Ontario to Ease Interprovincial Barriers for Regulated Professions Starting 2026
Major Policy Change Announced
The Government of Ontario has introduced a new policy framework that will significantly reduce wait times for out-of-province professionals seeking to work in Ontario.
This initiative, known as the “As of Right” framework, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026 and is designed to streamline labour mobility across provinces and territories.
Currently, professionals in regulated occupations often face wait times of up to six months to secure authorization to practice in Ontario. The new system will shorten this process to as little as 10 business days.
Key Features of the “As of Right” Framework
- Out-of-province certified professionals can begin working in Ontario within 10 days once their credentials are validated.
- Professionals may work for up to six months while they complete the full registration process with the Ontario regulatory authority.
- The rules cover over 50 regulatory bodies and 300 certifications, including skilled trades and regulated professions such as engineers, architects, and electricians.
- Nearly 20% of professions in Canada are regulated, making this policy change highly impactful.
Ontario’s Labour Minister, David Piccini, highlighted the importance of these reforms, stating they are meant to “tear down barriers, create opportunities for workers, and strengthen both the province and the country.”
Step-by-Step Application Process
For professionals outside Ontario seeking to work in the province under this framework:
- Identify the regulatory authority responsible for the profession or trade.
- Submit a labour mobility application according to the authority’s requirements.
- The regulatory authority will issue a certification decision within 30 days of receiving the application and supporting documents.
Healthcare Sector Coverage
While the “As of Right” framework primarily addresses non-healthcare occupations, certain healthcare roles are also included.
Covered Healthcare Professions
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Registered Nurses
- Registered Practical Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Respiratory Therapists
- Medical Laboratory Technologists
Cross-Border Recognition
- Professionals licensed in other Canadian provinces and territories are eligible.
- Certain U.S.-based healthcare professionals (such as board-certified physicians and registered nurses) will also be recognized under this policy.
Note: Other healthcare professions, such as dentists, psychiatrists, and pharmacists, are not included in the 2026 framework.
To qualify, healthcare workers must meet 10 specified conditions before beginning work in Ontario.
Reciprocal Measures for Ontario-Certified Professionals
The framework is not one-sided. Ontario professionals wishing to work in other provinces or territories will also benefit.
- Ontario has signed 10 interprovincial agreements ensuring reciprocal recognition of certifications.
- Since most regulated professions maintain consistent occupational standards across Canada, this streamlines workforce mobility nationwide.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and Labour Mobility
The new framework directly complements the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which helps foreign nationals gain permanent residency.
OINP Streams Requiring Job Offers
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Express Entry-Aligned Streams
- Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Skilled Trades Stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
As of 2025, Ontario has already issued 8,799 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across these pathways. Many occupations supported under OINP are regulated professions that will now benefit from the “As of Right” changes.
Table: Summary of “As of Right” Framework
| Category | Current Rules | New Rules (Jan 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Up to 6 months | 10 business days |
| Initial Work Authorization | Must wait for full registration | Can work for up to 6 months |
| Professions Affected | 59 regulatory bodies, 300+ roles | Same, with accelerated timelines |
| Healthcare Roles Included | Limited | Nurses, physicians, select specialists |
| Reciprocal Agreements | Limited | 10 provinces/territories signed on |
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