Ontario has implemented significant changes to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), particularly affecting the Express Entry and Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker streams. These updates, effective January 27, 2025, are designed to attract skilled professionals, especially self-employed physicians, to address labor shortages in the province.
Key Changes:
One of the most notable changes is the inclusion of self-employed work experience for physicians applying under Ontario’s Express Entry-linked streams. Previously, self-employment was not recognized in certain immigration pathways, making it difficult for independent professionals to qualify. However, as of 2025, self-employed physicians can use their work experience to apply under:
- – Human Capital Priorities Stream
- – French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
This change is specifically aimed at doctors practicing in Ontario who have experience in the following 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
Physicians must still meet other eligibility criteria and choose to be assessed under either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Another key update benefits self-employed physicians applying through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. Previously, applicants needed a formal job offer to qualify, even if they were already working independently in Ontario. Under the new rules, self-employed doctors can now apply without a job offer if they meet the following conditions:
- – They are registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under an eligible license category (Independent Practice, Academic Practice, or Postgraduate Education).
- – They are eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act.
This adjustment acknowledges the unique employment structure of physicians and reduces barriers for highly skilled professionals looking to settle permanently in Ontario.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates reflect Ontario’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals and addressing labor shortages, particularly in the healthcare sector. By recognizing self-employment as valid work experience and removing unnecessary hurdles, the province is making it easier for qualified candidates to obtain permanent residency and contribute to Ontario’s economy.
These changes also align with broader national trends in Canada’s immigration system, as the federal government continues to refine Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) criteria to better meet labor market demands.