US-Licensed Doctors and Nurses Can Now Practise Immediately in Ontario

Previously, these crucial healthcare professionals faced lengthy delays before obtaining approval from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the College of Nurses of Ontario. By removing this barrier, Ontario aims to ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. 

Key Takeaways 

• Qualified US-licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses can work in Ontario health settings for up to six months without prior registration. 

• The “As of Right” exemption, first introduced on July 24, 2023, is expanded to allow US-licensed respiratory therapists and medical laboratory technologists to practise in primary care, home and community care, and community laboratories. 

• All participating professionals must hold valid US licenses, have no history of misconduct or incompetence, and complete standard federal immigration or work-permit processes. 

• This program follows on the heels of the success of a similar fast-tracked credential recognition program in British Columbia.  

What the Changes Mean for US-Trained Healthcare Workers

Starting immediately, US-licensed physicians and nurses can join Ontario’s health-care teams without waiting for full registration. They may work in hospitals, long-term care homes, primary care clinics, home and community care, and community laboratories for up to six months. During that time, they will complete the standard registration process with the relevant college in Ontario. These changes build on Ontario’s existing “As of Right” exemption, which previously allowed Canadian-trained professionals from other provinces to practise immediately. 

How to Immigrate to Ontario as a US-Trained Healthcare Worker? 

Yes—Ontario’s fast-track program removes one of the biggest hurdles to getting a job once you’re in the province, but it doesn’t automatically qualify you to work in Canada.  

Here’s the process for taking advantage of this program (note that these steps will likely take some time):  

1. Hold an Active US License – Ensure your credentials are in good standing with no record of misconduct. 
2. Apply for Canadian Immigration Status – US healthcare workers may qualify through Ontario’s PNP or the federal Express Entry system, particularly through category-based draws for healthcare workers. If you secure a provincial nomination, your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can rise enough to receive an Invitation to Apply quickly. Temporary work permits for healthcare workers are also an option.
3. Complete College Registration in Ontario – Once you arrive, you can practise immediately for up to six months. Use that time to submit required documents, pass any exams or assessments, and finalize your application with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the College of Nurses of Ontario. 

If you hold an MD, NP, RN, or RPN license from the US, this program means you can start seeing patients right away instead of waiting months for full registration. 

Why US-Trained Healthcare Workers Might Choose Ontario 

“American health-care professionals are increasingly drawn to Ontario because of our strong public system, diverse communities, and high quality of life,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By cutting red tape, we’re making it faster to join our workforce and serve Ontario patients.” 

Competitive Compensation

Family physicians in Ontario earn around $380,000 CAD per year (about $277,000 USD). Registered nurses average $45 CAD per hour (roughly $32 USD). While some US nurse salaries exceed this, Ontario’s benefits—pension plans, paid leave, and health coverage—make the overall package attractive. 

Quality of Life and Amenities

Cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton rank among the world’s most livable. They offer diverse cultural scenes, excellent schools, and easy access to parks and lakes. If you love outdoor activities, Ontario’s trails, lakeshores, and provincial parks await on weekends. 

What You Need to Know About Ontario’s Fast-Track Program 

Eligibility Criteria 

Hold an active US license in good standing. 

No professional misconduct or disciplinary history. 

Meet federal immigration requirements (work permit or permanent residency). 

Practice Settings 

Doctors & NPs can work in hospitals, long-term care homes, primary care clinics, community health centres, and other supervised settings. 

RNs, RPNs, Respiratory Therapists & Med Lab Technologists can practise in home and community care, community labs, and a broader range of health settings beyond hospitals. 

Six-Month Practice Window 

You can begin providing patient care immediately upon arrival in Ontario. Then, you will need to use those six months to gather documentation, pass any required checks or exams, and secure full registration with the appropriate college. 

Voices from the Sector 

“By cutting the red tape that delays highly trained US-licensed doctors and nurses, we’re ensuring Ontario patients receive timely and accessible care,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. 

“Our government is fixing long-term care by training, hiring, and retaining thousands of health-care workers to provide high-quality care for residents,” said Paul Calandra, Acting Minister of Long-Term Care. “We welcome US-licensed professionals to practise and advance their careers in Ontario’s long-term care homes.” 

“Reducing barriers for US-trained Nurse Practitioners is a huge step toward addressing care gaps,” said Dr. Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO). “We look forward to integrating these skilled professionals into our primary and specialty care teams.” 

“Ontario’s plan to connect every resident with a family doctor depends on expanding our physician workforce,” noted Dr. Eric Wong, President-Elect of the Ontario College of Family Physicians. “Fast-tracking credential recognition helps improve access to care and strengthens our health system for the long term.” 

For more information on licensing requirements, credential assessment, and the application process, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Health website.