The Ontario government has announced new legislation to make it easier for health-care professionals licensed in other provinces and territories to work in Ontario without lengthy re-registration processes. The goal is to strengthen labour mobility, address workforce shortages, and support faster access to care across the province.
A National Effort to Streamline Licensing
Under the proposed framework, physicians, nurses, and other regulated health professionals who are already licensed and in good standing elsewhere in Canada will be able to begin practicing in Ontario more quickly. The province plans to work with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the College of Nurses of Ontario to reduce fees and documentation requirements, with certificates issued within two business days for eligible applicants.
Currently, Ontario’s “as of right” rules allow certain professionals — including doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists — to work for up to six months while awaiting registration. The new legislation would extend that streamlined process to 16 additional professions, such as:
- Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
- Dentists and Dental Hygienists
- Dietitians
- Midwives
- Optometrists and Opticians
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Physiotherapists and Psychologists
- Occupational and Medical Imaging Technologists
This expansion is designed to help health-care institutions fill urgent staffing gaps and ensure patients across Ontario have timely access to care.
Building a Stronger and More Mobile Workforce
Ontario officials describe this initiative as part of a broader national strategy to improve credential recognition across Canada, making it easier for skilled professionals to relocate where their expertise is needed most. The legislation also supports the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, which focuses on removing interprovincial trade and labour barriers.
Since 2018, Ontario has added more than 100,000 new nurses and nearly 20,000 physicians, but demand continues to rise as the population grows and ages. The government’s latest action aims to sustain this momentum by cutting red tape, encouraging interprovincial mobility, and reinforcing Ontario’s role as a leader in health-care innovation.
NPZ Commentary
At NPZ Law Group, we see this as a positive development for health-care professionals seeking mobility within Canada. The streamlined approach reduces delays, promotes uniform standards, and provides opportunities for regulated professionals to contribute their skills where they are most needed.
Our Canadian immigration team assists health-care employers, clinics, and professionals in navigating licensing, work authorization, and cross-border mobility requirements. Whether you are a physician relocating from another province or an international medical graduate planning to work in Canada, NPZ can help ensure your transition is smooth and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Ontario’s “as of right” rule?
It allows licensed health professionals from other provinces to begin practicing in Ontario without repeating the full registration process, provided they are in good standing.
2. Which professions are now included?
The new legislation expands the list to 16 more regulated professions, including dentists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists.
3. How soon can eligible professionals begin working?
The province aims to issue registration certificates within two business days for qualified applicants.
4. Does this apply to internationally trained professionals?
Not directly — the measure applies to professionals already licensed in another Canadian province or territory. However, it may indirectly benefit international workers who gain a provincial license elsewhere in Canada first.
5. Why is Ontario taking this step now?
Ontario continues to face record demand for health-care services. The goal is to attract qualified professionals quickly and improve patient access across the province.
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.