NOC 32103TEER 2📍 Ontario

Respiratory therapists in Ontario

Complete immigration guide for Respiratory therapists to Ontario, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code

32103

TEER Level

TEER 2

College/Apprenticeship

Median Wage

$37/hr

~$76,960/yr

Min CLB

CLB 5

🍁

Free Immigration Assessment

Complete our smart assessment form to check your eligibility for over 80+ Canadian immigration programs.

→ Start Assessment Book a consultation

📖 Expert Overview

Respiratory Therapists (NOC 32103, TEER 2) are a profession in high demand across Ontario, Canada, offering significant opportunities for skilled foreign nationals aiming for permanent residence. With a median wage of $37/hr, the profession provides competitive compensation within Ontario's robust and expanding healthcare sector. The province's aging population, coupled with ongoing healthcare needs, ensures a sustained and growing demand for qualified Respiratory Therapists in various settings, including acute care hospitals, community clinics, and home care services, across both urban centers and regional communities. Immigration to Ontario for Respiratory Therapists primarily leverages the federal Express Entry system, often enhanced by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Candidates with strong language proficiency in English or French, combined with relevant professional experience and educational credentials, are well-positioned for successful immigration. A crucial prerequisite for practicing as a Respiratory Therapist in Ontario is obtaining professional licensure from the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO). Therefore, prospective immigrants must prioritize understanding and initiating the licensing process in parallel with their immigration application to ensure a smooth transition into the Canadian healthcare workforce.

📊 Job Market in Ontario

Demand

High

Salary Range

$70,000 - $95,000/year

Top Cities

Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Mississauga, Kitchener

The job market outlook for Respiratory Therapists in Ontario is very positive, driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, and ongoing expansion of healthcare services. Demand is expected to remain strong in both hospital and community-based settings for the foreseeable future.

✅ Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯

FSW

Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry

🇨🇦

CEC

Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry

🏛️

PNP

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

🎯 Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Respiratory therapists qualifies for the following category-based draws, which typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.

🏥Healthcare

💼 Related Job Titles

Respiratory therapistRT

📚 Education & Language Requirements

Education Required

College diploma or apprenticeship (2+ years)

Minimum Language

CLB 5 — IELTS ~5.0+

📍 About Ontario

Capital

Toronto

Province Code

PNP Program

ON PNP

Top Industries

TechnologyFinanceHealthcareManufacturing

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

1. Understand and Initiate Professional Licensing

Before or in parallel with immigration, research and begin the mandatory licensing process with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO). This involves credential assessment, language proficiency, and potentially an exam. Licensure is essential to practice in Ontario.

2. Complete Language Proficiency and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Take an approved language test (IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General) to meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements (typically CLB 7 for Express Entry). Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an organization like WES or ICAS to verify your foreign education's equivalency to Canadian standards, which is required for Express Entry.

3. Create an Express Entry Profile

If eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), create an online Express Entry profile. Your profile will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. A higher score increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

4. Explore Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

As an Express Entry candidate, you may be eligible for the OINP's Human Capital Priorities stream, which often conducts targeted draws for healthcare occupations. Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the OINP portal. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA for permanent residence.

5. Search for Job Opportunities (Optional but Recommended)

While not always mandatory for Express Entry or OINP Human Capital Priorities, actively searching for and securing a job offer as a Respiratory Therapist in Ontario can significantly boost your CRS score and open doors to other OINP streams (e.g., Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream). Many employers prefer candidates who have already started the licensing process.

6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score is high enough in an Express Entry draw, or if you receive a provincial nomination from Ontario, you will receive an ITA for permanent residence. This is the official invitation to submit your complete application.

7. Submit Permanent Residence Application

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete and accurate permanent residence application, including all supporting documents such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds. IRCC will then process your application.

🏛️ Ontario PNP Tips

For Respiratory Therapists targeting Ontario, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) can be a game-changer. The Human Capital Priorities stream, linked to Express Entry, is particularly relevant. Ensure your Express Entry profile is robust and up-to-date, as OINP often scans the Express Entry pool for candidates meeting specific criteria, including those with healthcare experience and competitive CRS scores. Regularly check for OINP program updates and targeted draws, as the province may specifically invite Respiratory Therapists or other healthcare professionals. While a job offer is not strictly required for the Human Capital Priorities stream, having one can significantly strengthen your overall immigration profile and may open pathways to other OINP streams like the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. Actively engage with the OINP's Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Maintaining a strong CRS score and being proactive in monitoring OINP announcements will maximize your chances of receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario, which provides a substantial advantage in the Express Entry system.

📋 Licensing & Certification

To practice as a Respiratory Therapist in Ontario, registration with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) is mandatory. The licensing process involves several key steps: 1) Submission of an application for registration and assessment of academic credentials to ensure they meet Canadian standards. 2) Demonstration of English or French language proficiency, if your primary language of education was not English or French. 3) Successful completion of the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) examination. 4) Completion of a jurisprudence education module. Depending on your background, supervised practice or additional education may be required. It is highly recommended to start this process well in advance of your arrival in Canada, as it can be lengthy and complex.

💡 Practical Tips

✓Start your CRTO licensing application as early as possible, ideally before immigrating, as it is a lengthy and mandatory process.
✓Network with professional associations like the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario (RTSO) and the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) for job leads and mentorship.
✓Prepare a Canadian-style resume and cover letter, focusing on transferable skills and Canadian healthcare context.
✓Consider volunteering or taking bridging courses if there are gaps in your Canadian clinical experience or regulatory requirements.
✓Be open to job opportunities in smaller cities or rural areas in Ontario, as demand may be higher and competition potentially lower than in major urban centers.
✓Familiarize yourself with the Canadian healthcare system, its terminology, and patient care standards to ease your professional integration.

🍁

Free Immigration Assessment

Complete our smart assessment form to check your eligibility for over 80+ Canadian immigration programs.

→ Start Assessment Book a consultation

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to immigrate as a Respiratory Therapist to Ontario?

Not necessarily for the main Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program) or the OINP Human Capital Priorities stream, but a valid job offer can significantly boost your CRS score and open doors to other OINP streams.

How long does the CRTO licensing process typically take?

The duration varies depending on individual circumstances, completeness of documentation, and exam schedules, but it can range from several months to over a year. Starting early is crucial.

Can I work as a Respiratory Therapist while my license application is in process?

No, you cannot legally practice as a Respiratory Therapist in Ontario without full registration and licensure from the CRTO. You may, however, seek employment in other fields while awaiting your license.

What is the primary immigration pathway for Respiratory Therapists in Ontario?

The most common pathway is through the federal Express Entry system, specifically the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), often combined with a provincial nomination from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), particularly the Human Capital Priorities stream.

Are my foreign Respiratory Therapist credentials recognized in Ontario?

Your credentials will be assessed by the CRTO to determine equivalency to Canadian standards. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is also required for immigration purposes, but the CRTO conducts its own professional assessment.

What are the minimum language requirements for immigration and licensing?

For Express Entry, a minimum CLB 7 (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band) is generally required. The CRTO also has its own language proficiency requirements, which may be similar or slightly different, so check their specific guidelines.