Canada has changed how certified professionals move and work across provincial lines with a policy shift that took effect Jan. 1, 2026. Known as the As of Right exemption, the change speeds up access to work for qualified professionals in regulated occupations and gives employers a faster way to fill hard-to-staff roles.
Under the exemption, Canadians who hold valid professional certifications or licences in another province or territory can begin working in Ontario in as little as 10 business days, once their credentials are confirmed by the appropriate Ontario regulatory authority. Professionals in good standing apply to the destination province’s regulator and can start working shortly after approval. Previously, workers such as engineers, architects, electricians and other regulated professionals often waited months to begin practicing.
Once credentials are verified, professionals can work in Ontario for up to six months while completing any remaining registration requirements. This interim period allows talent to enter the workforce quickly while maintaining professional standards and oversight.
“Access to talent drives economic growth,” said Christine Wilton, director of workforce development at the London Economic Development Corporation. “As we work with employers on workforce and talent attraction strategies, the As of Right exemption creates the conditions for faster hiring and stronger labour mobility in regulated professions.”
The impact is significant for sectors under sustained workforce pressure. Engineering and architecture firms can staff projects more quickly, while healthcare employers can draw from a broader pool of nurses, technologists and other regulated professionals already licensed elsewhere in Canada. Skilled trades, land surveying and other regulated occupations are also included, covering more than 50 regulatory authorities and nearly 300 certifications.
For employers, shorter credential timelines reduce hiring delays, limit service disruptions and improve workforce stability. For job seekers, clearer pathways mean fewer administrative barriers and faster access to opportunities where skills are most needed.
By improving labour mobility between provinces, the As of Right exemption supports a more responsive and competitive workforce, helping ensure critical skills are available when and where they are needed most.
If you are hiring for a hard-to-fill role or planning your next career move, visit our website to learn how LEDC supports employers and talent across the region: Workforce Development | London Economic Development Corporation
To learn more about the exemption and pathway to registration, visit: Labour mobility between provinces and territories | ontario.ca
