The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented important changes to its key streams to improve access for self-employed physicians. These modifications aim to address Ontario's healthcare labor market needs by making it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate to the province. The changes have been implemented to the following OINP streams for Self-Employed Physicians:
Changes to the Express Entry HCP and French-Speaking Streams
The OINP has also amended the regulations for the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. These amendments allow applicants to leverage their self-employment experience to meet the work experience requirements if it falls under the following NOC codes:
Stream Selection and Federal Program Criteria
Applicants under these streams have the option to choose which federal program criteria they'd like to be assessed against:
The amendments permit applicants opting for CEC criteria to include their self-employment experience, provided it aligns with a designated NOC. It's important to note that these changes are exclusive to the aforementioned NOC codes and mirror recent updates to federal policies. The updated program requirements are reflected on the following OINP stream webpages:
Changes to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Previously, this stream required applicants to possess a job offer from an Ontario employer. This condition restricted eligibility for self-employed physicians (like those who bill OHIP) who operate independently. To address this, the OINP has revised the requirements for physician applicants under this stream.
Key Updates:
These changes came into effect on January 27, 2025, and solely apply to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream for physician applicants (NOC codes 31100, 31101, and 31102). There are no modifications to the requirements for other NOCs under this stream.
Overall Significance
These changes by the OINP are a positive step towards attracting more qualified physicians to the province. By making the immigration process more accessible for self-employed physicians, Ontario can help address the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
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Consult immigration professionals for personalized guidance
While these updates are a significant development, it's recommended to consult registered immigration professionals for personalized guidance on navigating the OINP application process. They can assist you in determining the most suitable stream, meeting eligibility requirements, and preparing a strong application.
To confirm latest Canada immigration updates and apply for the PR in Canada in 2025, you may get in touch with our Canada Migration Expert at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.