Transfers (Transfer Examinations)
Transfer Licensing Process
Purpose
Lawyers who wish to be licensed in Ontario and who are from Canadian jurisdictions which have not signed and implemented the National Mobility Agreement (non-reciprocating jurisdictions) must apply for transfer using the application for licence by way of licensing examinations under By-law 4 s. 9 (1).
Lawyers from the following jurisdiction must apply and complete the licensing examination program in order to be licensed in Ontario:
Lawyers who wish to be licensed to practise law in Ontario, but do not have a Common Law Degree from an approved Canadian law school or a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) must first contact the NCA to assess their credentials.
Who can apply
Lawyers in good standing in their home jurisdiction who hold a Common Law Degree from an approved Canadian law school may apply to be licensed to practise law in Ontario by way of licensing examinations.
Transfer Licensing Application Requirements
- Completed and original Transfer Licensing Application
- Non-refundable administrative application fee
- Original Certificate(s) of Standing (dated within the last 30 days) from each law society of which the applicant is or has been a member
- Notarized copy of Canadian Birth Certificate as proof of age and full legal name, or, if applicant was not born in Canada, two other Canadian government issued documents with the applicant’s name appearing identically on each.
- Two coloured passport photos
- Additional pertinent documents to comply with specific application requirements
Application Process
This is a two-part application process:PART I Transfer Licensing Application
All applications and pertinent attachments will be reviewed by Administrative Compliance (AC). If the review reveals that the application and/or attachments are deficient, an Administrative Compliance Representative will contact the applicant to request additional information or clarification.
Administrative Compliance requires 15 business days to process the Transfer Licensing Application.
PART II Transfer Licencing Examinations Registration
Once Transfer Licensing Applications are approved, applicants are responsible to contact the Office of the Registrar to register for examinations. Refer to Transfer Licensing Application and Examinations Policy (pdf) for information.
Non-refundable Administrative Fees
A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $160 + GST must be submitted along with the Transfer Licensing Application Form. Licensing examination fees are payable to the Office of the Registrar after the Transfer Licensing Application is approved. Refer to Transfer Licensing Application and Examinations Policy for examination fees.
Links to Application and Additional Information
- Transfer Licensing Application (pdf)
- Transfer Licensing Application Checklist (pdf)
- Transfer Licensing Application Fee Remittance Form (pdf)
Links to Applicable By-law
- By-law 4 : Licensing
Questions
Application related questions should be directed to Administrative Compliance by contacting the Law Society Resource Centre at (416) 947-3315 (toll-free within Ontario 1-800-668-7380 x 3315) and asking to be transferred, or email Administrative Compliance using the Contact Page.
Examination registration questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar by contacting the Law Society Resource Centre at (416) 947-3315 (toll-free within Ontario 1-800-668-7380 x 3315) and asking to be transferred, or email the Office of the Registrar using the Contact Page.