Bring your skills to Ontario – start working right away

If you’re a U.S.-licensed physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, practical nurse or medical or health researcher, it’s easier than ever to start working in our health care system.

Thanks to new rules, physicians and nurses can begin working in health settings in Ontario, Canada immediately for up to 6 months while you complete your registration. This fast-track process removes a major barrier and helps you get started without delay.

We’ve also expanded where you can work. Previously, U.S.-licensed professionals were limited to hospitals and long-term care homes. Now, you can also practice in:

  • primary care clinics
  • home and community care
  • community laboratories

Physicians and nurses

As a physician or nurse in Ontario, you’ll join a diverse team of regulated health care providers that offer safe, professional and ethical care to patients across the province.

Start immediately

American-trained doctors and nurses are eligible to work in Ontario immediately. No retraining required.

If you are licensed and board-certified in the U.S., you can start work immediately under Ontario’s “As of Right” rules, for up to 6 months while you complete your registration.

Check HealthForceOntario's job site to find your next health care career opportunity in Ontario.

Medical and health researchers

Continue to grow your career as a medical or health researcher in Ontario and help improve public health through work in areas such as epidemiology, clinical trials or health policy. Opportunities are available in hospitals, universities, research institutions, government departments and non-profit organizations across the province.

Check with the employer to see what opportunities are available and the qualifications needed for each role.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for early-career scientists

We’re supporting the University Health Network’s (UHN) Canada Leads 100 Challenge to attract the best and brightest scientists to work at Canada’s leading health care and medical research organization based in the heart of Ontario.

Register now and you could receive:

  • a two-year research funding commitment
  • coaching and mentorship by leading entrepreneurs
  • support from UHN to make the transition to Canada seamless

Located in Toronto, Ontario’s Discovery District, UHN sits at the centre of one of the world’s most dynamic research and innovation ecosystems. As part of North America’s largest research hub, researchers at UHN benefit from unparalleled access to top hospitals, globally ranked universities, and cutting-edge institutes – in Ontario, Canada’s economic engine and one of the most vibrant places to live and work.

Apply now

About UHN

UHN is the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital and has consistently ranked the top research hospital in Canada since 2011.

With 10 sites and more than 44,000 Team UHN members, including more than 6,000 researchers, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre.

As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine.

Starting your life in Ontario

Before you arrive

The Government of Canada provides free in-person and online services to help you prepare and adjust to life in Canada.

Learn more about pre-arrival services.

Get health care

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for many medically necessary health care services and is available to eligible residents of Ontario at no cost.

Apply for OHIP and get a health card

Get a driver’s license

Already licensed

If you already have a valid driver’s license from the U.S., you can use it for 60 days in Ontario before having to switch to an Ontario driver’s license.

Apply to exchange an out-of-province driver’s license

New drivers

If you do not have a valid driver’s license, you’ll need to pass an eye test, a written test about the rules of the road and apply for a G class license (to drive a car, van or small truck) or an M class license (for a motorcycle, motor scooter or moped).

Get a G driver’s license

Enrol your children in school

You'll generally need to provide proof of age, residency and immunization records to enroll your child in a publicly-funded school. Contact the local school board or school near your new home in Ontario for specific instructions and requirements.

Find your school board or school

Find a settlement agency

A settlement agency can help you find the services you need to settle in Ontario, including  housing, childcare or social services or help registering your children in school and more.

Find a settlement agency

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