Transferring a law licence to Ontario from another province

If you are licensed in another Canadian province or territory, you do not need to requalify to practise in Ontario. Under the National Mobility Agreement (NMA) and the Territorial Mobility Agreement (TMA), you can practise temporarily or transfer permanently through a simpler process. Here is how each option works.

Three ways to practise in Ontario

The 100-day rule

Lawyers entitled to practise in a province that has signed the NMA may practise in Ontario without prior permission for up to 100 days a year, if they meet the requirements in Part VII of By-law 4. Any part of a day spent on an Ontario-related file counts as a full day, whether or not you are physically in Ontario (Law Society of Ontario).

Temporary Practice Permit

• Apply through LSO Connects. There is no application fee.
• You need a Certificate of Standing sent directly from your home law society, proof of identity, and proof of insurance.
• Processing can take up to 15 business days after all documents are received.
• You must stay entitled to practise in your home jurisdiction.

Permanent transfer

Lawyers licensed in a Canadian jurisdiction may apply for permanent transfer under the NMA or TMA, with an exception for certain Québec lawyers who qualified through the Québec and France mutual recognition agreement (Law Society of Ontario).

1. Complete the self-screening questionnaire in LSO Connects.
2. Complete the application and upload supporting documents dated within 30 days, including a Certificate of Standing no older than 60 days when the application is ready for approval.
3. Pay the $1,450 application fee plus HST.
4. Read the required materials and submit a signed reading declaration.
5. Attend an administrative call to the bar. Mobility applicants are not eligible for the ceremonial call.

The initial review can take up to 35 business days after all documents arrive. If you are already working in Ontario while you wait, apply for a Temporary Practice Permit as well. Once licensed, you pay Ontario annual fees and insurance premiums as applicable.

Lawyers working for the federal government

Lawyers licensed in a Canadian common law province who work exclusively for the Government of Canada do not need a Temporary Practice Permit.

Updating your resume for an Ontario move

List each bar admission with its year, and show your Ontario status accurately, for example "Law Society of Ontario (transfer application in progress)". Our guide to the lawyer resume format covers how to present admissions.