Ontario Makes It Easier for Self-Employed Physicians to Immigrate

Ontario recently simplified the immigration process for self-employed physicians, opening new pathways to permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These updates let self-employed doctors qualify under certain streams by counting their independent work experience—no job offer required.

Which Streams Are Affected?

The changes apply to three key OINP streams:

1. Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities
2. Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker
3. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker

Previously, these streams often excluded physicians because the programs relied on employee-based experience. With many Ontario physicians working as independent practitioners, they couldn’t meet the old criteria. Now, their self-employed experience is recognized, making these pathways much more accessible.

New Eligibility Rules for Self-Employment

Under the updated guidelines, self-employed physicians can meet the work experience requirements for the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams if their experience falls under certain 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

Changes to the Foreign Worker Stream

Physicians can also now qualify for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without needing a job offer. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
• Have one of the recognized certificate categories (e.g., independent practice or academic practice).
• Be authorized to receive payments for publicly funded healthcare services.

Federal Policy Alignments

Ontario’s updates complement earlier federal policy changes, which made it easier for self-employed physicians to qualify for programs like the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program. These federal policies allow self-employed doctors to count their independent work experience and waive the need for continuous arranged employment after gaining permanent residency.

Why These Changes Matter

Canada faces a growing demand for healthcare professionals due to its aging population. By easing restrictions, Ontario hopes to attract more qualified physicians. These changes are part of a broader national strategy, as other provinces have also introduced incentives for healthcare workers. Additionally, the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 highlights healthcare as a priority category, reinforcing the push to bring more medical professionals into the country.

Enhanced OINP Programs

All of the affected streams are considered enhanced PNP programs, meaning they are tied to the federal Express Entry system. When candidates receive a provincial nomination, they gain 600 extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, nearly guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next Express Entry draw.

In summary, Ontario’s updated approach is a welcome change, making it significantly easier for self-employed physicians to achieve permanent residency and help fill critical healthcare gaps in the province.