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In a landmark move to address the physician shortage in Ontario, the province has revamped its immigration requirements to facilitate permanent residency for self-employed physicians through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Key Changes in OINP Regulations for Physicians
Under the new regulations, self-employed physicians can now qualify for various OINP streams by counting their self-employed work experience and bypassing the need for a job offer. This change significantly widens the pool of eligible candidates, especially benefiting those who previously couldn't qualify due to the nature of their self-employment.
The updated requirements affect the following OINP streams:
- Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities
- Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
Prior to these changes, many self-employed physicians in Ontario were ineligible for these streams, primarily because self-employment was not recognized.
Self-Employment Work Experience Now Accepted
The OINP has amended its regulations to accept periods of self-employment for candidates applying under the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. To qualify, candidates must have self-employed work experience under one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
- NOC 31100 - Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 - Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 - General practitioners and family physicians
Previously, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) did not recognize self-employed experience, making it challenging for many physicians to qualify.
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
The changes also impact the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, enabling self-employed physicians to qualify without needing a job offer. To be eligible, physician applicants must:
- Apply under NOC codes 31100, 31101, or 31102
- Be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in categories such as independent practice, academic practice, or postgraduate education
- Be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services
- Previously, self-employed physicians were ineligible for this stream due to the job offer requirement.
Aligning with Federal Immigration Policies
These provincial changes align with federal policies that also aim to ease immigration for self-employed physicians. The federal government has implemented a temporary public policy that allows physicians to count self-employed work experience towards the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program requirements. This policy also exempts physicians from needing continuous arranged employment for a year after obtaining permanent residency.
Addressing Canada's Demand for Medical Professionals
Ontario’s updated OINP regulations are part of broader efforts to tackle the physician shortage across Canada. With an ageing population and increasing demand for healthcare services, provinces like Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba have launched various incentives to attract skilled healthcare immigrants.
In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiated category-based selection draws targeting in-demand occupations, including healthcare. The latest Immigration Levels Plan, announced in October 2024, has identified healthcare, trades, and French-language proficiency as priority categories for 2025.
Enhanced PNP Programs
The OINP streams mentioned are enhanced Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), integrating with the federal Express Entry system. Enhanced PNPs allow provinces to nominate Express Entry candidates, significantly boosting their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points by 600, making them almost certain to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in the next Express Entry draw.
Expanding the Talent Pool
By opening up these opportunities to self-employed physicians, Ontario is not only addressing its current shortage but is also expanding the talent pool for the future. This strategic move is expected to attract more physicians to the province, ensuring better healthcare services for its residents. The integration with federal policies further strengthens this initiative, offering a streamlined and efficient process for qualified candidates.
Broader Implications for the Healthcare Sector
These changes in immigration policies are crucial, especially in the context of a global shortage of healthcare professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a robust healthcare system, and Ontario's proactive steps in easing immigration requirements for self-employed physicians are a testament to its commitment to improving healthcare services. By recognizing the unique employment circumstances of physicians, Ontario is setting a precedent that could influence other provinces to adopt similar measures.
Future Prospects
As the demand for medical professionals continues to grow, these regulatory changes provide a sustainable solution to address the shortfall. The emphasis on healthcare in the latest Immigration Levels Plan underscores the importance of this sector and the need for ongoing support and innovation in immigration policies.
