Ontario Eases Immigration Rules for Self-Employed Physicians

Ontario has introduced new immigration policies, making it easier for self-employed physicians to qualify for permanent residency. This aims to address the healthcare shortage by allowing more independent physicians to settle and practice in the province.

These amendments came into effect on 27 January 2025. It has eased immigration rules for self-employed physicians. There are no changes to the requirements for applicants applying to the stream under any other NOC.

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Changes to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

Previously, under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), physicians needed a formal job offer from an Ontario employer to be eligible for permanent residency.

This requirement excluded many doctors who work as independent contractors and bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for their services. Self-employed doctors can now apply without a job offer if they meet specific criteria.

The applicant must be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services ( Health Insurance Act,1990). They must be registered in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under one of these categories:

• Independent Practice
• Academic practice
• Postgraduate education

Changes to the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams

In addition to the OINP modifications, Ontario has also adjusted its Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking Skilled Worker streams to accommodate self-employed doctors. Previously, only employment experience counted toward eligibility for these programs.

Applicants must still meet all other program requirements and choose whether they wish to be assessed under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. These changes apply exclusively to physicians under the following NOCs:

• NOC 31100 - Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
• NOC 31101 - Specialists in surgery
• NOC 31102 - General practitioners and family physicians

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Impact of these Changes

These immigration updates are part of a broader strategy to fill critical gaps in the healthcare system of Ontario. With rising demand for medical services and a shortage of qualified professionals, these new policies are expected to attract more skilled doctors.

By removing barriers for self-employed physicians such as no job offer required for self-employed physicians, Ontario is creating a more flexible and inclusive immigration process. It would ensure that residents have better access to essential healthcare services.

Key Streams of OINP

The Ontario PNP uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to manage applications for its key streams:

• Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
• Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
• Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
• Masters Graduate Stream
• PhD Graduate Stream

The provincial government hopes that these changes will encourage more international medical professionals to build their careers in Ontario. It will boost the economy by ultimately creating more employment opportunities and strengthening the healthcare sector.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Ontario PNP Ontario Immigration Human Capital Priorities Stream French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Employer Job Offer Express Entry healthcare services OINP Canada Immigration News