find bachelor and 1-bedroom apartments for as low as $950. Renting a 4-bedroom home can easily cost over $2,000 per month.
The average cost to rent an apartment in Hamilton is $1,264 for a Bachelor, $1,403 for a 1 Bedroom, $1,768 for a 2- Bedroom, and $1,998 for a 3- Bedroom.
Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Hamilton. Here you’ll find available rentals with current prices. This is helpful since pricing can change often.
To read more about different neighbourhoods and what makes them unique check out Best Hamilton Neighbourhoods for Renting.
When renting, it’s vital to protect your family, personal belongings, and finances with renter’s insurance. It is common for landlords and property management companies to require proof of insurance as terms of your rental agreement.
Average home prices are on the rise in Hamilton. This is a common trend across the province. According to Royal LePage the average home price in Hamilton is $772,500 in 2021. This is a year-over-year increase of 19%, and slightly less than the national average cost in Canada ($790,000).
The median price for a single-family detached home is $806,200. The median price to buy a condo is $485,000.
Even with rising prices buying a home in Hamilton is more affordable than living in Toronto. It is one of the many reasons new immigrants choose to move to Hamilton. To purchase a home, contact a realtor in the area, who will guide you through the home-buying process. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
The city is situated in a cluster of highways that service southern Ontario. This makes it easy to reach by many different means. The main highways that pass through the city are Highway 403, QEW, Lincoln Alexander Parkway (The Linc), and Red Hill Valley Parkway.
Commuting is the norm in the city. For example, many residents commute from Hamilton to other cities. Many drivers commute to the city for work each day. All drivers must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence to operate a vehicle.
To get a commercial driver’s licence in Ontario you will need a Class A or Class D licence. The class type will depend on your occupation. For example, you will need a Class A licence to drive a truck.
For information on driving in Hamilton and how to get a licence, see Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Getting Your Ontario Drivers License
The public transportation system within Hamilton relies on the Hamilton Street Railway bus system.
The cost of public transit varies depending on the route and distance. See here for fare prices. GO Transit – an inter-regional public transit system in Southern Ontario – offers frequent and reliable express bus service to Toronto.
Hamilton is a diverse city home to newcomers from around the globe. The city supports new immigrants through a variety of services and programs.
New immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents can contact organizations that are part of the Settlement Services for Newcomers. They include the Immigrants Working Centre, Wesley – Resettlement Services for Government Assisted Refugees, YMCA – Immigrant Settlement Services, YWCA – Newcomer Settlement Program, and Centre de Sante Communautaire.
Newcomers can improve their English language skills through free Government-funded programs. They include English as a Second Language, or ESL, classes and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, or LINC.
Some of the organizations offering classes are the Immigrants Working Centre, St. Charles Adult Education Centre, The Learning Centre and LINC Program, Mohawk College, College Boreal, and Circle of Friends for Newcomers.
All local banks in Hamilton have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. Visit a local bank branch to start the process.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Hamilton boasts a robust school system with a university, several colleges, and many elementary and secondary schools.
Four school boards offer schooling in English and French. In total there are close to 200 schools, including over 30 high schools.
There are 29 private schools in the Hamilton region including 15 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools.
Hamilton offers many higher education options that provide academic, practical, and hands-on training.
Schools include McMaster University, Mohawk College, Redeemer University College, McMaster Divinity College, College Boreal, and the Hamilton Literacy Council.
Hamilton’s McMaster University was named Canada’s most innovative ‘medical doctoral’ university eight times in the last 11 years in Maclean’s annual ranking of universities. The university’s student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning has been adopted by many universities around the world. Established in 1887, the university offers programs in health care, engineering, business, social sciences, science, and humanities research and education.
Hamilton also has many private colleges where residents can learn a new trade or skill to better prepare to enter the workforce. Examples of schools are Trios College, CDI College, Anderson College, and Academy of Learning College.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
There are six hospitals in Hamilton. Each hospital is a centre of excellence for a particular specialty, providing a state-of-the-art healthcare system to those who live in Hamilton. The hospitals are teaching hospitals. The internationally acclaimed healthcare research conducted at McMaster University ensures that the very best in patient care is available to Hamilton and the region.
Find hospitals in Hamilton here. For prescription drugs and some services not offered through Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you can buy additional health insurance. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
All newcomers should find a family doctor once they arrive in Hamilton. The Hamilton Family Health Team maintains a list of doctors accepting new patients.
If you can’t find a family doctor, you can use walk-in clinics. Check here to find a walk-in clinic.
Learn more about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Hamilton has no shortage of things to do. It is a great location to keep the family entertained from local festivals, to great restaurants, and beautiful natural spaces. Hamilton is also a big sports city and its residents are famous for their love of professional and amateur sports.
Hamilton has unique attractions such as Dundurn Castle, Royal Botanical Gardens, and African Lion Safari. As well, Supercrawl is large art and music festival that attracts more than 200,000 visitors each September.
The city is known for its local restaurants. Local eateries downtown and on James Street North, King William, and Locke Street have become the places to go out for dinner. Hess Village is a prime location for dining out and nightlife.
Hamilton has some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes and nature. It is located on the west end of the Niagara Peninsula. It features the Hamilton Harbour with the Niagara escarpment running through the city. The area is home to over 100 waterfalls and the Bruce Trail for hiking.
