Ontario Links Driver’s Licence Eligibility to Immigration and Work Status

Ontario has announced major changes to its driver’s licensing system, directly linking eligibility to a person’s immigration or work status. The amendments form part of the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act (Bill 60).

Under the new rules, a person’s eligibility to obtain or renew an Ontario driver’s licence will be verified against their immigration status and work authorization. Individuals must have valid immigration status and, where applicable, authorization to work or study in Canada.

Key points for newcomers:

• Applicants will need to demonstrate valid immigration status when applying for or renewing a licence
• The province will verify status against federal immigration records
• Temporary residents, including those on open or employer-specific work permits, remain eligible as long as their status is valid
• Refugee claimants with authorization to work are also eligible

SWIS workers should be aware of these changes and ready to connect families with immigration legal support if needed.