Ontario streamlines immigration process for self-employed physicians

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has significantly streamlined the immigration process for self-employed physicians, specifically within the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream and the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. As of January 27, 2025, physicians applying under the Employer Job Offer stream can qualify without needing a job offer from an Ontario employer, thus opening the pathway for independent contractors who were previously ineligible. To qualify, applicants must be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services. Additionally, regulations have been amended to allow applicants to the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams to count self-employment experience towards meeting the work experience requirement, provided that it falls under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes related to physician roles. Applicants can be assessed under either the Federal Skilled Workers Program or the Canadian Experience Class, with the new provisions particularly benefiting those opting for the latter. These updates aim to address Ontario’s healthcare labour market needs while aligning with recent federal policy changes.