A route to explore · Ontario

I trained as an occupational therapist outside Canada. What must be assessed before I can practise in Ontario?

Return to occupational therapy after training abroad

Show me where to start ↓Explore programs →

Your starting point

Use ACOTRO's international-applicant guidance to establish whether SEAS applies to your qualification.

A pathway helps you explore. It does not decide eligibility or guarantee admission, funding, licensing or work. Each program has its own checked date.

01 / Start with your situation

Your first steps

Use ACOTRO's international-applicant guidance to establish whether SEAS applies to your qualification.
Confirm the required credential documents, language evidence, assessment stages and complete fees before applying.
Ask the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario which registration and examination steps follow your assessment; investigate financing against that individual plan.

02 / Compare real options

Programs and organizations to explore

Open a program to see requirements, costs, funding and the official starting point.

Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO); Ontario registration by COTO

Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) — pathway to Ontario OT registration →

Credential and competency assessment that may establish substantial equivalency, identify additional learning, or find significant gaps.

Ongoing enquiries or individual applications · From $4,120

Checked October 20, 2026 How we check information

Requirements, funding and where to start →

03 / Check affordability

Possible funding

These are leads to assess individually. Loans must be repaid, and grants have conditions.

Windmill Microlending career loan →

Approved credential recognition, exams, short training and related career-plan expenses; living support is case-specific.

Current intake not confirmed · loan

Checked October 20, 2026 How we check information

Requirements, funding and where to start →

04 / Before you commit

Important distinctions

SEAS is a credential and competency assessment, not a university degree, a job placement or an Ontario licence.
Previous occupational therapy education and a career change from another field require different starting points. Loan approval is separate from assessment eligibility.