Ontario’s Game-Changer: How Immigration Just Became Easier for Foreign-Trained Physicians

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented major reforms to streamline the immigration process for foreign-trained physicians, making it easier for them to live and work in the province.

Ontario, like the rest of Canada, is grappling with a critical physician shortage. Many communities, especially those in rural and underserved areas, struggle to access essential medical care. This growing demand is fueled by an ageing population, rising healthcare needs, and a shortage of trained professionals to fill vital roles.

Foreign-trained doctors have long been seen as a key solution to this crisis. However, complex immigration and licensing requirements have historically made it challenging for them to practice in Ontario. These recent changes aim to remove barriers and attract skilled physicians to support the province’s healthcare system.

On This Page You Will Find:

• Ontario’s Physician Shortage – Why the province needs more doctors and how foreign-trained physicians can help.
• OINP Immigration Changes – How Ontario has eased job offer requirements for self-employed doctors.
• Express Entry Work Experience Update – Recognition of self-employment for foreign-trained physicians.
• Impact of These Reforms – How these changes will help address the doctor shortage.
• Next Steps for Physicians – A guide for foreign-trained doctors planning to immigrate to Ontario.

Ontario’s Immigration Changes for Foreign-Trained Physicians

1. Job Offer Requirement Removed for Self-Employed Physicians

Previously, physicians applying to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream of the OINP needed a job offer from an Ontario employer. However, many doctors in Ontario operate as independent contractors, billing the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) rather than working directly for an employer. This requirement made them ineligible for immigration through this stream.

Under the new rules, self-employed physicians can qualify without a traditional job offer. To be eligible, they must:

• Be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under one of these certificate categories:
  • Independent Practice
  • Academic practice
  • Postgraduate education
• Be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services under the Health Insurance Act, of 1990

These changes, effective January 27, 2025, help eliminate unnecessary barriers, allowing more foreign-trained doctors to work in Ontario.

2. Self-Employment Now Counts as Work Experience in Express Entry Streams

Another critical change benefits physicians applying under the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. In the past, self-employment did not count toward the work experience requirement for these immigration pathways.

Now, physicians in the following categories can use self-employment experience to meet the work experience criteria:

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

Applicants can choose to be assessed under either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class, making it easier for them to qualify for permanent residency in Ontario.

Why These Changes Matter

1. Easing the Path for More Physicians

These reforms directly address the obstacles that prevented many foreign-trained doctors from immigrating and working in Ontario. Removing the job offer requirement and recognizing self-employment as valid work experience will open the door for more qualified physicians to practice in the province.

2. Addressing the Physician Shortage

With thousands of Ontarians struggling to access healthcare, these changes will help alleviate doctor shortages, especially in areas that urgently need medical professionals. By making it easier for foreign-trained physicians to gain permanent residency, the province is actively working toward a more accessible and efficient healthcare system.

3. Aligning with Federal Immigration Policy

These amendments also align Ontario’s immigration policies with recent federal changes. Recognizing self-employment as valid work experience in Express Entry streams brings Ontario’s system in line with federal immigration programs, streamlining the process for skilled medical professionals.

What Foreign-Trained Physicians Should Do Next

If you are a foreign-trained physician looking to immigrate to Ontario, you should:

1. Check your eligibility under the new OINP and Express Entry stream requirements.
2. Ensure you are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
3. Apply for the appropriate immigration stream based on your qualifications and work experience.
4. Stay updated on future changes by following Ontario’s official immigration websites.

Ontario’s new immigration changes remove significant barriers for foreign-trained physicians, making it easier for them to contribute to the province’s healthcare system. These reforms will help fill critical gaps in medical services and improve healthcare access for Ontario residents. By recognizing the value of self-employed doctors and easing immigration restrictions, Ontario is taking a proactive step to address its physician shortage while welcoming skilled healthcare professionals from around the world.

FAQ: Ontario Immigration Changes for Foreign-Trained Physicians