CIC News | Ontario PNP Implements Significant Changes for Express Entry Streams

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced crucial modifications to its Express Entry and Foreign Worker streams, effective January 27, 2025. These updates aim to enhance the immigration process, particularly for self-employed physicians, acknowledging their vital contributions to the healthcare sector in Ontario.

Self-Employment Now Recognized in Work Experience for Express Entry Streams

Previously, the Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking skilled Worker streams under OINP required applicants to have work experience in designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. However, self-employed work history was not considered eligible, creating hurdles for independent professionals, especially physicians.

With the recent update, self-employed professionals can now count their work experience towards eligibility, provided they have worked under the following NOC codes:

• NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

• NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery

• NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians

Applicants will be assessed based on one of the two federal immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For those applying under the Canadian Experience Class, their self-employment experience will now be considered valid, aligning OINP policies with recent federal-level changes for consistency.

No Job Offer Requirement for Foreign Worker Stream

Key Updates Benefiting Physicians

Previously, the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream required candidates to secure a job offer from an Ontario employer. However, recognizing the pressing need for healthcare professionals, Ontario has eliminated this requirement for physicians.

Physicians can now apply without a traditional job offer if they meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Registered and in Good Standing

Applicants must be registered and maintain good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under one of the following licensing categories that allow them to provide patient care:

• Independent Practice

• Academic Practice

• Postgraduate Education

2. Eligibility for Publicly Funded Payments

To qualify, applicants must be eligible to receive payments for health services covered under the Health Insurance Act, of 1990.

These updates are exclusively applicable to professionals under NOC codes 31100, 31101, and 31102. Other professions remain subject to the job offer requirement.

Major Win for Self-Employed Physicians

Recognizing self-employment as valid work experience is a transformative step in Ontario’s immigration framework, making the process more inclusive for independent physicians. This policy shift acknowledges the diverse professional backgrounds of medical practitioners and provides them with a clearer path to permanent residency.

By synchronizing provincial immigration policies with federal adjustments, Ontario is enhancing its attractiveness as a destination for international medical professionals.

How This Will Strengthen Ontario’s Healthcare System

• Addresses Physician Shortages: Encouraging self-employed physicians to immigrate to Ontario will help fill gaps in the healthcare workforce.

• Enhances Medical Accessibility: With more qualified doctors, Ontario residents will benefit from improved healthcare services.

• Supports Long-Term Retention: By removing bureaucratic barriers, Ontario ensures that skilled physicians are more likely to establish long-term careers in the province.

These changes demonstrate Ontario’s commitment to refining immigration policies to attract and retain highly skilled medical professionals. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the official OINP page for further details on the application process.

With this progressive update, Ontario is reinforcing its position as a top destination for healthcare excellence, ensuring a sustainable and well-supported medical workforce for years to come.