Overview

Eligible internationally trained professionals can apply to the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) to help pay for training to enter the Ontario workforce.

Successful applicants will receive a one-time bursary of up to $5,000 that can be used to help with direct training costs, such as tuition, books and equipment.

Eligibility

People who can apply

  • To be eligible to apply for OBPAP, 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)

Programs

You must be enrolled in a program that is:

  • currently, or formerly, funded through the Ontario Bridge Training Program
  • approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
  • not eligible for OSAP funding

People who cannot apply

You cannot apply to the OBPAP if you are:

  • in default of a student loan
  • restricted from OSAP eligibility
  • getting Better Jobs Ontario or OSAP funding

Eligible expenses

Successful applicants will receive a one-time bursary of up to $5,000. You can only use the bursary to cover direct education costs, such as:

  • program tuition
  • books
  • equipment

How to apply

  1. Make sure the bridge training you’re enrolled in is an approved bridge training program.
  2. Apply to the financial aid office at the approved college or university.

Application deadline

You must apply while you are enrolled in the bridge training program.

Selection process

Priority is given to students with the greatest financial need. This is determined by your college or university’s student aid policies.

Other support

Talk to your school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify for other forms of financial assistance.

Learn more about Ontario’s programs to help internationally trained professionals upgrade their skills and find work.

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