Ontario to Remove Barriers for Out-of-Province Workers in Regulated Professions

The Ontario government has announced major changes that will make it easier for workers in regulated professions from other provinces and territories to start working in Ontario.

This new framework, called “As of Right”, will allow certified professionals to begin working in Ontario in as little as 10 business days, compared to the current wait time of several months. The new rules will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.

What is the “As of Right” Framework?

The “As of Right” rules are designed to improve labour mobility across Canada. Certified professionals from other provinces or territories will be able to:

• Have their credentials validated within 10 business days by the relevant Ontario regulatory authority.
• Start working in Ontario for up to six months while completing the full registration process.

This will impact over 50 Ontario regulatory bodies and more than 300 certifications, covering professions such as architects, engineers, and electricians.

Currently, it can take up to six months for workers to become authorized, so this change represents a significant improvement.

Impact on Healthcare Workers

Healthcare is one of the most critical sectors affected by the new rules. Beginning January 1, 2026, healthcare workers from other provinces and certain U.S. jurisdictions will be able to start working almost immediately, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Covered Healthcare Professions

• From Canadian provinces/territories: Physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, and medical laboratory technologists.
• From the U.S.: Board-certified physicians and surgeons, as well as registered nurses, practical nurses, and nurse practitioners.

Other healthcare professions, such as pharmacists, dentists, and psychiatrists, are not yet covered under the new framework.

Certified healthcare workers who qualify will be able to begin working in Ontario without first registering with one of Ontario’s health regulatory colleges, as long as they meet 10 specific conditions.

Steps for Out-of-Province Professionals

Workers certified in another Canadian province or territory can follow these steps to take advantage of the new labour mobility changes:

1. Identify the regulatory authority for your profession in Ontario.
2. Submit a labour mobility application with the required documentation.
3. Receive a certification decision within 30 calendar days.

During this time, qualified workers will already be able to start working under the new “As of Right” rules.

Reciprocal Agreements Across Canada

Ontario has signed 10 agreements with other provinces and territories, ensuring that Ontario-certified professionals will also benefit from improved mobility if they choose to move elsewhere in Canada.

Since most regulated professions have similar occupational standards across provinces, these agreements help streamline the licensing process nationwide.

Connection to Ontario Immigration

These changes also complement opportunities available through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Many regulated professions fall under OINP streams, including:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
  
  

OINP also has Express Entry-aligned streams such as the Human Capital Priorities Stream, Skilled Trades Stream, and French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream. In 2025, Ontario issued 8,799 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through its various immigration pathways.

The new “As of Right” rules will make it easier for newcomers in regulated professions to integrate quickly into Ontario’s labour market.

Key Takeaway

Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will break down long-standing interprovincial barriers by allowing certified professionals from other provinces and certain U.S. jurisdictions to begin working within days, instead of months.

This change not only helps fill critical labour shortages in professions like healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades but also creates new opportunities for workers and strengthens Ontario’s economy.