Ontario will remove barriers for regulated professions, i.e., this past Labor Day, the Ontario government revealed plans to make it much simpler for out-of-province workers in regulated professions to start their careers in Ontario.

This new initiative, known as the “As of Right” framework, will give certified professionals the chance to begin working in Ontario in as little as ten business days. This is a dramatic shift from the current system, which can take up to six months for workers to get the green light.

Starting January 1, 2026, workers in a wide range of professions will benefit from these updated labor mobility rules. It’s important to note, however, that the new laws do not apply to non-regulated professions.

What The New “As Of Right” Rule Means?

The “As of Right” legislation is designed to speed up the process for professionals who are certified in other Canadian provinces or territories but want to bring their expertise to Ontario.

From January onward, those with valid out-of-province certifications will be able to begin working in Ontario within just 10 business days, once their credentials are confirmed by the relevant Ontario regulatory body.

While these workers go through the full registration process, they can work for up to six months under temporary authorization. This ensures they can put their skills to use right away instead of waiting months before joining Ontario’s workforce.

Currently, the system often forces workers to wait several months, or even up to half a year, before being registered and cleared to work in Ontario.

The “As of Right” framework covers over 50 Ontario regulatory bodies and 300 certifications, which includes professions like engineers, architects, and electricians. Considering that around 20% of professions in Canada are regulated, this move is expected to have a major impact on the workforce.

Ontario’s Minister of Labor, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, David Piccini, described the change as “historic,” emphasizing that tearing down barriers will open more opportunities for both workers and businesses while strengthening Ontario’s economy.

Steps To Benefit From The New Labor Mobility Rules

As Ontario will remove barriers for regulated professions, let’s look at the steps to benefit from the new labor mobility rules. 

Well, workers certified in another Canadian province or territory who want to work in Ontario will need to take a few steps to qualify:

Step 1: Find the regulatory authority responsible for your profession in Ontario.

Step 2: Submit a labor mobility application according to the guidelines set by that authority.

Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the regulatory authority has 30 calendar days to make a decision regarding certification.

Healthcare Professions Included In The New Rules

Although the “As of Right” framework applies widely, only specific healthcare professions are included under this legislation.

The regulations apply to healthcare workers who are already registered in other Canadian provinces or territories, including:

  • Physicians
  • Surgeons
  • Registered nurses
  • Registered practical nurses
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Medical laboratory technologists

It also extends to professionals licensed in the United States or the District of Columbia, such as:

  • Board-certified physicians or surgeons (with the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association)
  • Registered nurses, registered practical nurses, or nurse practitioners

However, not all healthcare workers will benefit from the new rules right away. Professions such as pharmacists, dentists, and psychiatrists are not covered by the “As of Right” regulations at this stage.

Healthcare professionals covered by the framework can begin working almost immediately, provided they meet 10 specific conditions that allow them to bypass the need for upfront registration with Ontario’s health regulatory colleges.

Mobility Options For Ontario-Certified Workers

This framework doesn’t just benefit those moving into Ontario; it also supports Ontario-certified professionals who want to relocate elsewhere in Canada.

Ontario has already signed 10 agreements with other provinces and territories, ensuring reciprocal measures are in place. These agreements allow Ontario-trained professionals to move more easily and start working in other provinces without facing lengthy delays.

Since most regulated professions across Canada have similar standards, it’s much easier to transfer certifications between jurisdictions under these agreements.

Which Professions Are Covered Under The New Rules?

The updated labour mobility rules will apply to individuals working in professions governed by Ontario regulatory authorities listed under the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009 (OLMA).

Here’s the complete list of the 59 qualifying regulatory authorities:

Qualifying regulatory authorities

  • Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario
  • Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario
  • Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario
  • Association of Ontario Land Surveyors
  • Association of Ontario Road Supervisors
  • Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario
  • Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario
  • Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario
  • Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario
  • Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario
  • Bereavement Authority of Ontario
  • Building Services Administrative Authority
  • Charted Institute of Marketing Management of Ontario
  • Chartered Governance Institute of Canada
  • Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
  • College of Early Childhood Educators
  • College of Veterinarians of Ontario
  • Electrical Safety Authority
  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
  • Human Resources Professionals Association
  • Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Ontario
  • Institute of Municipal Assessors
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism — Archaeologists
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness — Nutrient Management
  • Ministry of the Education – Supervisory Officers
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — Drinking Water Operators
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — Wastewater Operators
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — Water Quality Analysts
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — Well Contractors and Technicians
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — Pesticide Operators and Exterminators
  • Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — Ozone Depletion Prevention
  • Ministry of Health — Emergency Health Services — Paramedics
  • Ministry of Natural Resources — Scalers
  • Municipal Law Enforcement Officers’ Association of Ontario
  • Ontario Association of Architects
  • Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists
  • Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
  • Ontario Association of Landscape Architects
  • Ontario Association of Property Standards Officers
  • Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians
  • Ontario Building Officials Association
  • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
  • Ontario College of Teachers
  • Ontario Home Economics Association
  • Ontario Institute of Agrologists
  • Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council
  • Ontario Municipal Management Institute
  • Ontario Professional Foresters Association
  • Ontario Professional Planners Institute
  • Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association
  • Ontario Securities Commission
  • Ministry of Solicitor General — Private Security and Investigative Services
  • Professional Engineers Ontario
  • Real Estate Council of Ontario
  • Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario
  • Skilled Trades Ontario
  • Supply Chain Canada (Ontario)
  • Technical Standards and Safety Authority

Workers, employers, or regulators with questions about labor mobility in Canada can find resources and FAQs on the government’s website.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

As Ontario will remove barriers for regulated professions, let us now discuss the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). 

Well, in addition to the new labor mobility measures, Ontario continues to welcome newcomers through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This program allows foreign nationals to become permanent residents and live and work in Ontario.

Many of the OINP streams require candidates to have either a job offer or work experience. Three of these streams are specifically job-offer based:

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

The OINP uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manage applications for these streams. Moreover, many occupations in these categories are regulated and could fall under the “As of Right” rules, making it easier for workers to transition into Ontario’s labor market.

There are also Express Entry-aligned OINP streams where a job offer is not required, including:

  • Human Capital Priorities Stream
  • Skilled Trades Stream
  • French-speaking Skilled Worker Stream

So far in 2025, the OINP has issued 8,799 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across its various streams.

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