Ontario’s New Immigration Rules Make It Easier for Self-Employed Physicians
Ontario has introduced important changes to its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), making it easier for self-employed physicians to apply for permanent residency. These updates, which take effect on January 27, 2025, will help doctors who work independently qualify under Express Entry and the Foreign Worker Stream without needing a job offer. If you’re a self-employed physician looking to immigrate to Ontario, these new rules could simplify your journey. Here’s what you need to know.
Self-Employment Now Counts in Express Entry Streams
Before this change, Ontario’s Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream and French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream required applicants to have work experience in specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. However, self-employment was not considered valid work experience, making it hard for independent professionals, particularly physicians, to qualify.
Now, Ontario considers self-employment as a valid work experience, provided that this falls under any of the following:
- NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Under Which Immigration Programs Can Physicians Apply?
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the criteria for one of the following federal programs: FSWP or CEC. This policy change is most advantageous to physicians applying under CEC since the old policy would not consider self-employment a work experience under CEC, which would affect independent doctors wishing to apply.
With this new regulation, Ontario’s immigration policy more aligns with the federal ones, making it clearer and easier to apply. No Job Offer Required for Physicians in the Foreign Worker Stream Another important change pertains to the Ontario Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. Before, all applicants needed a job offer from an Ontario employer to apply.
Now, physicians no longer need a job offer to qualify under this stream. Instead, they must meet two key requirements:
1. Be Registered and in Good Standing
The applicant must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under one of these categories:
- Independent Practice
- Academic practice
- Postgraduate education
2. Be Eligible for Publicly Funded Healthcare Payments
The applicant must be eligible to receive payments for publicly funded health services under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act, 1990.
Who Does This Change Affect?
This change only includes physicians under NOC 31100, NOC 31101, and NOC 31102. For other professions that fall under the Foreign Worker Stream, a job offer is still a requirement.
By doing away with this requirement, Ontario makes it easier for self-employed doctors to settle in the province to help alleviate shortages and, ultimately, better access to doctors.
Like much of Canada, Ontario is facing a shortage of health professionals. These new immigration rules pave the way for more physicians to come to Ontario, thus improving medical services for residents.
Key Updates and Their Benefits
Key benefits can be summarized as follows:
- Easier Route to Permanent Residency: Self-employed physicians now have a clear route under Express Entry.
- No Job Offer Requirement: Physicians applying through the Foreign Worker Stream will not require an employer’s offer.
- Aligned with Federal Rules: The updates align with Canada’s immigration policies, making applications smoother.
- Supports Ontario’s Healthcare System: More doctors can now immigrate, helping to fill healthcare gaps.
How to Apply Under These New Rules
If you’re a self-employed physician planning to apply under the new OINP Express Entry or Foreign Worker Stream rules, follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Your work experience must match one of the approved NOC codes (31100, 31101, or 31102).
- Select the appropriate program: Determine whether you qualify under Express Entry, either under the FSWP or the CEC, or under the Foreign Worker Stream.
- Meet the Federal Requirements: You must either be qualified under FSWP or CEC if applying via Express Entry.
- Confirmation of Registration with CPSO: If applying through the Foreign Worker Stream, confirmation of your registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather proof of self-employment experience, CPSO registration, and eligibility for healthcare payments.
- Submit Your Application: Follow OINP’s official process to apply.
For official details, visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) website.
Ontario’s new immigration rules make it easier for self-employed doctors to get permanent residency. By counting self-employment as work experience and removing the job offer requirement, Ontario is helping more physicians move to the province. These changes match federal policies, making the process smoother and more flexible. If you’re a doctor looking to build your career in Ontario, now is the time to apply. Visit the OINP website for details and take the next step toward your future in Canada!
