Why Looking Beyond the GTA Could Be the Smartest Move for PR Job Seekers in Ontario
When newcomers to Ontario begin their job search—particularly those targeting permanent residency (PR) under immigration pathways like the Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream or the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)—their first instinct is almost always to look toward Toronto. As Canada’s most populous city and economic center, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) appears to be a magnet for job seekers. However, this common approach may not always be the most effective for those looking to secure permanent residency quickly.
QuestJobs tracks employment and immigration trends across Ontario, and our findings suggest a different path—one that leads away from the crowded urban sprawl and toward smaller, often overlooked communities. These areas are emerging as hidden gems for PR-eligible job seekers, with less competition, higher demand, and more accessible housing.
The Hidden Job Market in Ontario’s Smaller Communities
QuestJobs currently lists over 1,000 PR-eligible jobs in Ontario, many of which are based outside the GTA in towns such as Hagersville, Pickering, Bancroft, Keswick, Midland, Collingwood, Owen Sound, and Lindsay. These towns are experiencing workforce shortages across key sectors, including healthcare, construction, skilled trades, and hospitality.
Take, for example, the healthcare industry. Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are in particularly high demand in these regions, where aging populations and insufficient healthcare infrastructure are driving urgent hiring. These roles are not only plentiful but often listed under NOC TEER 3 occupations that are eligible for PR pathways like the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (source).
Top In-Demand Jobs in Small Ontario Communities
Beyond healthcare, small towns across Ontario are facing acute labor shortages in the following sectors:
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Construction and Skilled Trades: electricians, plumbers, welders, drywallers, and general laborers
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Logistics and Warehousing: forklift operators, delivery drivers, dispatchers
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Food Services: cooks, food counter attendants, restaurant supervisors
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Manufacturing: machine operators, assemblers, production line workers
Many of these roles are PR-eligible, either through Ontario’s Employer Job Offer Stream or other programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) (where applicable).
To learn more about how these programs align with job offers, check our blog on PR-Eligible Jobs in Rural Ontario.
Affordable Housing: A Major Benefit of Moving Beyond the GTA
Toronto’s housing crisis is well documented. In 2025, average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto sits at over $2,400 (source). In contrast, smaller towns like Midland or Owen Sound offer rental options under $1,200. For newcomers managing tight budgets and relocation expenses, this cost difference can be life-changing.
Affordable housing directly impacts immigration success. Lower costs mean newcomers can meet settlement fund requirements more easily, avoid financial hardship, and allocate resources toward credential recognition, licensing exams, or education.
Employer Response in Non-GTA Communities
Employers in small towns are not just hiring—they're actively supporting immigration pathways. On QuestJobs, we've noted a higher response rate to job applications submitted to employers outside major cities. Why?
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These employers receive fewer applications, making yours stand out
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They are often willing to provide job offer letters compliant with PR programs
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Some employers assist with settlement services, including housing recommendations and onboarding support
Employers in small towns understand the mutual benefit of hiring foreign workers: they fill urgent labor gaps while offering PR candidates a viable, long-term pathway to stay in Canada.
Strategic Alignment with OINP Requirements
For those applying under the Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream, a job offer from an eligible employer is critical. The offer must be:
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For a full-time, permanent role
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In a TEER 4 or 5 occupation in demand
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Based outside the GTA (for most eligible occupations)
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Accompanied by an Employer Form (from a designated employer)
This means that jobs in Timmins, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, or Kenora are especially valuable for PR-seekers.
Explore our blog: In-Demand Occupations in Northern Ontario
Real Stories from QuestJobs Users
In 2025, over 35% of QuestJobs users who secured interviews through the platform did so with employers located in smaller towns. Many of these users had previously applied to dozens of roles in the GTA with no response.
One user, Maria from the Philippines, shared:
“After three months of applying in Toronto and hearing nothing, I tried a PSW role in Owen Sound. I got a call within two days, and now my employer is helping me with my OINP process.”
These stories are not uncommon. They illustrate that location strategy plays a major role in successful immigration outcomes.
More PR-Eligible Jobs at QuestJobs.io
As of July 2025, QuestJobs offers:
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Over 18,000 PR-eligible jobs across Canada
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Approximately 1,000+ jobs in Ontario that qualify under the OINP
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Daily job updates, adding 250–350 roles every 24 hours
The platform supports all 19 major PR pathways, including:
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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
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Alberta Rural Renewal Stream
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Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Program
Search PR jobs now: https://questjobs.io
Final Thoughts
Looking beyond the GTA may be the smartest decision Ontario newcomers can make in 2025. With lower housing costs, higher job availability, and more responsive employers, smaller communities offer a powerful advantage for those navigating Canada's immigration landscape.
If you're a job seeker aiming for PR, consider targeting areas with labor shortages and immigration-friendly employers.