Ontario Speeds Up PNP Job Access for Certified Workers 2026
Ontario’s “As of Right” Framework: Faster Labour Mobility for Certified Workers Starting 2026
Big news for workers across Canada! Ontario is about to make it much easier for certified professionals from other provinces to begin working in the province—without the long delays we’ve seen in the past. Thanks to a new legislative change called the “As of Right” framework, qualified professionals will soon be able to start jobs in Ontario in as little as 10 business days.
This is a game-changer for skilled workers and employers alike. Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing, who’s affected, and how you can take advantage of this new opportunity.
Key Highlights
- The “As of Right” framework takes effect January 1, 2026.
- Certified professionals from other provinces or territories can start working in Ontario within 10 business days.
- The new rules apply to over 50 regulatory bodies and more than 300 professions—including engineers, architects, electricians, and more.
- Certain healthcare professionals from other provinces and the U.S. are also eligible.
- Workers can begin employment while completing full registration with Ontario’s regulatory authority.
- This change supports stronger labour mobility and helps fill in-demand jobs across Ontario.
What Is the “As of Right” Framework?
Currently, professionals certified in other parts of Canada often face a waiting period of several months—sometimes up to half a year—before they’re authorized to work in Ontario. That’s a long time to wait when there are jobs to fill and skills in demand.
Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario’s new “As of Right” labour mobility rules will allow professionals with valid out-of-province certification to start working in Ontario in just 10 business days, following credential verification by the relevant regulatory authority.
Once authorized, these workers can begin employment and have up to six months to complete the full registration process with Ontario’s regulatory body. This approach is meant to accelerate onboarding, ease interprovincial movement, and support the province’s economy.
According to Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, “With these historic measures, we’re tearing down barriers to create more opportunities for workers and businesses, building a stronger province and country.”
Who’s Eligible Under the New Rules?
The “As of Right” framework applies to workers in regulated professions, which make up approximately 20% of all jobs in Canada. More than 50 professional regulatory bodies and over 300 types of certifications are included under this new policy.
Some examples of eligible professions include:
- Engineers
- Architects
- Electricians
- Surveyors
- Accountants
- Skilled trades workers
If your profession is regulated in Ontario, chances are good that you’ll benefit from these changes. Not sure who regulates your occupation? Check the list of Ontario regulatory authorities to find your industry’s governing body.
How to Start Working in Ontario Under the New Labour Mobility Rules
If you’re certified in a regulated profession in another Canadian province or territory and want to work in Ontario, here’s how the process will work starting in 2026:
Step 1: Identify the Regulatory Authority
Determine which Ontario regulatory body oversees your profession. You’ll need to apply directly to them for labour mobility recognition.
Step 2: Submit a Labour Mobility Application
Follow the application instructions provided by the regulatory authority. Be sure to include all required documentation to speed up processing.
Step 3: Begin Working Within 10 Business Days
Once your credentials are verified, you can begin working in Ontario within 10 business days. You’ll then have six months to complete full registration with your regulatory body.
Step 4: Receive Final Certification
The regulatory authority is required to make a decision on your certification within 30 calendar days of receiving your completed application.
This streamlined process is designed to reduce red tape and fill important roles across the province more quickly.
What About Healthcare Workers?
Good news for some health professionals—though not all are covered under the “As of Right” framework. The new rules will apply to healthcare workers registered in other Canadian provinces or certain U.S. jurisdictions, including:
- Physicians and surgeons
- Registered nurses and practical nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Respiratory therapists
- Medical laboratory technologists
Additionally, board-certified physicians and nurses from the U.S. (including Washington, D.C.) may also qualify if they meet Ontario’s eligibility conditions. These professionals will be able to work in Ontario without registering with a local health regulatory college, so long as they meet 10 specific conditions.
However, other regulated healthcare roles—such as dentists, pharmacists, and psychiatrists—are not yet included in the 2026 rollout.
Thinking of Leaving Ontario to Work Elsewhere in Canada?
The labour mobility door swings both ways. If you’re currently certified to work in Ontario and looking to move to another province or territory, you’ll also benefit from these changes. Ontario has signed 10 mutual agreements with other jurisdictions across Canada to enable seamless certification recognition.
This is made easier by the fact that many provinces already have similar occupational standards for regulated professions. So, whether you’re heading west to Alberta or east to Quebec, your Ontario credentials could open doors across the country.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and Regulated Professions
For newcomers to Canada—or those looking to settle permanently in Ontario—the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is a key pathway to permanent residence. Several of the OINP’s streams are especially relevant for regulated professionals who may now benefit from the “As of Right” rules.
Job Offer-Based Streams
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Many of the occupations under these streams are regulated professions. Thanks to the new labour mobility rules, foreign nationals with experience or job offers in these areas could now transition into the Ontario workforce even faster.
Express Entry-Aligned Streams
If you’re applying through one of these Express Entry-aligned streams, you don’t need a job offer—but you do need to have a valid Express Entry profile.
So far in 2025, the OINP has issued over 8,799 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across its various immigration streams.
Final Thoughts: A Big Win for Canadian Mobility
Ontario’s “As of Right” labour mobility framework is a major step forward in supporting talent movement across Canada. Whether you’re an engineer in Alberta or a nurse in Nova Scotia, starting in 2026, you could begin working in Ontario much faster than before—no more waiting months for approval.
For employers, it provides quicker access to skilled workers. And for workers, it means less bureaucracy and more opportunity.
Looking to make the move to Ontario? Whether you’re coming from another province or another country, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation to explore your options under the new framework or through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
And if you’re considering other provinces, don’t forget to check out opportunities under the Manitoba PNP as well!
