Ontario reduces licensing time for out-of-province professionals
Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will significantly reduce licensing wait times for professionals from other Canadian provinces working in regulated fields. These individuals will be permitted to begin working in the province within just 10 days of having their credentials confirmed by their regulator—down from the current process, which can take several months.
This change comes under Ontario’s new “As of Right” rules and is part of a broader effort to break down interprovincial barriers in over 50 regulatory bodies covering more than 300 certifications. It follows the signing of 10 agreements with other provinces and territories, aimed at enabling reciprocal mobility—making it easier for professionals to move and practice across Canada.
Key professions expected to benefit include engineers, architects, geoscientists, land surveyors, and electricians, among others.
The provincial government is positioning this move as a historic step toward improving labour mobility, supporting economic growth, reducing red tape, and strengthening the competitiveness and agility of Ontario’s workforce.