Ontario has introduced important changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that directly affect internationally trained physicians. Effective January 1, 2026, Ontario has broadened eligibility under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, making it easier for certain self-employed physicians to qualify for provincial nomination.
These changes reflect Ontario’s ongoing effort to address healthcare workforce shortages while modernizing immigration pathways for medical professionals.
What Has Changed Under the OINP?
Ontario has updated its eligibility rules for self-employed physicians applying through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
Under the new rules, physicians may now qualify for OINP nomination without a traditional employer job offer, provided they meet specific licensing and billing requirements.
Who Is Now Eligible?
Physicians may qualify if they:
- Fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 31100, 31101, or 31102
- Are members in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- Hold a provisional certificate of registration from the CPSO
- Have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing number
- Are practicing in Ontario as self-employed physicians
This marks a meaningful expansion for internationally educated doctors who previously faced barriers due to licensing classifications.
What Licenses Are No Longer Eligible?
Ontario has removed postgraduate education licenses from the list of eligible licenses for self-employed applicants under this stream.
Physicians holding a postgraduate education license typically cannot obtain an OHIP billing number and therefore do not meet the updated eligibility criteria for self-employment under the OINP.
However, physicians with postgraduate education licenses may still qualify under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream if they have a qualifying job offer from an Ontario employer.
Why This Change Matters
These updates are particularly important because they:
- Expand permanent residence options for internationally trained physicians
- Recognize modern medical practice structures, including self-employment
- Support Ontario’s healthcare system by retaining qualified physicians
- Align immigration rules with recent regulatory changes under Ontario’s medical framework
For many physicians, this update creates a clearer and more realistic pathway to permanent residence in Canada.
Effective Date and Application Timing
The changes took effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to new applications going forward. Physicians considering OINP nomination should ensure that their licensing, billing arrangements, and immigration strategy align with the updated criteria before applying.
Important Considerations for Physicians
While eligibility has expanded, successful applications still depend on:
- Proper licensing status
- Accurate documentation
- Clear demonstration of active practice in Ontario
- Compliance with OINP program requirements
Each case remains fact-specific, and early planning is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
How NPZ Law Group Can Help
NPZ Law Group assists internationally trained physicians with:
- OINP eligibility assessments
- Strategy planning for self-employed and employer-based physicians
- Coordination between licensing, OHIP billing, and immigration status
- Provincial nomination applications
- Long-term permanent residence planning in Canada
If you are a physician practicing or planning to practice in Ontario and are exploring permanent residence options, professional guidance can help you navigate these changes with confidence.
Final Takeaway
Ontario’s 2026 OINP updates create new opportunities for self-employed physicians, reflecting the province’s evolving healthcare and immigration priorities. Physicians who meet the updated criteria may now have a more direct path to provincial nomination and permanent residence.
Understanding how these changes apply to your specific situation is key to making the most of this opportunity.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.