Ontario to remove interprovincial barriers for regulated professions

This past Labour Day, the Ontario Government announced it will be making it easier for out-of-province workers in regulated professions to begin working in Ontario.

Mmm This change, known as the “As of Right” framework, will allow certified professionals to become authorized to work in Ontario in as little as 10 days’ time.

Under current regulations, it can often take up to six months for workers to get authorization to practice their profession in Ontario.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Starting January 1, 2026, workers in a wide range of professions can take advantage of these new labour mobility rules.

The new labour mobility laws do not affect workers in non-regulated professions.

What are the new rules under the “As of Right” framework?

This new legislation is designed to significantly shorten the timeline for individuals who are certified in other provinces and territories but seeking work in Ontario.

Beginning January 1, professionals holding out-of-province certifications will be able to start working in Ontario within 10 business days once their credentials have been validated by their regulatory authority.

Those with confirmed credentials may work for up to six months as they complete the full registration process with the Ontario regulatory body for their profession.

Currently, workers face considerable delays of several months to half a year before they can become fully registered and begin working in Ontario.

The “As of Right” rules apply to over 50 Ontario regulatory bodies and 300 certifications, impacting professionals like architects, engineers, and electricians. This is particularly significant when considering that about 20 per cent of professions in Canada are regulated.

“With these historic measures, we’re tearing down barriers to create more opportunities for workers and businesses, building a stronger province and country,” said David Piccini, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, in a September 1 news release announcing these changes.

How to take advantage of the new labour mobility changes

Individuals who are certified to work in another province or territory in Canada will be able to take the following steps to become licensed to work in non-health occupations Ontario:

Step 1: Identify the regulatory authority that oversees the profession or trade in Ontario.

Step 2: Complete and submit a labour mobility application following the specific guidelines set forth by the regulatory authority.

After submitting an application and all other information and documentation required by the regulatory authority, a certification decision will be made by the regulatory authority within 30 calendar days.