{"id":834,"date":"2026-05-25T07:36:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/?p=834"},"modified":"2026-05-25T07:36:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:36:51","slug":"ontario-works-eligibility-for-newcomers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/ontario-works-eligibility-for-newcomers\/","title":{"rendered":"Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada: Everything You Must Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you have recently arrived in Canada and settled in Ontario, you must be aware of Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada. It may be wondering whether you can receive financial assistance while looking for work. The good news is that newcomers to Canada can apply for Ontario Works (OW) financial assistance it they come under the rules. However, there are specific conditions around residency, assets, income, and participation that you must understand before applying. This guide covers everything needs to know about Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada and special cases of ineligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Is Considered a Newcomer for Ontario Works?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The person is considered as Newcomers to Canada, if he\/she is:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Permanent residents (landed immigrants)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convention refugees or protected persons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refugee claimants (while awaiting a decision)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naturalized Canadian citizens who recently moved to Ontario from another country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourists, visitors, and temporary foreign workers without permanent resident status are not eligible for Ontario Works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Basic Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a newcomer to canada, you must meet the same five main requirements as any other Ontario resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Age Requirements for OW for settlers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You must be a minimum of 16 years of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is no upper age limit.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ontario Residency rule for immigrants to Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To be qualified for Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada, you must:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Live in Ontario.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not need to have lived in Ontario for a minimum number of years before applying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be physically present in the province.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Financial Need for Newcomers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You must demonstrate that you do not have enough money to cover basic living expenses (food, rent, utilities). Your income and assets will be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asset Limits for outsiders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your non-exempt assets cannot exceed the standard limits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Household Type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Asset Limit<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Single person<\/td><td>$10,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Couple<\/td><td>$15,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dependents<\/td><td>Additional amounts allowed for dependents<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participation in Employment Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You must agree to participate in approved employment-related activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together with an Ontario Works caseworker, you will develop a participation plan to help you find work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sponsorship Rule: Barrier to OW Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most important section for sponsored immigrants. If You Were Sponsored by a Family Member, under Ontario Works Eligibility for newcomers to Canada rules, if a family member signed a sponsorship undertaking on your behalf, the income and assets of your sponsor may be deemed (counted) as available to you. It means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your sponsor&#8217;s income and assets are considered your own for eligibility purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may be denied OW if your sponsor has sufficient income or assets to support you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This applies for the duration of the sponsorship undertaking (usually 3 to 10 years, depending on the type of sponsorship).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exceptions to the Sponsorship Rule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The sponsor&#8217;s income and assets are not counted to consider your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/ontario-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ontario Works Eligibility for newcomers to Canada<\/a>, if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fleeing family violence: The OW Administrator may grant a temporary waiver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sponsor has died.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sponsor is receiving social assistance (Ontario Works or ODSP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sponsor has defaulted on their sponsorship obligations, and you can prove they are not providing support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Must Do as a Sponsored Newcomer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide your caseworker with your sponsor&#8217;s contact information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Report your sponsor&#8217;s income and assets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your sponsor refuses to support you despite their legal obligation, you must demonstrate that you have made reasonable efforts to seek support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If family violence is involved, you must inform your caseworker immediately to request a waiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Residency Documentation Newcomers Need to get OW Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you apply for Ontario Works as a newcomer to Canada, you must provide proof of your immigration status and Ontario residency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th colspan=\"2\">Acceptable Immigration Documents<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Status<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Required Document<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Permanent resident<\/td><td>Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Convention refugee<\/td><td>Protected Person Status document or Notice of Decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Refugee claimant<\/td><td>Refugee Protection Claimant document (brown paper) with a valid work permit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Naturalized citizen<\/td><td>Canadian Citizenship Certificate or Canadian passport<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proof\/Documentation Required to prove Ontario Residency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lease agreement or rental receipt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utility bill (hydro, water, gas) in your name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank statement with Ontario address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ontario Health Card (if you have one)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letter from a shelter or community organization confirming your residence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asset Rules for OW Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a newcomer, you may have arrived with savings, a vehicle, or other possessions. These count toward your asset limit unless exempt. Here is what Counts Toward Your Asset Limit set by the ontario works support program:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Asset<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Treatment<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cash you brought to Canada<\/td><td>Counts fully<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bank accounts (Canadian or foreign)<\/td><td>Counts fully<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vehicles (beyond your primary car)<\/td><td>Counts if value exceeds $15,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Property you own outside Canada<\/td><td>Counts as a second property (equity value)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Accessible RRSPs or foreign retirement accounts<\/td><td>Counts fully<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cash surrender value of life insurance<\/td><td>Counts fully<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does NOT Count (Exempt Assets for Newcomers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One primary vehicle of any value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your principal residence (if you own a home in Ontario)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-paid funeral plan (any value)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Household items (furniture, clothing, personal belongings)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RESP or RDSP accounts (fully exempt)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locked-in pensions (including some foreign pensions that you cannot access yet)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asset Example for Single Person: Newcomer to Canada&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Asset<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Value<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Exempt?