Ontario OINP 2026 Update: New PR Pathway for Self-Employed Physicians
On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of Ontario’s OINP changes for physicians in 2026
- How self-employed doctors can qualify without a job offer
- Eligible physician NOC codes under the new rules
- CPSO, provisional licence, and OHIP billing requirements
- What existing OINP applicants need to do next
Ontario has taken a significant step toward addressing the provincial doctor shortage by expanding the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Effective January 1, 2026, amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 now allow a broader group of internationally educated physicians to qualify for permanent residence (PR) without the need for a traditional employer job offer.
This policy shift aligns the OINP with recent updates to the Medicine Act, 1991, which also took effect on New Year’s Day to reduce barriers for qualified foreign doctors entering the Ontario healthcare system.
Key Changes: The “Self-Employed” Advantage
Historically, most OINP streams required a formal job offer from an Ontario employer. However, the unique nature of medical practice—where many doctors operate as independent contractors—often made this a difficult hurdle.
Under the new rules, physicians in the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes are now eligible to apply as self-employed individuals:
- NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians
New Eligibility Requirements
To benefit from this expansion, applicants must meet specific professional and regulatory criteria:
- CPSO Standing: You must be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- Provisional Certificate: For the first time, physicians holding a provisional certificate of registration are now eligible. This is a vital change for those who are “exam-eligible” but have not yet completed their final Canadian certifications.
- OHIP Billing Number: Applicants must hold a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing number, proving they are authorized to receive payment for publicly funded healthcare services.
- Practice in Ontario: You must be actively practicing (or intending to practice) within the province.
Note on Postgraduate Licenses: The OINP has removed the postgraduate license from the list of eligible licenses for self-employed applicants, as these holders typically do not have OHIP billing privileges. However, they may still qualify under the standard Employer Job Offer stream if they have a qualifying offer from a hospital or clinic.
Why This Matters
By allowing doctors with provisional registration to apply, Ontario is “rolling out the red carpet” for foreign physicians who are already in the province but were previously stuck in a “licensing limbo.” This change allows them to secure their permanent status while they work toward full independent licensure.
Action Required: Re-Submit Your EOI
If you were previously ineligible or had an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the system that did not reflect these new credentials, the OINP invites you to update your profile.
- If you now hold a provisional certificate: You should re-submit your EOI immediately.
- Existing Applicants: You can request to update your interest by contacting the OINP via their official webform or by replying to recent program correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a self-employed doctor apply for OINP in 2026?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, Ontario allows self-employed physicians to apply under the OINP without a traditional employer job offer. Eligible applicants must meet professional licensing requirements, including CPSO registration and an OHIP billing number, and fall within one of the approved physician NOC codes.
Are physicians with provisional CPSO registration eligible for OINP?
Yes. Physicians holding a provisional certificate of registration with the CPSO are now eligible. This change is significant for internationally trained doctors who are exam-eligible but have not yet completed full Canadian certification, allowing them to pursue permanent residence while practising in Ontario.
Which physician occupations qualify under the new OINP rules?
The updated OINP rules apply to physicians classified under NOC 31100, 31101, and 31102. This includes specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, surgical specialists, and general practitioners or family physicians who are practising, or intending to practise, in Ontario.
Why is an OHIP billing number required for self-employed physicians?
An OHIP billing number confirms that a physician is authorised to bill Ontario’s public healthcare system for insured services. This requirement ensures that self-employed applicants are legally permitted to practise medicine in Ontario and are actively integrated into the provincial healthcare system.
Do existing OINP applicants need to submit a new Expression of Interest?
In many cases, yes. Physicians who were previously ineligible or whose Expression of Interest did not include provisional CPSO registration or OHIP billing details should update or re-submit their EOI. The OINP advises affected applicants to take action promptly to reflect the new eligibility criteria.
