Maple News reports that Ontario has revised its immigration rules to make it easier for self-employed physicians to qualify for permanent residency under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These updates aim to reflect the reality that many practicing doctors in the province are self-employed, especially in family medicine and specialized clinical fields.
The changes apply to three key OINP streams: Express Entry Human Capital Priorities, Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker, and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker. Notably, self-employed work experience is now considered valid for eligibility under the first two Express Entry streams.
Previously, many physicians were ineligible for permanent residency through these pathways due to the federal Canadian Experience Class (CEC) restriction, which only recognizes work experience gained as an employee. Physicians, often billing through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) as independent practitioners, were therefore excluded.
Under the revised OINP criteria, physicians can now claim self-employed work experience if they fall under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 31100 (Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine), 31101 (Specialists in surgery), and 31102 (General practitioners and family physicians).
In another significant development, Ontario has removed the job offer requirement for physicians applying through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. To qualify under this stream without an employer-backed offer, applicants must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in a certificate class that permits patient care—either Independent Practice, Academic Practice, or Postgraduate Education. They must also be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services in Ontario.
These provincial updates align with a broader national effort to improve immigration pathways for healthcare professionals. The federal government previously introduced measures to remove occupational barriers for physicians applying for permanent residency, acknowledging the critical role they play in Canada’s health system.
By implementing these changes, Ontario is sending a clear signal that it values its medical talent and is actively working to retain skilled healthcare professionals amid ongoing shortages in primary and specialized care, especially across underserved regions.
According to Maple News, these policy adjustments could lead to a more streamlined and inclusive immigration process for physicians, giving them stronger incentives to build long-term careers and lives in Ontario.