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As of Right Legislation FAQs

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American Board-certified physicians and Canadian-certified physician assistants interested in entering under the As of Right route are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 1-800-268-7096 ext. 617 to discuss the requirements and eligibility.

Obtain a copy of the attestation form required to pursue the As of Right route for American Board-certified physicians and physician assistants.


What is Ontario’s As of Right legislation?

As of Right legislation in Ontario allows qualified physicians and physician assistants from certain other jurisdictions to work in Ontario while completing their registration with CPSO. This route is meant to promote inter-jurisdictional mobility for select registered health professionals. 

Starting January 1, 2026, the As of Right route is available to Canadian-licensed physician assistants who meet the eligibility criteria, in addition to eligible American Board-certified physicians. These individuals can practise for up to six months while completing their registration requirements with the College.

What are the eligibility requirements for applicants to practise under the As of Right route?

Both physicians and physician assistants must meet the following eligibility conditions:

  • Not have been denied registration with a Canadian or American regulatory body within two years of applying for registration in Ontario;
  • Not have a finding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity about or against them in a proceeding related to the profession;
  • Not be the subject of any current professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity proceeding, or any similar proceeding related to the profession;
  • Hold professional liability insurance or benefits from professional liability coverage that extends coverage to Ontario;
  • Only provide professional services to residents of Ontario while the person is physically present in Ontario; and
  • Submit an attestation to the College confirming that they meet the requirements for the As of Right route.

Physicians must also:

  • Hold the equivalent of an independent practise certificate from an American jurisdiction (without any terms, limitations or conditions);
  • Be board-certified by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialities or a certifying board of the American Osteopathic Association; and,
  • Use only specialty designations certification from a regulatory authority in an American jurisdiction.

Physician assistants must also:

  • Hold the equivalent out-of-province certificate of registration in the general class from a Canadian jurisdiction; and,
  • Use only speciality designations certification from the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

How long are applicants eligible to practise under these terms?

Under the regulations, eligible applicants will have six months from the point of application to practise in Ontario without a licence.

When will an applicant become ineligible for As of Right?

Applicants practicing under the As of Right legislation must stop practicing in Ontario if:

  • The College registration application is rejected;
  • They do not register with the College within six months; or,
  • They do not continue to meet all the eligibility criteria.

Are there restrictions on where individuals working under As of Right legislation can practise?

No. There are no practise setting restrictions for eligible applicants under the As of Right rules.

Can I find the profile of a physician or physician assistant practising under the As of Right program on the CPSO Physician Register?

No. Until physicians and physician assistants are registered with our College, they will not have profiles on our Register. To inquire about the practise history of physicians and physician assistants practising under the As of Right route who are unregistered with CPSO, individuals should consult with the regulatory body in the health professional’s home jurisdiction.

If a patient has concerns about a physician registered outside Ontario, can they submit a complaint to CPSO?

CPSO cannot provide any regulatory oversight, including complaint investigation, until the physician or physician assistant is registered with the College. To convey concerns or complaints about physicians and physician assistants practising under the As of Right route, individuals should consult with the regulatory body in the physician's and physician assistant's home jurisdiction.