Ontario PNP 2026: New Pathway for Self-Employed Doctors
Ontario Expands OINP Eligibility for Self-Employed Physicians in 2026
Great news for internationally trained doctors looking to build their careers in Ontario — the province has officially updated its immigration criteria under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). As of January 1, 2026, the province is expanding eligibility for self-employed physicians applying through the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. These changes aim to open the door wider for skilled medical professionals who want to live and work in Ontario — even without a job offer in hand.
If you’re a foreign-trained doctor considering a move to Ontario, or you’re advising one, keep reading. This post covers what’s changed, who qualifies, and how to navigate the new pathway.
Key Highlights
- Ontario has updated the certification requirements for self-employed physicians under the OINP’s Foreign Worker Stream.
- As of January 1, 2026, physicians with a provisional certificate of registration are now eligible — a change from the previous “postgraduate education” certificate.
- Physicians no longer need a job offer if they meet specific licensing and billing criteria.
- The stream is open to NOC codes 31100, 31101, and 31102: medical specialists, surgeons, and general/family practitioners.
- Provisional license holders must practice under supervision while completing their exams.
- This change supports Ontario’s efforts to remove barriers for professionals in high-demand occupations.
What’s New for Self-Employed Physicians in Ontario?
Up until recently, self-employed physicians applying through Ontario’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream could qualify with a certificate of registration for independent practice, academic practice, or postgraduate education. However, starting January 1, 2026, Ontario has made a key change: the “postgraduate education” certificate is no longer accepted.
Why the shift? Well, physicians with a postgraduate education certificate can’t obtain an OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) billing number — a must-have for those seeking to bill publicly funded health services. Since OHIP billing is essential for self-employed medical practice in Ontario, the province has replaced this certificate type with one that aligns better with Ontario’s healthcare system.
Enter the Provisional Certificate of Registration
The new qualifying credential is the provisional certificate of registration. This certificate was introduced as part of Ontario’s “As of Right” framework, a provincial initiative to speed up licensing for professionals in regulated sectors. It’s designed for physicians who are eligible to take the exams needed for full licensure but haven’t completed them yet.
Doctors with this type of certificate can start practicing under specific conditions, including supervision, while they work toward full independent practice. And yes — they can get an OHIP billing number, which makes them eligible under the OINP’s self-employed physician pathway.
Who Qualifies Under the New OINP Criteria?
To be eligible as a self-employed physician under the updated Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, you must:
- Be applying under one of the following National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes:
- 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- 31101 – Specialists in surgery
- 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
- Have a valid OHIP billing number, proving you’re legally allowed to receive payment for publicly funded healthcare services in Ontario.
- Be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- Hold one of the following CPSO certificates:
- Certificate for independent practice
- Certificate for academic practice
- Provisional certificate of registration (newly eligible!)
Note: Physicians holding a “postgraduate education” certificate are no longer eligible to apply as self-employed. They’ll now need a job offer from an Ontario employer to qualify under this stream.
About the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
This immigration stream is one of the key pathways to permanent residence in Ontario. It was created to help Ontario employers fill labour shortages by allowing skilled foreign workers to apply for nomination if they have a valid job offer in the province. However, physicians who meet the new criteria can now qualify without a job offer — a major advantage for internationally trained doctors hoping to settle in Ontario.
How It Works
Typically, this is an employer-driven process. An Ontario employer registers their business on the OINP’s portal, and then the foreign worker submits an Expression of Interest (EOI). Applicants earn points based on factors like language ability, job category, location, and wage.
But here’s the key difference: self-employed physicians who qualify under the expanded rules are exempt from the points-based ranking system. Instead, they start by submitting a webform to register their interest and move forward with the application process.
Why This Matters for Canada’s Healthcare System
Ontario’s decision to open this pathway to more self-employed physicians reflects a broader push to fill gaps in healthcare services across the province. By making it easier for qualified, internationally trained doctors to start practicing — even while finishing their exams — Ontario is addressing both workforce shortages and credentialing barriers.
It’s also a win for newcomers who want to contribute to their communities, especially in rural or underserved regions where family doctors and specialists are in high demand.
Final Thoughts: Is This Your Path to Practicing in Ontario?
If you’re a foreign-trained physician with the necessary qualifications — or working towards them — this change could be your fast track to building a rewarding career in Ontario. The new rules are a step in the right direction, recognizing the skills and dedication of internationally educated healthcare workers.
And if you’re still exploring your options, you might also want to look into other provincial nominee programs like the Manitoba PNP, which also supports healthcare professionals.
Ready to take the next step? See if you qualify for Ontario’s updated PNP stream.
