Ontario has introduced important changes to its immigration rules that make it easier for self-employed physicians to obtain permanent residence. These updates, effective from January 1, 2026, focus on improving access to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) for internationally trained doctors, particularly through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
Previously, most applicants under this stream were required to have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer. However, self-employed physicians were already an exception, provided they met specific licensing and practice requirements. The latest changes further clarify and expand eligibility, making the pathway smoother for doctors who are already contributing to Ontario’s healthcare system.
Under the revised rules, physicians must fall under one of three recognized occupational categories: specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, specialists in surgery, or general practitioners and family physicians. In addition, applicants must be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, hold an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing number, and possess an approved medical certificate that allows them to provide insured health services.
One of the most significant updates involves changes to acceptable medical certifications. In the past, physicians could qualify if they held certification for independent practice, academic practice, or postgraduate education. However, the postgraduate education category has been removed. This decision was made because physicians under this category are not permitted to bill OHIP, which is a mandatory requirement for self-employed applicants under the program.
To replace this removed category, Ontario has added provisional certificates of registration as an acceptable credential. A provisional certificate allows internationally trained physicians who are officially eligible to complete licensing exams to practice medicine under supervision. While this licence is time-limited and comes with restrictions, it still enables physicians to provide insured services and bill OHIP, making them eligible for the self-employed pathway.
This update aligns with Ontario’s broader efforts to reduce barriers for internationally trained professionals. By recognizing provisional licences, the province aims to bring more qualified physicians into the healthcare workforce faster, helping address physician shortages across urban and rural areas.
It is important to note that physicians who only hold postgraduate education licences are no longer eligible to apply as self-employed individuals under this stream. These applicants must now secure a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in order to qualify.
Eligible self-employed physicians can apply by submitting an Expression of Interest to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Unlike many other candidates, they are not required to compete based on a points system. Factors such as wage level, job location, or job offer category are not used to rank them. Once nominated by Ontario, applicants receive a significant advantage when applying for permanent residence at the federal level.
Overall, these changes represent a positive step toward creating a more accessible and practical immigration pathway for self-employed physicians. By recognizing a wider range of medical credentials and simplifying requirements, Ontario is making it easier for skilled doctors to build long-term careers while strengthening the province’s healthcare system.
