Recently, the Ontario Government announced a significant change to facilitate out-of-province workers in regulated professions to start working in Ontario more efficiently.

This new framework, known as the “As of Right” initiative, enables certified professionals to gain authorization to work in Ontario in as little as 10 days, a stark contrast to the current process that can take up to six months.

Commencing January 1, 2026, professionals across various fields can benefit from these streamlined labor mobility regulations. However, it’s important to note that these rules do not impact workers in non-regulated professions.

Key Features of the “As of Right” Framework

The new legislation aims to expedite the approval process for individuals certified in other provinces and territories who wish to work in Ontario. Starting January 1, professionals with out-of-province certifications can commence work in Ontario within 10 business days after their credentials are validated by the regulatory authority.

Once their credentials are confirmed, they can work for up to six months while completing the full registration process with the Ontario regulatory body for their profession. This is a significant improvement compared to the current lengthy delays faced by workers seeking registration in Ontario.

The new rules apply to more than 50 Ontario regulatory bodies and 300 certifications, impacting professionals like architects, engineers, and electricians. Notably, around 20% of professions in Canada are regulated.

David Piccini, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, emphasized the importance of these changes in creating more opportunities for workers and businesses, ultimately strengthening the province and the country.

How to Benefit from the Labor Mobility Changes

Professionals certified to work in other Canadian provinces or territories can follow these steps to become licensed to work in non-health occupations in Ontario:

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

Step 2: Complete and submit a labor mobility application according to the guidelines provided by the regulatory authority.

Upon submission of the application and all required information, the regulatory authority will make a certification decision within 30 calendar days.