Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will make it much easier for workers in regulated professions to move across provinces and start new jobs. Under the new system, professionals like engineers, electricians, and architects will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 days of submitting their credentials, a process that previously took months.
The changes are part of 10 new agreements Ontario has signed with other provinces and territories. These deals not only allow workers from across Canada to come to Ontario faster but also give Ontario professionals easier access to jobs in other provinces.
The reforms apply to more than 200 regulated professions and over 300 certifications, covering about 20% of all Canadian jobs. Regulators will face penalties if they fail to meet the 10-day timeline. Professional associations say the move will help fill labour shortages, speed up major projects, and still maintain public safety standards.
