Ontario has passed Bill 60 — the “Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act”. While most of the law focuses on housing, planning rules, and municipal infrastructure, the legislation also includes new rules tied to immigration status verification for certain government-issued documents. These changes may affect newcomers applying for Ontario driver’s licences or photo ID cards.
This NPZ update breaks down what newcomers, temporary residents, and permanent residents should know.
1. Ontario Can Now Require Proof of Legal Status for Certain Licences
Bill 60 introduces a new requirement under the Highway Traffic Act. Ontario’s Minister of Transportation can now ask applicants for specific licences or permits to provide proof that:
- They are legally present in Canada
- They live in Ontario as residents
- They are authorized to work in Canada if the licence relates to a job
These rules are expected to apply only to certain classes of licences. The provincial government will publish regulations defining which licences fall under this requirement.
2. Ontario Photo Cards Will Also Require Status Verification
The law also amends the Photo Card Act, giving Ontario the ability to request evidence that an applicant is:
- A resident of Ontario
- Lawfully present in Canada
This means that individuals who do not hold a driver’s licence and rely on a provincial photo ID may need to provide immigration documentation when applying or renewing.
3. What This Means for Newcomers and Temporary Residents
These changes may affect:
- International students
- Temporary foreign workers
- Visitors extending stays
- Permanent residence applicants with implied/maintained status
Applicants should be ready to show immigration documents such as:
- Study permit
- Work permit
- Visitor record
- Confirmation of permanent residence (if applicable)
Ontario has not yet published a list of accepted documents, but similar programs typically rely on IRCC-issued permits.
4. No Immediate Impact on Most Existing Licence Holders
Bill 60 gives Ontario the power to require these checks — but the province must still create regulations before any changes take effect.
Current driver’s licence and photo card holders will not see changes until Ontario releases further guidance.
5. Why the Province Says These Rules Are Being Added
Ontario describes these changes as part of a plan to:
- Strengthen oversight of licensing
- Ensure applicants are legally residing in the province
- Improve identity verification
The province has not suggested that these rules will affect eligibility for newcomers. Instead, they are expected to standardize documentation requirements.
6. NPZ Guidance for Applicants
Until regulations are published, the safest steps for newcomers include:
- Keeping all immigration documents valid and accessible
- Applying for renewals well before expiry
- Maintaining copies of IRCC approval notices
- Ensuring address information is up to date with IRCC and Service Ontario
NPZ will continue monitoring Ontario’s implementation of these new rules.
Conclusion
Ontario’s Bill 60 introduces several major provincial reforms, including new immigration-related verification rules tied to driver’s licences and provincial ID cards. While these changes do not alter federal immigration processes, newcomers may face additional document requirements once regulations come into force. NPZ Law Group will continue providing updates as Ontario releases implementation details.
FAQs — Ontario Bill 60 & Immigration Status Verification
1. Does Bill 60 change IRCC immigration rules?
No. Immigration law remains federal. Bill 60 affects Ontario ID and licensing requirements only.
2. Will everyone have to show proof of status?
Only for specific licence or ID classes, once Ontario publishes regulations.
3. Will permanent residents be affected?
PRs may need to present their PR card or confirmation document, depending on the licence type.
4. Do international students and workers need to worry now?
Not yet — the rules are not active until regulations are released.
5. Will expired permits create issues under Bill 60?
Possibly. Applicants should maintain valid status or proof of maintained status (formerly implied status).
Contact Information If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.