Ontario FAQ: Everything Newcomers Need to Know About Living in Ontario

How do I get Ontario health insurance (OHIP)?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides free basic healthcare to eligible residents. To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold certain work permits and live in Ontario. Apply at a ServiceOntario centre with your immigration documents, proof of Ontario residency (such as a lease or utility bill), and proof of identity. There is a three-month waiting period for new residents before OHIP coverage begins. During this waiting period, you should obtain private health insurance. Once active, OHIP covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and most medically necessary services. OHIP does not cover prescription drugs (unless you are under 25 through OHIP+), dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, or ambulance services.

What does OHIP cover and what does it not cover?

OHIP covers medically necessary services including visits to family doctors and specialists, hospital stays and surgery, diagnostic tests and lab work, some mental health services, and optometry for children and seniors. OHIP does not cover prescription medications for adults (though the Trillium Drug Program provides help for those with high drug costs), dental care, vision care for adults aged 20-64, cosmetic surgery, chiropractic care, physiotherapy (outside hospitals), and semi-private or private hospital rooms. Most employers offer extended health benefits that cover these gaps. If you do not have employer benefits, consider purchasing private supplemental health insurance.

How do I get an Ontario driver's licence?

Ontario uses a graduated licensing system. New drivers start with a G1 licence (learner's permit) by passing a written knowledge test, then progress to G2 (by passing a road test after at least 12 months with G1, or 8 months if you complete an approved driving course), and finally a full G licence (by passing a second road test). If you have driving experience from another country, you may be eligible for licence exchange or credit. Drivers from certain countries with reciprocal agreements (such as the US, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several European countries) can exchange their licence directly for an Ontario G licence. Drivers from other countries may receive credit that reduces the waiting periods. Visit a DriveTest centre with your foreign licence, passport, and immigration documents to determine your eligibility.

How much does car insurance cost in Ontario?

Ontario has some of the highest car insurance premiums in Canada, averaging approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per year, though rates in the Greater Toronto Area can be significantly higher ($2,500 to $3,500). Factors affecting your rate include your location, driving experience, vehicle type, and claims history. As a newcomer without Canadian driving history, your premiums will likely be higher initially. Some insurers accept driving records from your home country, which can help reduce your rate. Shop around and get quotes from multiple providers. Ontario requires minimum coverage of $200,000 third-party liability, accident benefits, uninsured automobile coverage, and direct compensation for property damage. Many people choose higher coverage limits.

What are the main cities for newcomers in Ontario?

Ontario offers several cities attractive to newcomers. Toronto is the largest city in Canada with the most diverse job market and cultural communities. Ottawa is the national capital with strong government employment. Hamilton is an affordable alternative to Toronto with a growing economy. Kitchener-Waterloo is a tech hub with lower living costs. London has a growing healthcare and education sector. Windsor is affordable with proximity to Detroit. Brampton and Mississauga have large South Asian and diverse communities with many newcomer services. Each city has different costs, job markets, and community characteristics, so research the specific city that matches your needs.

How does the education system work in Ontario?

Ontario provides free public education from Junior Kindergarten (age 4) through Grade 12. The school year runs from September to June. To enroll your child, contact your local school board (there are English public, English Catholic, French public, and French Catholic boards). You will need proof of immigration status, proof of address, and immunization records. Children are placed by age and may receive English as a Second Language (ESL) support if needed. Ontario has 24 publicly funded universities and 24 colleges. Post-secondary tuition for domestic students is regulated by the province. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides grants and loans to eligible students, including permanent residents.

What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The OINP allows Ontario to nominate immigrants for permanent residency based on the province's economic needs. Streams include: Employer Job Offer categories (for those with a job offer from an Ontario employer), Human Capital categories (linked to the federal Express Entry system), Business categories (for entrepreneurs and investors), and In-Demand Skills streams. The Employer Job Offer: International Student stream and the Human Capital: Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams are particularly popular. OINP nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. Check the OINP website for current open streams and eligibility requirements.

What are tenant rights in Ontario?

Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act provides strong protections for tenants. Key rights include: landlords cannot evict without a valid reason and proper notice through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), rent increases are limited to an annual guideline set by the province (2.5 percent for 2025), landlords must maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair, security deposits are limited to one month's rent and can only be applied to the last month's rent (not for damage), and landlords cannot discriminate based on race, religion, family status, or other protected grounds. If you have a dispute with your landlord, you can file an application with the LTB. Legal Aid Ontario provides free legal advice for low-income tenants.

How do I find affordable housing in Ontario?

