An Internationally Trained Newcomer, also known as an ITN, is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident that has post secondary schooling or specialized skills training from a country outside of Canada.” 

A bridging program is a specialized series of courses created in order to update a certain level of existing training into Canadian laws, technologies, best practices and work environment. 

Simply put a bridging program will allow your non-Canadian education to be honoured in Canada.

3. Does Algonquin College have any bridging programs?

Algonquin College currently offers the Foreign Trained Nurse Program and is in the process of developing two more.

RESPIRATORY THERAPY – ANITA GALLANT
BRIDGING PROGRAM 2 – COORDINATOR

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4. What is OCAS?

OCAS stands for ‘Ontario College Application Services’.  OCAS provides administrative systems and application processing services for all Ontario colleges.

If you are applying to a college in Ontario you MUST apply online through OCAS.  Their website address is:  www.ontariocolleges.ca

5. Can I apply directly at Algonquin College?

Applications to colleges in Ontario are made online to the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS).  OCAS is located in Guelph, Ontario (south-western Ontario, approximately 100km from downtown Toronto).

If you are applying to a college in Ontario you MUST apply online to OCAS.  Their address:  www.ontariocolleges.ca

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6. Can an Algonquin College staff member help me complete my online application to OCAS?

Unfortunately at this time Algonquin College does not have sufficient staff to offer this service.  We recommend that you contact OCAS directly by phone using their Toll Free number.  This call is free Canada-wide and the number is 1-888-892-2228.

7. What programs might I automatically qualify for with my non-Canadian certificate/diploma/degree?

Algonquin College has number of programs that you may qualify for.  Please click here to view a listing of program types and names that may be of interest to you.

8. When I send OCAS my non-Canadian transcripts what are they looking for?

OCAS is evaluating your transcripts to check for Grade 12 College level English, Math and Sciences equivalency.

9. What type of tuition fees does an ITI pay?

An Internationally Trained Immigrant pays Canadian tuition fees.

10. I want to get a course exemption but I cannot get the course outline from my country of origin, how can I proceed?

First, discuss the situation with your program coordinator to see if they instruct you to proceed without the outline. If this is not possible, then you may be able to obtain the credit through a Prior Learning Assessment. You may also wish to consult the Academic Referral Centre and meet with a Counsellor. Please call (613) 727-4723 ext. 5722 or 1-800-565-4723 ext. 5722

11. I have received a letter asking for "Proof of Status in Canada". Can I show my papers at Algonquin College?

No. Your residency papers should be forwarded to OCAS so they can inform all colleges that you have applied to of their receipts.