Understand the complete process of moving to Ontario through this newcomer’s guide. To begin with, Ontario is specifically renowned as a destination for new immigrants. It showcases a population of more than 15 million. Besides this, the province is also prominent for its employment opportunities, lifestyle, and the largest housing market in Canada.
As a new immigrant in Canada, you must learn about the process of settling in the province.
The Complete Process of Moving to Ontario – Housing
Ontario is well-known for possessing the most significant housing market in Canada. The province consists of 5.4 million properties. Like the other Canadian provinces, Ontario’s housing costs and existing property types might change based on certain factors. These are primarily an individual’s choice of settlement location or family size.
Rentals.ca published its latest report, called the National Rent Report for August 2023. The average rental cost for one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments in Ontario’s three Census Metropolitan Areas by population in Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa are as follows:
One-bedroom apartments include the following:
- Toronto – $2,592
- Ottawa – $1,951
- Hamilton – $1,855
Two-bedroom apartments have the following costs in these three regions:
- Toronto – $3,370
- Ottawa – $2,358
- Hamilton – $2,271
Commuting
At least 80% of people dwell in the three main CMAs in Ontario, all located less than 500 meters from a “public transit access point.”
While there are differences across cities in Ontario when it comes to public transit, one example is the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) system. Meanwhile, the OC Regional Transit Commission operates the Ottawa-Carleton (OC) Transpo system for citizens of Ottawa. However, Hamilton has a specialized Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) system.
Even though public transit is widely available in Ontario, over four out of five people live there and commute primarily by car, van, or truck.
This is why new immigrants in Ontario must understand the following factors about its driving:
- As a new resident in Ontario, new immigrants must access their driver’s license as issued by their native country for the initial sixty days.
- Toward the latter half of sixty days, newcomers in the province must acquire Ontario’s driver’s license from its government.
What About the Employment Prospects?
Ontario’s three biggest industries, according to employment, are as follows:
- Manufacturing – Mechanical Engineers and Lab Technicians
- Trade Occupations – Retail and Wholesale Traders
- Healthcare and Social Assistance – Social Workers, Doctors, and Nurses
Understanding the Healthcare Scenario Before Undergoing the Complete Process of Moving to Ontario
A universal healthcare approach is implemented to finance public healthcare in Canada. This indicates that resident taxes, including those in Ontario, are amassed to assist in funding healthcare services nationwide.
Only two Canadian provinces and territories, including Ontario, do not impose waiting periods on new residents before granting them access to provincial healthcare benefits. Instead, free healthcare is available to any newcomer to Ontario with a valid health card.
Generally speaking, OHIP (the Ontario Health Insurance Plan) provides free access to public health services for those with health cards. However, the beneficiary will have to pay out of pocket for some prescriptions and procedures. For citizens of Ontario, this is the point at which private health insurance becomes essential.
Education
In Ontario, when the newcomer’s children turn six years old, they actively participate in its education system. Ontario consists of over 400,000 licensed childcare spaces. The province’s public system enables parents to let their children access education from six years to high school age. In addition, Ontario comprises a variety of private schools and boarding schools. Although, they must the tuition fees on their own if they would like to send their children to acquire private education.
Ontario demonstrates at least 500 Designated Learning Institutions and showcases several post-secondary alternatives for new immigrants to complete graduation and acquire a PGWP.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit enables holders to qualify for several other Canadian PR pathways once they gain one year of Canadian work experience.
Taxation
Ontario’s Sales Tax is known by the term “Harmonized Sales Tax.” This replaced the former Federal Goods and Services Tax of 5 percent and the Retail Sales Tax of 8 percent. Hence, Ontario’s HST rate is nearly 13 percent.
This province’s income tax rates differ on the basis of personal income for each qualifying resident. In addition, all residents working in this province must pay income tax depending on their income range.
Ontario’s Services for New Immigrants
Ontario’s newcomer services are prevalent through the provincial government and even in private. Newcomers can access these settlement services before arriving in Ontario, during their transition in this province, and after settling in their new home.
211 Ontario is a frequently visited site for individuals seeking settlement services in Ontario. You can reach 211 Ontario over the phone at 2-1-1 or online at www.211ontario.ca.
Do you have any general queries or concerns regarding Canadian immigration? Let our expert guides at Make Home Canada help you get all the answers. We are just a call away; stay connected at 1-800-979-0509 or simply email your concerns to [email protected].