Housing affordability is a major challenge in Ontario, particularly in Toronto and surrounding areas. Options include: applying for subsidized housing through your local housing authority (wait times can be several years), looking in smaller cities where rent is lower, sharing accommodation with roommates, exploring co-operative housing, and looking for units in newer purpose-built rental buildings. Websites like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Rentals.ca, and PadMapper list available rentals. Be cautious of rental scams: never send money before viewing a unit and never wire money to someone you have not met. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,200 in smaller cities to $2,600 in downtown Toronto.

What minimum wage and employment standards apply in Ontario?

The Ontario minimum wage is $17.20 per hour as of October 2024. Employees are entitled to: a 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work, overtime pay (1.5 times regular pay after 44 hours per week), public holiday pay for 9 statutory holidays per year, vacation time (minimum 2 weeks per year, increasing to 3 weeks after 5 years), and various leave entitlements including sick leave (3 unpaid days per year), family responsibility leave, and bereavement leave. The Employment Standards Act sets these minimums, though many employers offer better terms. If your employer violates these standards, you can file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

How do I access settlement services in Ontario?

Ontario has extensive settlement services funded by the federal and provincial governments. Organizations such as COSTI Immigrant Services, Newcomer Centre of Peel, Catholic Crosscultural Services, ACCES Employment, and many others offer free services including language training (LINC and ESL programs), employment assistance (resume writing, job search, interview preparation), orientation to Canadian life, credential assessment and bridging programs, mentorship programs, and help with housing, healthcare, and education. To find services near you, visit the IRCC website and use the "Find help to settle" tool, or call 211 to connect with community services.

What childcare options are available in Ontario?

Ontario is implementing the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, which is reducing childcare fees to an average of $10 per day by 2026 for children under 6 in participating licensed centres. Fee reductions are being phased in, and many families are already paying significantly less than pre-program fees. Licensed childcare includes centre-based care, home-based care, and before and after school programs. To find licensed childcare, use the OneList system (available in many municipalities) or contact your municipal children's services department. Subsidies are available for eligible families based on income. Waitlists can be long, particularly for infant care, so register early.

How does public transit work in Ontario cities?

Transit varies significantly by city. Toronto has the TTC (subways, streetcars, buses) with a monthly pass of $156 and the regional GO Transit system connecting suburbs. Ottawa has OC Transpo with buses and the O-Train LRT. Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and other cities have bus-based transit systems. The PRESTO card is a reloadable payment card accepted on transit systems across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Ottawa, and other cities. Most transit systems offer discounted fares for seniors, students, and children. Ontario has invested in expanding transit with projects like the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and extensions to the GO Transit network.

Do I need to pay for prescription drugs in Ontario?

Ontario's OHIP+ program provides free coverage for prescription medications for children and youth under 25 who do not have private insurance. For adults, prescription drugs are not covered by OHIP. The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program covers most prescription drug costs for people 65 and older, residents of long-term care homes, recipients of Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, and those enrolled in the Trillium Drug Program (which helps people with high drug costs relative to income). Most working adults rely on employer-provided drug benefits or pay out of pocket. If you have high drug costs, apply for the Trillium Drug Program through ServiceOntario.

What are the costs of utilities in Ontario?

Monthly utility costs in Ontario typically include: electricity ($100 to $200 per month, depending on consumption and whether you are on time-of-use or tiered pricing), natural gas for heating ($80 to $200 per month, higher in winter), water ($50 to $100 per month, often included in rent for apartments), and internet ($55 to $120 per month depending on provider and speed). The Ontario Energy Board regulates electricity and natural gas prices. Low-income residents may qualify for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), which provides a monthly credit on electricity bills. Total utility costs for a typical apartment are $250 to $450 per month, varying significantly by season.

How do I register a vehicle in Ontario?

To register a vehicle in Ontario, you need a valid Ontario driver's licence, proof of insurance from an Ontario-licensed insurer, a safety standards certificate (vehicle inspection), and a used vehicle information package (if buying from a private seller). Registration is done at a ServiceOntario centre. You will receive Ontario licence plates and a vehicle permit. Annual licence plate renewal costs approximately $120. If you are bringing a vehicle from another country, it must meet Canadian safety and emissions standards and be imported through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The process involves CBSA clearance, an inspection, and payment of applicable duties and taxes.

What French-language services are available in Ontario?

Ontario's French Language Services Act guarantees the right to receive provincial government services in French in designated areas. Ontario has a significant francophone population, particularly in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, and Northern Ontario. French-language schools (public and Catholic) are available across the province. The University of Ottawa, Laurentian University, and several colleges offer French-language programs. Health services in French are available in designated areas. Newcomers who speak French can access settlement services in French through organizations like La Cite collegiale and le Centre francophone de Toronto.