Adult learning: Ontario Bridge Training Program

About the program

The Ontario Bridge Training Program helps internationally trained skilled newcomers find jobs that match their international training and qualifications through:

• occupation-specific and technical training
• work experience, clinical placements and professional mentorship
• training and supports to prepare for licensing or certification exams
• employer connections and assistance to find jobs that match the skills and experience of internationally trained newcomers

Bridge Training Programs offer flexible learning opportunities including:

• in class
• online
• combination of in class and online

Schedule options vary by program and may include:

• part-time or full-time
• daytime and evening
• Monday to Friday and weekends

To be eligible for the bridge training program, you must:

• be a resident of Ontario
• have an appropriate combination of both international training and international work experience in a high skilled occupation
• have appropriate language proficiency at or equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 or higher, according to the requirements for the occupation or sector

In addition, you must be one of the following:

• permanent resident
• naturalized Canadian citizen
• provincial nominee under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (excluding those under the International Student Stream)
• refugee claimant with a 900-series Social Insurance Number (SIN) and an open work permit
• visitor under emergency travel measures enacted by the federal government (such as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel measure) with a 900-series Social Insurance Number (SIN) and an open work permit
• individual in Canada on a temporary work permit who has received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they meet the eligibility requirements for permanent residence (meaning approval in principle)

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

Fees may apply. The amount varies and is established by the service provider.

Additional support

If you need help paying for your program, you may benefit from the:

• Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP), a bursary that helps eligible internationally trained professionals pay for bridge training
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), a financial aid program that helps eligible internationally trained professionals pay for college or university

To start your application for the Ontario Bridge Training Program:

• review the following list of 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 2025 to 2027 funding cycle. All programs are offered in English only unless otherwise stated.

Please visit the Get settled in Ontario page for additional immigrant supports