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Finding your dream job can be difficult enough, but finding your dream job in your dream city is nearly impossible. Not in Ontario; this is a province that hosts so many amazing cities. Each of these cities are vastly different from one another. Let’s take a look at the five best cities and what jobs they offer. Who knows, perhaps you’ll find one of your dream jobs in Ontario.
5 Top Cities to Live and Work in Ontario
1. Toronto
Toronto is the most dominant city in Canada when it comes to the business and work industry. When you think of manufacturing and distribution, Toronto will be the first place that comes to mind. The current employment rate is 94 percent. The average salary earned is $35,100 per year or $18 per hour.
2. Ottawa
Ottawa has an employment rate of 95.3 percent so it has a very high demand for jobs at the moment as producing goods take up more than half of the national average in the key industries. The average salary earned in Ottawa per year is $71,064 per year or an hourly rate of $34.
3. Brantford
The employment rate in Brantford was 92.8 percent as of October 2021. Brantford’s main industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, as well as plastic and rubber products. The average salary per year in this city is $68.825 per year or an hourly rate of $33.
4. Hamilton
Hamilton is known as Canada’s leading iron and steel industry. The employment rate in Hamilton is 95 percent. The largest number of jobs are in lower Hamilton, Hamilton’s waterfront, and the Mountain. Hamilton has about 178,000 jobs available, and only half of them are filled. The average pay grade per year is $67.822 per year or an hourly rate of $31.
5. Waterloo
Waterloo is notorious for being a high-tech hub. This city prides itself on innovation, education, and economy. It has affordable housing which enables many business-minded people to set up stores/shops. It currently has an employment rate of 94 percent. The average annual salary rate is about $62,821 per year or an hourly rate of $30.
In Demand Jobs Per City
There are plenty of job opportunities in Ontario. Here are some of the top in demand jobs per city.
| Toronto |
|---|
| Registered nurse |
| Transport driver |
| Customer service representative |
| Teacher |
| Programmer |
| Ottawa | |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | |
| Welders | |
| Boilermakers | |
| Database Administrator | |
| Carpenter |
| Brantford |
|---|
| Educator |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| General Labourer |
| Housekeeper |
| Electrical Engineer |
| Hamilton |
|---|
| Dentist |
| Engineering Manager |
| Nurse Practitioner |
| Power Systems Electrician |
| Plumbers |
| Waterloo |
|---|
| Pharmacists |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Special Education Teachers |
| Computer Systems Analysts |
| Insurance Sales Agents |
| Industrial Engineers |
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Now that we have visited the top in-demand jobs in Ontario and which cities to find them in, let’s take a look at how to immigrate to Ontario.
The OINP was designed to give foreign nationals with a selected skillset the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Below are the top programs under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program:
| Ontario INP Categories |
|---|
| Employer Job Category |
| Human Capital Category |
| Business Category |
There are requirements in order to qualify for any Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). These are:
- Police clearance;
- Medical certificate;
- Biometrics;
- Federal Checks;
- Security Checks.
Canadian Work Permit
To work in Ontario, you will need a work permit. Here are three easy steps to help you obtain your work visa.
Step 1: Work Permit of choice
You will need to decide on which type of work permit you will require. There are two types of work permits:
- Open Work Permit - This will enable you to live and work in Canada wherever you choose. You do not have to have a fixed location to work and you are able to roam around.
- Employer-specific Work Permit - This work permit is a bit more restricted than the open work permit because you will have to abide by the specifications set out in your work permit. It will require you to stay in a fixed location.
Step 2: Are you eligible?
Here are the requirements you will need to meet in order to qualify for a work permit.
- Ensure your employer will employ you.
- Have a clear criminal record.
- Have proof of funds (you have to be able to prove you can support yourself and your family when you are abroad).
- Proof that you will leave once your work permit has expired.
- Be in good health.
Step 3: Application submission
The easiest and best way to apply is online. It will prevent any possible delays and save you courier fees. Processing time could be reduced if you use an accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) as it indicates that your documents will be verified. It’s important to submit a complete application otherwise it will delay the processing time.
FAQS
What is the cost of living in Ontario?
The cost of living will always vary depending on the size of your family and the city you reside in. In general, the cost of living in Ontario for a family of four would be roughly 3,493$ without rent. A single person who is not paying rent would live off of 1,001$ a month. This is a super affordable city when compared to cities like New York, as Ontario is 25.94 percent less expensive.
Why do entrepreneurs choose Ontario?
Entrepreneurs often benefit from lower tax rates, funding programs, a skilled workforce, and overheads. If you are under 30, this will definitely count in your favour. Ontario also has many economic development opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. Ontario also has an Entrepreneur stream to help foreigners buy a business or create a new one.
Is healthcare free in Ontario?
For the most part, healthcare is funded by the Government of Canada. Prescription medication is available for those who are under the age of 25. To make sure you are covered for healthcare it is crucial to apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan as soon as you immigrate.
How do you travel in Ontario without your own transport?
This is an easy one. Ontario is ranked as one of the best provinces for public transport. One-third of Ontarians use public transport as a means to get around. Satisfaction with commuting times and the time it takes to get to work is always rated extremely high.
Some of the cities in Ontario offer a fast-paced urban life, and others offer warm countrysides as an escape to the hustle and bustle of our daily living. Although the cities differ from one another, they offer a variety of jobs in Ontario that will be able to accommodate different individuals' needs. Perhaps you find your dream life in one of the amazing cities in Ontario.