Hamilton is home to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 2021, they are the host to the Grey Cup in which the hometown Tiger-Cats will play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The city is also home to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
With many hockey arenas, pools, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and even cricket pitches throughout the city, it’s proof that the city promotes sports. Hamilton offers other pastimes as well, including golfing, fencing, mountain biking, swimming, mountaineering, curling and martial arts. The city is also home to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
With large venues such as FirstOntario Centre, Tim Hortons Field, and many local venues throughout the city, Hamilton attracts top interactional concerts.
Hamilton is a diverse city. About one in four residents in Hamilton were born outside of Canada. About 3,000 to 4,000 new immigrants arrive in the city each year. The city is also home to over 5,000 international students. The most prominent minority groups are South Asian, Black, Arab, Chinese, Black, and Latin American.
Hamilton is a diverse city and home to many different places of worship. The main religions followed in the city include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. See here for places of worship in Hamilton.
Hamilton’s climate is humid continental. The city experiences just about every type of weather throughout the year – humidity, hot sunny days, rain, snow, sleet, and a mixture. The climate is moderate compared to the rest of Canada. The temperature averages about 22 degrees Celsius in July and August, and dips to as low as -4 degrees in January and February.
Yes, Hamilton is considered by most to be a good place to live in Ontario. It has a diverse population, a growing culinary culture, access to affordable housing, and world-class health care. The economy is growing, providing career paths for new immigrants who want to live in Hamilton.
Hamilton can be more expensive than other cities in Canada. However, it is more affordable than Toronto and other larger cities within proximity in Ontario.
Absolutely. Thousands of new immigrants move to Hamilton each year. The city embraces its diverse population and provides many support programs to help newcomers adapt to the city.
Ontario is a popular choice for immigration to Canada. In fact, it is also known as one of the big three immigration provinces for permanent residents, followed by British Columbia, and Quebec. Together these three provinces represent the majority of arrivals in Canada. So if you’re thinking of making Ontario your new home, find out more about OINP pathways.
The OINP is a Government of Ontario program that provides permanent residence to selected applicants. The goal of this program is to help Ontario employers meet labour market shortages that exist in the province. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works in partnership with the Ontario government to run this vital program.
The OINP nominates the people who meet the program requirements for permanent residence. However, IRCC makes the final decision to approve permanent residence applications.
Each province has a PNP (except for Quebec). These programs are for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a province or territory, and who want to:
As well, each province has its own unique requirements. So provinces will target certain groups such as students, business people, skilled workers, or semi-skilled workers based on their needs. The OINP is the Provincial Nominee Program for Ontario.
Ontario is Canada’s leading manufacturing province with a rapidly growing technology base. These are just a few of the innovative industries that drive economic growth:
Aerospace: over 200 firms employing more than 44,000 direct and indirect people
Automotive: 300+ companies work in connected and autonomous development and smart technology
Financial Services: employs about 365,000 people in financial services firms
Cybersecurity: Ontario has cybersecurity hubs in Toronto, Waterloo Region, and Ottawa. And according to Invest Ontario, it also has the 2nd largest IT cluster in North America.
Cleantech: Interested in being at the forefront of environmental progress? Ontario has the largest cleantech sector in Canada and employs more than 134,000 employees.
With a fast-growing economy, attracting skilled talent from around the world is a priority. So, if you have skills in many of the in-demand jobs, the OINP may appeal to you.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf Ontario sounds interesting to you, there are three ways that you may qualify for the OINP.
This is for workers who have a permanent job offer from an Ontario employer. The category has three streams that have an expression of interest (EOI) system.
This category is for workers with valuable work experience, education, language skills, and a profile in Canada’s Express Entry system. Graduate students can also qualify for this category. Also, there are two sub-categories:
International Graduate Streams:
The international graduate streams include both the Master’s Graduate Stream and the Ph.D. Graduate Stream. These streams allow graduates with an Ontario master’s degree or Ph.D. to apply for an OINP nomination.
Ontario Express Entry Streams:
The following three streams operate through the federal government’s Express Entry System. To qualify for Ontario’s Express Entry streams, you must receive a notification of interest from Ontario and have a current profile.
This is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new or buy an existing business in Ontario.
Once you set up your business, you and up to one foreign nation business partner, have the chance to be nominated by the OINP for permanent residency. Learn more about the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.
An expression of interest informs the OINP that you would like to be invited to apply for permanent residency in Ontario. As mentioned above, you can only apply to some of these streams if the OINP invites you to apply. So, an important first step is to register an EOI. When you register an EOI, it allows the OINP to gather information about your:
Ontario launched the EOI system in 2021 to manage the high demand for the OINP. And because Ontario is such a popular destination, the EOI system avoids the first-come-first-served model. Learn more about how to register an OINP expression of interest.
Once you register your EOI, your profile goes into a selection pool and your answers are scored. The OINP will notify you if you are invited to apply for the provincial nomination. But, if you receive an invitation it does not mean you get the provincial nomination. You will still have to meet the eligibility requirements of the stream that you are applying to. So be sure to check the requirements of the steam that you’re interested in.
Ontario is a popular immigration choice. And with the OINP, there are many streams that could lead you to this vibrant and prosperous province.