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Counts Toward $10,000?<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cash savings from home country (in Canadian bank)<\/td><td>$7,000<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>$7,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Primary car (used)<\/td><td>$12,000<\/td><td>Yes (primary vehicle)<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Furniture and clothing<\/td><td>$3,000<\/td><td>Yes (household items)<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"3\"><strong>Total toward limit<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$7,000 (eligible)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Income Rules for Newcomers to get OW Support&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You must report all income you receive from any source, including from outside Canada. Here are the common Income Sources for Newcomers that are a must to report to the case-workers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Income Source<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Treatment<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Job earnings in Canada<\/td><td>First $200 + 50% of remaining exempt<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Foreign pension (e.g., from your home country)<\/td><td>100% countable income (unless specifically exempt)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Remittances from family abroad<\/td><td>Counts as a gift (up to $10,000 per 12 months exempt)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rental income from property in home country<\/td><td>100% countable (unless used for exempt purposes)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spousal support from a spouse outside Canada<\/td><td>100% countable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada Child Benefit (CCB)<\/td><td>Fully exempt<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)<\/td><td>Fully exempt<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Foreign Income and Social Security Agreements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada has social security agreements with over 40 countries, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Europe<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Americas<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Asia\/Pacific<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United Kingdom<\/td><td>United States<\/td><td>South Korea<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>France<\/td><td>Mexico<\/td><td>Philippines<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Germany<\/td><td>Chile<\/td><td>Australia<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Italy<\/td><td>Uruguay<\/td><td>New Zealand<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Switzerland<\/td><td>Barbados<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What these agreements mean for you:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you receive a pension from a reciprocal country, it is generally counted as income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may be eligible for Old Age Security (OAS) or CPP based on combined residency periods from Canada and the reciprocal country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your caseworker can help you determine if your foreign pension is countable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For non-reciprocal countries: Your foreign pension is still considered income and must be reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gifts and Awards from Abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many newcomers receive financial help from family still living in their home country. These are treated as gifts. The $10,000 Rule is also applied to them. According to this rule, you can receive up to $10,000 in a 12-month period in gifts or voluntary payments from relatives, friends, or any source without it counting as income. This includes money sent via wire transfer, bank draft, or cash brought by a relative. Gifts used for the following purposes are fully exempt (no $10,000 gift limit):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Purchasing a primary residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchasing an exempt motor vehicle (your primary car)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First and last month&#8217;s rent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Critical Warning About Assets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you receive a gift and keep the money in your bank account for the following month, it becomes an asset. As a single person, if that gift pushes your total non-exempt assets above $10,000, you will become ineligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Example:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Single-person asset limit<\/td><td><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gift received from parents abroad<\/td><td>$9,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Remaining gift money next month<\/td><td>$8,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Existing savings<\/td><td>$3,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total assets next month<\/td><td>$11,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Single person asset limit<\/td><td>$10,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Result<\/td><td>Exceeds the asset limit by $1,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participation Requirements for Newcomers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To qualify for the <a href=\"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/disability-and-social-assistance\/ontario-works-ow-support-payment-eligibility-checker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada<\/a>, you are generally expected to participate in employment-related activities, just like any other OW recipient. Activities May Include<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Job search workshops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language Skill training (English or French)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skills assessment and resume writing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Volunteer placement (to gain Canadian work experience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formal training or education programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct job placement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Considerations for Newcomers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Treatment<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>You do not speak English or French<\/td><td>Language training is an approved activity. You are expected to participate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Your foreign credentials are not yet recognized<\/td><td>OW can refer you to credential assessment services.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>You have a work permit but no Canadian work experience<\/td><td>Volunteer placements and job search activities are required.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>You are a refugee claimant with a work permit<\/td><td>You must participate in employment activities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exemptions from Participation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May be exempt from participation requirements if:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a medical condition (documented by a physician)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caring for a dependent with a disability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>65 years or older (but you may be eligible for OAS\/GIS instead)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Disqualifies the Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be ineligible for Ontario Works as a newcomer to Canada if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You are a sponsored immigrant, and your sponsor has sufficient income\/assets. Sponsorship undertaking deems your sponsor&#8217;s resources as yours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your non-exempt assets exceed the limit | $10,000 for a single, $15,000 for a couple. Your monthly countable income exceeds your maximum OW amount | e.g., foreign pension or remote work income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You refuse to participate in employment activities. Without a valid exemption, you cannot provide proof of immigration status | You must verify your status.