Ontario has made a giant leap in addressing its healthcare workforce needs by streamlining the immigration process for self-employed physicians. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has made key modifications to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream and the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams, making it easier for physicians to obtain permanent residency in the province.
A Game-Changer for Self-Employed Physicians in the Immigration Process
As of January 27, 2025, physicians who apply through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream are exempt from the necessity of having an Ontario employer provide a job offer. This change is very critical because it addresses the nature of self-employment in the medical field and now allows independent contractors to qualify under this stream—something that could not be done before. It is expected to encourage more qualified medical professionals to establish their practices in Ontario, thereby enhancing the accessibility of healthcare for residents.
To qualify under this stream, applicants must:
- Be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
- Be eligible to receive payment for public-funded health service. Absolutely.
- Plan to provide medical care in Ontario as an independent physician.
Recognition of Self-Employment Experience
The Ontario provincial regulations of Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking Skilled Worker streams have been modified to include self-employment experience in the calculation of work experience to determine eligibility. This is a big win as most independent skilled physicians were being locked out from eligibility by very narrow definitions of work experience.
It improves the immigration process drastically by making it easier for self-employed physicians to be eligible for consideration to enter and join the Ontario healthcare system.
Under the new policy:
- Self-employment experience must be in a specific NOC code related to physician roles.
- Physicians can be considered under either the Federal Skilled Workers Program or the Canadian Experience Class. Of course, in the case of the latter, there are advantages for the applicants.
- Eligible candidates must meet all standard criteria, including language proficiency, education, and work experience.
Impact on Ontario’s Healthcare System
The new immigration policies are in line with the commitment of Ontario to strengthen its healthcare sector by attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals. The changes are expected to:
- Increase the availability of healthcare providers: With an aging population and continued physician shortages, making immigration pathways more accessible for self-employed doctors will help address gaps in medical care across the province.
- Encourage rural and underserved community service: Many self-employed physicians operate in remote areas where healthcare services are limited. By making the immigration process easier, Ontario can expect to see many doctors willing to serve these communities.
- Such adjustments are in harmony with the changing federal policies recently introduced to create more avenues for skilled workers within critical sectors, such as health care.
Why Does This Matter for Physicians Looking to Immigrate to Ontario?
For internationally educated physicians seeking opportunities to establish and launch their practices in Canada, the new programs introduced by the Ontario government make this a wonderful opportunity. If eligible, individuals now have increased opportunities for clearer, more easily accessible permanent resident status without receiving the traditional labor-market job placement required by immigrants to work full-time in specific workplaces. Rather, this avoids all barriers to independently practicing alongside working for their respective healthcare agencies.
How can I qualify to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person?
To immigrate to Canada as a self-employed individual, you’ll have to apply under the Self-Employed Persons Program. This program is designed for those with relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities and can significantly contribute to Canada’s economy. You must have at least two years of relevant experience in the last five years, experience, education, age, language ability, and adaptability; prove you intend to become self-employed in Canada; and meet medical, security, and financial requirements. This is a step-by-step immigration process that involves application submission, meeting all eligibility criteria, and passing necessary assessments before approval.
What is the bridging program for doctors in Ontario?
In Ontario, bridging programs are used to support internationally trained physicians’ integration into the province’s health care system. These programs work to bring international medical education and experience in line with Canadian standards, thereby enabling a smoother integration into the local workforce.
The Ontario Bridge Training Program, for example, is a specialized occupation-specific training program that offers licensure support and helps internationally trained professionals find jobs that match their qualifications.
How Can We Help?
Immigrating to another country is an intricate process; the policies change, and requirements for regulatory compliance are shifting. We specialize in the immigration services to Canada for physicians.
- Determining eligibility: Whether the applicant is eligible under the new streams of OINP.
- Preparing a strong application: All the necessary documentation is accurate and complete.
- Comprehending what licensing entails: Supporting the candidate with the registration process with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
- Maximizing success rates: Providing expert insights to improve the chances of a successful application.
If you want to know more details about “Ontario Streamlines Immigration Process for Self-Employed Physicians“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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