The City of Ottawa will continue to play a lead role in the implementation of the Ottawa Immigration Strategy, just as we did in the founding of OLIP.

Steve Desroches
City Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Ottawa
The target beneficiary of the work of OLIP is the whole community. In this short period we have planted together important seeds for Ottawa’s development.  

Dick Stewart
OLIP Council
The WOW seminar on immigrant women’s nutrition and health was a step in the right direction towards closing the gap between academic researchers and service providers.

Josephine Etowa
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa
The Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre is so happy to have joined the OLIP Health and Wellbeing Sector Table. It is clear that OLIP cares about immigrants and refugees and…

Wendy Tang, Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre
OLIP helps to unite and share scarce resources for greater impact by working together in the field of student education.

Walter Piovesan
Associate Director of Education, Ottawa Carleton District School Board
All the WOW events that I went to were great – WOW does give a sense of a community trying to improve its attraction and retention!

Caroline Andrew
Professor, University of Ottawa
I was happy to see integration to Algonquin territory and indigenous culture related programming in 2014 WOW. Please continue to involve local Aboriginal organisations and…

Linda Manning
WOW 2014 participant, Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa
The OLIP Council is committed to leadership.  In only a few years, we have a common vision and priorities, and are up to the task of implementing the Ottawa Immigration Strategy.

Salimatou Diallo
OLIP Council Vice Chair, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
We are very pleased to have done the “Opportunity Cost of Not Investing in Interpretation” report – it is so important to have clarity on these challenges and…

Hindia Mohamoud, Director, OLIP
I’m really impressed with the level of energy and commitment around the Health and Wellbeing table and look forward to continuing collaboration between OLIP and OPH.

Marcela Tapia
Ottawa Public Health

Education Programs to Support Newcomers and Immigrants

July 7, 2021

For some newcomers, it can be a challenge to find a rewarding career without a Canadian education or upgrading their academic or language skills. Some professions also require an equivalency for post-secondary education credentials from outside of Canada. This article highlights Algonquin College’s programs to support newcomers and immigrants in their education and career journey.

Language Training

Academic Upgrading

General Arts and Science Programs

Practical Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses

Personal Support Worker – Accelerated

Returning to Education

  • Perhaps you’re currently working, but not entirely fulfilled. Maybe you want to upgrade your skills for advancement, or you want a career change. We can provide you with the schedule and flexibility you need. Online programming or part-time in class options let you meet your other obligations while learning for your future.

Testing Services via the Test Centre

  • The Test Centre provides a range of testing services that are used for applicant placement, ranking, or to demonstrate an equivalency to an academic program requirement.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

  • PLAR allows you to receive course credit for non-academic life experience. This may include paid employment, community work, independent study, on-the-job training, volunteering, or travel and leisure.

Experienced Worker Centre

  • New to Canada? Finding it hard to get a job with your current experience and education? We know it can be difficult to integrate into a new country.  We’re here to help you get the experience and skills local employers look for.

Financial Aid & Student Awards