Incentive Programs for Hiring Newcomers

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Yes, there is financial support out there to help build your team!

Mentor Works

Employers may be eligible for a range of financial incentives to help offset the costs of hiring and training employees, including newcomers. Across Ontario and Canada, there are numerous programs available that can offer wage subsidies, training grants, and tax credits to support workforce development.

Hiring newcomers not only opens access to these supports but also strengthens your workforce. Newcomers bring diverse perspectives, international experience, and in-demand skills that can help address labour shortages, drive innovation, and better reflect the communities you serve.

Whether you are hiring for entry-level, skilled, or specialized roles, there are funding opportunities available to support your recruitment and training efforts. Explore the programs below to find incentives that align with your hiring needs.

 

Youth Employment Program (YEP):

  • Provincial incentive providing up to $3,000 in hiring incentives to support hiring and training youth (including newcomers).
  • Can apply if the newcomer is a youth (15–29 years old).
  • Offers access to pre-screened candidates and onboarding support.
  • Learn more and request an appointment HERE.

 

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ):

  • Provides wage subsidies to support employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years.
  • Covers up to 50%–100% of minimum wage depending on employer type.
  • Learn more HERE.
  • CLOSED for 2026 (applications will reopen).

 

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP): 

  • Employers may be eligible to receive year-round wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students across Canada.
  • Receive $5,000-$7,000 for every student hired through the program.
  • Learn more HERE.

Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG): PAUSED

  • Provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees.
  • Covers up to 83% of training costs for new or existing employees.
  • Employers can receive up to $10,000 per trainee.
  • Learn more HERE.

 

Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC): 

  • Non-refundable investment tax credit equal to 10% of eligible salaries and wages for employed apprentices.
  • Employers can claim up to $2,000 for each eligible apprentice.
  • Learn more HERE.

 

Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC): 

  • Encourages businesses to provide experiential learning opportunities and hands-on job experience to post-secondary students through co-op work placements.
  • 25-30% refundable tax credit available.
  • Up to $3,000 in credit for each placement student.
  • Learn more HERE.

 

Sponsor an Apprentice:

  • In sponsoring an apprentice, employers may be eligible for various Provincial incentives such as Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or grants to cover equipment costs. 
  • Learn more HERE.

Ontario Bridge Training Program: 

  • Helps internationally trained skilled newcomers find jobs that match their international training and qualifications.
  • Eligible for residents of Ontario with appropriate combinations of international training and work experience.
  • Fees may apply. 
  • Learn more HERE. 

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): 

  • Recognizes and nominates people for permanent residence who have the skills and experience the Ontario economy needs.
  • To qualify as an employer as part of OINP, you must meet program requirements and have made a job offer for a full-time and permanent position to an eligible foreign worker or international student.
  • Please learn more through the OINP Job Offer Streams Employer Guide. 

Employment Ontario Offices:

Local Social Enterprise Offices: 

Last Updated: March 30th, 2026
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