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are a visitor, tourist, or temporary foreign worker without PR status, you are not eligible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps: How to Apply for Ontario Works as a Newcomer to Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 1: Collect Your Required Documents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Immigration documents (PR card, COPR, Protected Person status, or refugee claimant document)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ontario residency proof (lease, utility bill, bank statement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank statements (Canadian and foreign accounts)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vehicle ownership documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sponsor&#8217;s contact information and income details (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any foreign pension or income statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Step 2: Visit Your Local Ontario Works Office<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a local office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If language is a barrier, request an interpreter (OW offices can provide interpretation services).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Step 3: Complete the OW Support Application<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disclose all assets (including those outside Canada).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disclose all income (including foreign pensions and remittances).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide your sponsor&#8217;s information (if you were sponsored).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 4: Meet with a Caseworker<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your caseworker will review your financial eligibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are sponsored, they will determine whether your sponsor&#8217;s income\/assets are deemed to be yours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will develop a participation plan (including language training if needed).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Step 5: Sign an Agreement to Reimburse (if applicable)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are expecting retroactive income (e.g., a foreign pension payment), you must sign an Agreement to Reimburse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step 6: Receive Your First Payment (if eligible)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If approved, you will receive your first OW payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must report any changes in income, assets, or circumstances monthly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686533736\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">1. Can a newcomer who has just arrived in Ontario apply for Ontario Works?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Permanent residents, convention refugees, protected persons, and refugee claimants can apply. There is no minimum residency period. However, tourists, visitors, and temporary foreign workers without permanent resident status are not eligible.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686544616\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">2. I was sponsored by a family member. Will that affect my eligibility?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. If you have a sponsorship undertaking, your sponsor&#8217;s income and assets are generally counted as yours. You may be denied OW if your sponsor has sufficient resources. Exceptions include family violence, death of the sponsor, or if the sponsor is on social assistance themselves.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686554766\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">\u00a03. Do I have to report bank accounts from my home country?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. All assets, including foreign bank accounts, property outside Canada, and foreign pensions, must be reported. Foreign bank account balances count toward your $10,000 (single) or $15,000 (couple) asset limit.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686564958\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">4. Can I receive money from family abroad without losing OW?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, up to $10,000 in a 12-month period in gifts or remittances is exempt as income. Gifts used for a primary residence, an exempt vehicle, or first and last month&#8217;s rent have no limit. However, unspent gift money carried over into the next month becomes an asset.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686581057\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">\u00a05. Is my foreign pension counted as income?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Foreign pensions are generally 100% countable income unless a specific exemption applies. Canada has social security agreements with over 40 countries (including the US, UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Australia), but pension payments still count as income.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686591542\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">6. Do I need to participate in employment activities as a newcomer?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. In most cases, you must participate in approved activities. For newcomers, this often includes language training (English or French), job search workshops, and skills assessment. Refugee claimants with work permits are also required to participate.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686609206\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">7. What immigration documents do I need to apply for?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You will need one of the following: Permanent Resident Card (PR Card), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), Protected Person Status document, Refugee Protection Claimant document (brown paper), or Canadian Citizenship Certificate.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686627680\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">8. Can I own a car as a newcomer and still qualify?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Your primary vehicle (the one you use most) is fully exempt regardless of its value. You can own a car worth $30,000, and it will not count toward your asset limit. A second vehicle is exempt up to $15,000.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686635694\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">9. Does the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) affect my OW payment?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. The Canada Child Benefit is fully exempt from income. It will not reduce your Ontario Works payment. The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) is also fully exempt.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779686647080\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">10. What if my sponsor refuses to support me despite the sponsorship undertaking?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You must demonstrate that you have made reasonable efforts to seek support from your sponsor. If family violence is involved, inform your caseworker immediately to request a temporary waiver of the sponsorship deeming rules. A community legal clinic can also help.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have recently arrived in Canada and settled in Ontario, you must be aware of Ontario Works Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada. It may be&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":862,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[80,47,46],"class_list":["post-834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-benefits","tag-ontario","tag-ontario-works","tag-ow"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=834"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":878,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834\/revisions\/878"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/862"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadacalculators.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}