Good news for self-employed physicians looking to settle in Ontario! As of January 27, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced major changes that make it easier for doctors to immigrate. The updates allow self-employed physicians to qualify for Ontario’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without needing a job offer from an Ontario employer.
Additionally, physicians applying through the Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking skilled Worker streams can now use self-employment experience to meet the work experience requirements. These policy changes aim to address Ontario’s growing healthcare needs while aligning with recent federal updates.
Changes to the Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream
Previously, independent physicians (such as those billing through OHIP) were ineligible for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream due to the job offer requirement. With the new changes, self-employed doctors can now qualify without a traditional employer-backed offer.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify under this stream, physicians must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Hold one of the following certificates permitting patient care:
- Independent Practice
- Academic Practice
- Postgraduate Education
- Be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded healthcare services under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act, 1990.
These changes apply specifically to physicians classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
- NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
By removing the job offer requirement, self-employed physicians now have a smoother immigration pathway, making it easier to contribute to Ontario’s healthcare system.
Work Experience Flexibility for Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking skilled Worker Streams
In addition to the Employer Job Offer stream, Ontario has updated the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. These changes allow self-employed physicians to use their work experience to meet eligibility requirements.
What’s New?
- Physicians applying through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) can now include self-employment experience in their work history
- This applies only if the experience is within one of the three NOC codes related to physicians (31100, 31101, 31102).
- Physicians can still choose to be assessed under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), depending on their qualifications.
Why Do These Changes Matter for Physicians?
Ontario’s healthcare system is in high demand for skilled medical professionals, and these policy updates are designed to attract and retain top-tier international physicians. The key benefits include:
- More Immigration Pathways – Self-employed doctors now have multiple routes to apply for permanent residence.
- No More Employer Restriction – Physicians don’t need a job offer to qualify under the Employer Job Offer stream.
- Recognition of Self-Employment – Doctors who run their own practice can now count their experience toward immigration eligibility.
A Brighter Future for Healthcare Professionals
Ontario’s updated immigration policies for self-employed physicians provide an easier and more flexible route to permanent residence. Whether applying through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream or the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams, doctors now have greater opportunities to settle and practice in Ontario.
If you are a physician looking to move to Canada, ImmigCanada can guide you through the process. Contact us today to explore your best immigration options!
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