If you’ve been thinking about building a new life in Canada with better job prospects, Ontario may just have opened the perfect door for you. In a bold move to tackle labour shortages and fuel economic growth, the Ontario government has announced the sixth round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream. With an investment of $260 million, this initiative supports innovative projects focused on training, hiring, and upskilling workers across healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and the fast-growing AI sector.
For newcomers and prospective immigrants, this opens up real opportunities to enter Canada with not only permanent residency plans, but with job-ready skills that employers need right now.
What is the Skills Development Fund (SDF)?
The SDF Training Stream is Ontario’s flagship program to help employers and training providers equip individuals with industry-ready skills. This year’s sixth round targets:
- Healthcare (including nurses and PSWs)
- Manufacturing and skilled trades
- Construction and infrastructure roles
- Automotive and AI-powered technologies
Whether you’re a newcomer looking to integrate quickly or an immigrant in the pipeline, the SDF can help smooth your career path.
Key Funding Projects That Could Benefit Immigrants
Some recent project highlights from the fifth round include:
| Project Name | Investment | Target Group | Training Area |
| Support Ontario Youth | $3.75M | High school grads, apprentices | 15 skilled trades |
| Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters | $1.43M | Women, youth, newcomers | Manufacturing |
| Unite Here Local 75 | $5.5M | Jobseekers, hospitality workers | Hospitality training + certification |
| Finishing Trades Institute | $3.77M | Trade apprentices | Painting, glazing, readiness training |
| Youth Employment Services (YES) | $1.1M | Unemployed youth, women | Cybersecurity, AI skills |
What Does This Mean for Immigrants?
Many of these projects are tailored to underrepresented groups like women, youth, and immigrants, making it easier to find pathways to employment and permanent residence.
Ontario’s SDF and Immigration: Why This Matters in 2025
With 87,955 jobs unfilled in Toronto alone in early 2025, there’s a clear demand for trained workers. Immigration policies are aligning with labour needs—meaning if you’re skilled and trained, you have an edge. Plus, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) gives preference to individuals trained in Ontario or with job offers in high-demand fields like healthcare, trades, or tech. This makes programs like the SDF extremely useful for immigrants to boost their profiles.
How to Apply for the SDF or Get Involved
Eligible organizations—including hospitals, employers, Indigenous organizations, and labour unions—can apply directly through Transfer Payment Ontario. Applications for Round 6 are open until October 1, 2025. If you’re a job seeker or newcomer looking to join one of these projects, visit the training provider’s website or reach out to ImmigCanada for personalized immigration assistance.
Immigration and Ontario’s SDF – A Win-Win
This massive investment in Ontario’s workforce is also a huge opportunity for immigrants. By aligning your immigration goals with in-demand job training, you can fast-track your career and future in Canada. Whether through Express Entry, the OINP, or employer-driven programs, skilled immigrants are now more important than ever. And with $260 million on the table, Ontario is proving it’s serious about preparing newcomers for success. Canada immigration has never looked more promising, especially for those willing to train, adapt, and grow in the province of Ontario.
Leave a Reply