The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced new rules that make it easier for self-employed Physicians to apply for Canadian immigration. These changes apply to two main immigration programs: the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream and the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities & French-Speaking Skilled Worker Streams.
Changes to Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Previously, Physicians applying through this program needed a job offer from an Ontario employer. However, many Physicians work as independent contractors and bill OHIP (Ontario’s health insurance program), which made them ineligible.
With the new update, Physicians no longer need a job offer if they meet these conditions:
- They are registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in one of these categories:
- Independent practice
- Academic practice
- Postgraduate education
- They are eligible to receive payments for publicly funded healthcare services under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act.
This change came into effect on January 27, 2025 and applies only to physicians under the following 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
There are no changes for applicants in other professions.
Changes to Express Entry Streams for Self-Employed Physicians
Ontario has also updated its Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams to allow self-employed Physicians to use their work experience when applying.
Before, self-employed experience was not accepted. Now, if you are a Physician with work experience in one of these NOC codes, you can use it to meet the program’s work experience requirement:
- NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
Applicants must choose to apply under one of these federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Now allows self-employed experience to be counted.
This update aligns with recent federal immigration policy changes, making it easier for self-employed Physicians to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.
Where to Get More Information
For detailed requirements, visit the official Ontario government pages:
- OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- OINP Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Worker Stream
For legal regulations, refer to:
If you’re a self-employed Physician looking to move to Canada, these changes make the process much easier! For assistance, contact Ask Kubeir today!
📌 If you believe your VISA application should be showcased in the most favorable light when submitting to immigration, feel free to book our services.
📌 To book an appointment with Kubeir – Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, click the “Book Appointment”
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- +971 45 26 4646 (Dubai)
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.