Ontario to Allow U.S.-Licensed Health Professionals to Work Without Registration for Six Months
Physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses licensed in the United States will be able to work in Ontario health care settings for up to six months without registering with Ontario’s regulatory colleges, starting June 5, 2025, according to an announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Health. The Ministry stated this expands rules that currently apply to health professionals trained and licensed in other Canadian provinces and territories.
The Ontario Ministry of Health said the change aims to address workforce shortages by making it easier for U.S.-licensed health professionals to work across various health settings. The expanded policy allows them to seek employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, primary care, home care, and community care centres. The Ministry noted that respiratory therapists and medical laboratory technologists licensed in the United States will also be permitted to work in broader settings, including community laboratories and home care.
According to the Ministry, professionals must be licensed in their home U.S. jurisdiction, have no history of misconduct or incompetence, and meet public safety requirements. U.S. health professionals will still need to obtain the appropriate Canadian immigration or work permits under federal rules before beginning work in Ontario.
The province’s “As of Right” exemption, which began on July 24, 2023, previously allowed certain health professionals registered in other parts of Canada to work in Ontario while seeking registration. The new announcement extends similar provisions to professionals from the United States.
Reaction included comments from sector organizations in the government’s announcement. Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, President of the Ontario Medical Association, stated the association supports reducing barriers for qualified health professionals, including those trained in the United States. Dianne Martin, CEO of WeRPN, and Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, made statements referencing the removal of barriers for U.S.-licensed professionals and indicated continued support for nurses currently working in Ontario. These comments were published in the announcement issued by the Ontario Ministry of Health.