5 Benefits of Living and Working In Ontario

Tolerant, inclusive, and connected - that’s how the province of Ontario is described. It’s no wonder it's a top choice for thousands of newcomers who settle in Canada every year - making it one of the most multicultural provinces in the country.

Bordered by the US to the south and Quebec to the east - Ontario is situated in a very favorable position for easy traveling. It’s home to the biggest metropolitan cities in Canada such as Toronto and Ottawa, the capital city of Canada where PM Justin Trudeau resides. If you prefer smaller, tight-knit cities away from the hustle-and-bustle then you’ll find living and working in Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Belleville in Ontario’s northern regions equally as exciting!

Without further adieu, here are 5 of the many benefits of living and working in Ontario, Canada.

5 Benefits of Living and Working In Ontario, Canada

Fans watching an ice hockey game in Ontario

1. FOMO? Not in Ontario

If Canada has an entertainment hub it’s definitely Ontario where it all happens. The province boasts more than 10 big arenas and stadiums abuzz with major sporting events, performances by top artists, and funfairs - something for every type of person.

If it’s not happening in the stadiums, it’s happening in the streets of Toronto and Ottawa. In the summer, Torontions celebrate the biggest annual Pride Festival in the world. During winter, the city of Ottawa hosts the Winterlude festival, celebrating fun winter activities like skating on the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway.

Let’s not forget that Ontario is home to iconic sights like the stunning Niagara Falls, the CN Tower that is synonymous with Canada and Algonquin Provincial Park for those who enjoy spending time in nature; hiking, camping, and canoeing.

All-in-all, you never have to worry about missing out on life because there is always something exciting happening in your city when you live in Ontario.

2. Earn a Generous Salary

Workers looking at something on a colleague laptop

According to Neuvoo, if you work in Ontario you can earn one of the highest salaries in the entire country. The province has the second-highest income in Canada at $62, 700 annually. What’s more, Ontario added 151, 000 new jobs in July 2020 and welcomes skilled workers from overseas to fill job vacancies in one of the many in-demand occupations.

As one of the most progressive provinces, working in Ontario means you can expect a well balanced work-life with additional work benefits from your employer, like sponsored gym memberships, flexible work hours, and personal skills development courses. If you’re looking for better opportunities and to improve your quality of life then Ontario is the right choice for you.

3. Happier, Healthier You

Smiling black man enjoying a cup of coffee

It’s not news that Canada has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world. However, did you know that each province in Canada offers its own version of free healthcare to its residents? The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers all your medically necessary healthcare with additional benefits not available in other provinces like free prescription medicine to young adults. Ontario also boasts some of the best medical centers and staff in the country - meaning you and your family will be in the care of trusted professionals.

4. Get Around Easier

Person in a bus

Toronto is ranked as one of the best Canadian cities for public transportation. As a general rule in a country as big as Canada, it’s usually required to have a car to get from point A to point B but in metropolitan cities, like Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga public transportation is readily available, convenient and runs frequently. Approximately one-third of Ontarians use public transit and satisfaction with commuting times is high: 85% of commuters in 2010 said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the amount of time it took to get to work.

5. Entrepreneur’s Paradise

Girl boss

Ontario has everything a business-savvy person needs to start, grow, and run a successful company. The province has the largest population of highly skilled and educated residents with 69% of adults possessing a post-secondary education! The University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo are top producers of STEM graduates in the province. What’s more, companies have access to highly skilled international workers through the lenient provincial immigration programs and other initiatives.

If that’s not good enough news, entrepreneurs will benefit from competitive corporate taxes, utility, and manufacturing costs as well as the stable banking system.

How to Live and Work in Ontario, Canada?

Ontario, Canada - CN Tower

Canada has over 100 immigration and visa programs available to foreign nationals who would like to visit the country either for work purposes, to study, or to immigrate permanently. A few of these programs belong to the provincial government of Ontario and are known as Ontario Provincial Nomination Programs (OINP). You can permanently live and work in Ontario if you receive a provincial nomination and your application for permanent residency is approved by the federal government.

Here are a few popular PNPs managed by Ontario:


Paths to Immigrate to Ontario
Ontario PNPMinimum Requirement
Employer Job Offer - In-Demand Skills StreamIntermediate skilled workers like truck drivers and butchers with a job offer from employers in Ontario.
Express Entry Human Capital Priorities StreamProfessional workers like managers, computer developers, and accountants with post-secondary education.
Express Entry Skilled TradesTrade workers like bakers, electricians, and plumbers with 2-years of work experience.
Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker StreamProfessional workers like managers, computer developers, and accountants who are proficient in French.

Popular temporary options:


Temporary Paths to Work in Ontario
Ontario Temporary Work OptionsMinimum Requirement
Employer-Specific Work PermitWorkers from overseas with valid job offers in Ontario.
Working Holiday VisaYoung adults between 18-35 from one of the participating countries.
Post-Graduate Work PermitStudents who graduated from an eligible study program in Canada of at least 8-months.

Discover for which program you qualify to work and live in Ontario, Canada. Our online eligibility evaluation is assessed by our seasoned Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to help point you in the right direction.