Ontario Allows U.S.-Licensed Health Professionals to Work Temporarily While Seeking Registration
The Ontario government announced on June 5, 2025, that physicians and nurses licensed in the United States will be permitted to work in Ontario health-care settings for up to six months while seeking provincial registration. According to the Ministry of Health, these professionals will not be required to register immediately with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the College of Nurses of Ontario before beginning work.
The change applies to a range of health-care workers, allowing U.S.-licensed nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical laboratory technologists to work in Ontario. The ministry reports these professionals will be able to work in hospitals, long-term care homes, primary care, home and community care, and community laboratories.
The Ministry of Health states that to qualify, U.S.-licensed health professionals must hold a full license in their home jurisdiction, have no record of misconduct or incompetence, and meet all public protection requirements. The ministry notes that the usual Canadian immigration, permanent residency, or work permit processes set by the federal government still apply to these workers.
Ontario previously introduced a similar policy on July 24, 2023, allowing health-care workers registered in other Canadian provinces and territories to work in Ontario while seeking provincial registration.
The Ministry of Health also referenced other workforce measures in the announcement. These include the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which the government says provides financial assistance to postsecondary students who commit to working in underserved communities, as well as plans to open more medical schools, increase nursing program capacity, and expand the scope of nursing practice.
Organizations cited by the ministry, such as the Ontario Medical Association, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, and WeRPN, issued statements supporting the policy and highlighted the importance of maintaining patient safety, registration standards, and support for locally trained health-care workers.