Ontario is taking bold new steps to address its healthcare workforce crisis by allowing qualified doctors and nurses licensed in the United States to begin working in the province without first registering with a professional college. The new policy removes a key barrier that has delayed access to trained international talent, while still requiring compliance with Canada’s immigration and work permit rules.
The move comes as health-care worker shortages continue across the province – and as more American professionals explore international opportunities in light of political uncertainty under Donald Trump’s presidency.
On This Page You Will Find:
- The new Ontario policy for U.S.-licensed health-care workers
- Which professionals qualify and how long they can work
- Where they can practise in Ontario’s health system
- How the policy will help improve health-care delivery
- Reactions from medical and nursing associations
New Rules for U.S.-Licensed Health Professionals
Under the policy, board-certified physicians and licensed nurses from the United States – including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses – can begin working in Ontario immediately for a period of up to six months while they complete their registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the College of Nurses of Ontario.
These health-care workers must be licensed in their home jurisdiction with no record of misconduct or incompetence. They will still need to go through the standard federal process to obtain work permits or permanent residence.
“By cutting the red tape that is delaying highly trained U.S.-licensed doctors and nurses from being able to live and work in Ontario, we are making bold strides to ensure Ontario patients receive timely and accessible care,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones.
Broader Range of Practice Settings
The government is also removing existing restrictions that previously limited U.S.-trained physicians and nurses – along with respiratory therapists and medical laboratory technologists – to working in public hospitals and long-term care homes only.
With the new changes, these professionals will be allowed to practise in a broader range of health-care environments, including:
- Primary care clinics
- Home and community care settings
- Community laboratories
This expanded scope is designed to strengthen all parts of the health-care system, not just emergency rooms and acute care centres.
What This Means for Ontario’s Health Provision
The decision to welcome U.S.-licensed health professionals is part of Ontario’s broader plan to build a stronger, more accessible health-care system. Currently, millions of Ontarians lack access to a family doctor, and health-care workers across the province are under intense pressure.
This policy aims to:
- Quickly add more trained professionals to the front lines
- Improve access to primary and community-based care
- Ease pressure on hospitals and emergency departments
- Support long-term staffing in underserved areas
At the same time, Ontario is continuing to invest in its local health-care talent pipeline through measures such as:
- Expanding nursing and medical school capacity
- Broadening the scope of practice for nurses
- Supporting students in underserved areas through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
Widespread Support from Health-Care Leaders
The policy has received support from a wide range of health-care organisations, including the Ontario Medical Association, the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, and the Ontario College of Family Physicians. These groups say reducing barriers for internationally trained professionals is a vital step – but also stress the need to retain and support the existing health-care workforce.
“Reducing barriers for qualified physicians to practise in Ontario is a positive and timely step that can help improve access to care,” said Dr. Eric Wong, President-Elect of the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies to work under Ontario’s new rules?
Board-certified U.S. physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses with no history of misconduct or incompetence may begin working in Ontario for six months without prior registration.
Do American professionals still need a work permit?
Yes. U.S. health-care professionals must meet all standard federal immigration requirements, including securing a valid work permit or permanent residency before working in Ontario.
What kinds of facilities can they work in?
They can work in hospitals, long-term care homes, primary care clinics, community care settings, and laboratories – significantly expanding beyond the previous scope.
Why is Ontario making this change now?
Ontario is facing a health-care staffing crisis. The province is taking action to attract qualified international professionals, especially from the U.S., to meet urgent workforce needs.
Is Ontario still investing in local health-care workers?
Yes. Ontario continues to expand medical and nursing programs, provide financial support for students, and broaden the responsibilities of nurses to improve patient care access.
