Adult learning: Ontario Bridge Training Program
For skilled immigrants and refugees looking to continue their career in Canada.
About the program
Eligible immigrants can use bridge training programs to continue working in their career after immigrating to Ontario. These programs are designed to "bridge" your international training, education and experience, with what you need to continue working in your field in Ontario.
Bridge training programs are available for eligible immigrants with international training, education and experience in:
- a regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
- a highly-skilled, non-regulated occupation that is currently in demand (for example, information technology, financial services, etc.)
Bridge training programs help you get fast access to training and supports towards a license or certificate, and assist in finding employment in your profession or trade.
Through bridge training programs, you can get:
- an assessment of your skills and prior learning
- technical and essential skills training specific to your occupation
- license or certification exam preparation
- workplace culture and communication training
- clinical or job placements to help you get Canadian workplace experience
- mentoring or networking with employers
- employment supports, like resume preparation, labour market orientation, mock interviews, job search supports, etc.
- post-employment job retention supports, including career planning and management
Service providers and learning and schedule options
Service providers include:
- universities and publicly-funded colleges
- occupational regulatory bodies
- community agencies
- employer organizations
- for-profit organizations
Learning options include:
- in class
- online
- combination of in class and online
Schedule options include:
- part-time or full-time
- daytime and evening
- Monday to Friday and weekends
Program length
- The length will vary depending on the service provider delivering the training and your profession or trade.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the bridge training program, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- a resident of Ontario
- have international post-secondary education
- have international work experience in your occupation
- have English language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 or higher
In addition, you must be one of the following:
- refugee claimant with a valid work permit
- permanent resident
- naturalized Canadian citizen
Service providers may have additional eligibility requirements.
This program might be good for you if you:
- have already had a career in your home country
- would like to work in the same or similar field in Canada
International students and temporary foreign workers are not eligible.
Program cost
Fees may apply. The amount varies and is established by the service provider.
Additional support
You may benefit from the following:
- The Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) is a bursary that helps eligible internationally trained professionals pay for bridge training.
- The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)is a financial aid program that helps eligible internationally trained professionals pay for college or university.
How to register
To start your application for the Ontario Bridge Training Program:
- Review the following approved training programs to find one that meets your needs.
- Read about the program on the organization’s website or contact the organization to learn more.
- Contact the organization to register.
List of approved bridge training programs
These programs have been approved to deliver bridge training for the 2021–2023 funding cycle.