Planning to Work in Canada? Ontario is making a pioneering move to ensure that the professionals of the healthcare sector in Canada do not face difficulties in finding employment in the province. Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will permit physicians and nurses, among other healthcare professionals across other provinces, to obtain a license within 10 days only, which is an incredible contrast to the months that even physicians have to wait to obtain a license at present.
This is a gradual change to facilitate the process of recognition of credentials, enhance the healthcare system, and address acute shortages of labour, without compromising the high level of patient care in Ontario.
A First-in-Canada Approach to Healthcare Licensing
The new legislation by the Ontario government extends the as of right provisions where the licensed healthcare professionals in other Canadian provinces or territories can have their credentials automatically recognized in Ontario.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones explained that it will be included in the plan of province to create a more competitive and resilient healthcare system. The new system will remove the meaningless red tape so healthcare professionals can start serving the patients almost instantly when they arrive.
In the past, out of province medical professionals were only able to temporarily practice before registration – which may take up to 6 months. The licensing period will now be reduced to a few days and this will see quicker access to the necessary healthcare services within the province.
Who Qualifies Under the New Legislation
The new expansion of the As of Right will see another 16 healthcare professions added so that more medical experts can have a chance to work in Ontario without any problem. These include:
- Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Denturists
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
- Psychologists, Audiologists, and Speech-Language Pathologists
- Dietitians, Optometrists, and Midwives
Upon verification of credentials, the eligible professionals will be awarded with certification in a period of 10 days – enabling them to commence work immediately.
This modification is indicative of Ontario being determined to ease the entry of qualified professionals into the healthcare industry without having to be held up in the red tape.
Tackling Ontario’s Healthcare Shortages
The healthcare system in Ontario has been experiencing pressure because of an aging population and an increase in the number of patients. By 2027 and 2032, the province forecasts the necessity of an increase in nurses by 20,700 and the number of healthcare workers by more than 33,000, respectively.
More than 100,000 nurses and 20,000 doctors have already been added to Ontario since the year 2018, and the customer needs in the healthcare services are on the rise. The province will eliminate the gaps in the workforce by decreasing the amount of time spent on licensing and streamlining the credential recognition, securing the provision of quality healthcare to all Ontario residents.
Extending Beyond Healthcare: More Professions to Benefit
Although the current legislation concerns the field of healthcare, it is a part of a larger strategy encompassing 50+ regulatory agencies and extending to over 300 certifications in most industries, such as:
- Engineering and Architecture
- Land Surveying and Geoscience
- Electricians and Technologists
The 10-day licensing system will also be beneficial to professionals in these fields since they will be able to start working in Ontario much quickly than previously. This program will assist employers in covering huge skill shortages and create a cohesive and better Canadian labor force.
Working with Colleges and Regulators
The Ontario government is collaborating with the regulatory bodies such as:
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
These organizations will also assist in reducing the cost of application fees, easing documentation, and issuing certificates to those selected for high demand positions within two working days. By doing this, the process will be faster but the standards of excellence and patient safety will not be compromised in Ontario.
Government’s Vision: A Resilient and Unified Workforce
According to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development in Ontario, David Piccini, the move has been included in the construction of a strong and cohesive Canadian economy. Ontario is removing the barriers to licensing and assisting workers to obtain meaningful jobs in a shorter time as well as enhancing healthcare and other important sectors.
The minister, Andrea Khanjin in charge of red tape reduction, said that the status quo is not working. The government led by Premier Ford is reducing bureaucracy to ensure that skilled professionals can be recruited into the Ontario workforce easily and with less time.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Change
The professional associations of Canada have strongly supported the new legislation.
- Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) applauded the move saying that it marked a big move towards better labor mobility.
- According to the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS), this change would assist Ontario in satisfying the increasing housing and infrastructure needs.
- The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) claimed that this initiative is paramount in the eradication of obstacles to competent professionals.
These positive responses by various sectors demonstrate that the new system in Ontario can be a prototype for the other provinces in Canada.
Backed by the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act (2025)
This initiative is based on the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act (2025) that seeks to enhance free trade and free movement of professionals between provinces.
The Act aids the province in enhancing labor flexibility, delaying and creating new opportunities for both professionals and employers. It is a component of long-term Ontario vision that is focused on transforming Ontario into one of the leaders in economic growth, innovation and healthcare excellence.
What This Means for International Students and Healthcare Workers
These reforms put Ontario at the top of the list of international students and professionals who have already decided to establish their careers in Canada. The new system of licensing that is faster, transparent, and inclusive in the province results in a reduced number of delays, rapid job creation, and a reduced rate of entry to the Canadian workforce.
Whether you are a trained healthcare professional or a graduate who is seeking to practice in Canada, the new regulations in Ontario are a great chance to begin your career earlier, and at the same time, experience one of the most secure and gratifying healthcare systems on the planet.
How Our Consultancy Will Benefit You?
Our team will also assist you in easily navigating the licensing, documentation, and visa process in case you are a healthcare practitioner or other student in Canada who plans to move to Canada.
Whether you need some help in credential assessments or with the application of work permits, we will make sure that your move to Ontario will be successful and hassle-free.
Begin a medical career in Ontario now. Contact our consultants to seek professional advice and personal assistance.
Conclusion
The new 10-day licensing policy of Ontario is a turning point in healthcare and skilled labor mobility within Canada. The province is also guaranteeing the availability of qualified professionals to bring their expertise to where it is most required without wasting time in waiting lines by focusing on speed, efficiency, and access.
This not only has a proactive role in enhancing the healthcare system in Ontario, but it also enhances the future workforce in Canada.