With effect from January 27, new Ontario PNP changes for express entry streams
New OINP Update: Effective January 27, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will implement significant modifications to its foreign workers and Express Entry streams. The primary goal of these revisions is to make it easier for independent doctors to immigrate, acknowledging their vital role in the province's healthcare system.
Self-Employment in Work Experience Requirements for Ontario PNP Express Entry Streams
In the past, candidates for the French-speaking skilled worker and Express Entry Human Capital Priorities streams of the OINP had to provide proof of work experience in particular National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
However, self-employment was frequently not considered qualifying job experience, which presented difficulties for professionals who worked for themselves, especially doctors. As long as their experience matches one of the following NOC codes, applicants to these streams can now count periods of self-employment towards fulfilling the work experience requirements according to recent amendments:
Applicants must choose to be assessed against one of two federal program criteria:
Notably, for those opting for the Canadian Experience Class criteria, periods of self-employment in the designated NOC codes are now considered valid work experience.
This change aligns with recent federal policy updates, ensuring consistency across immigration programs.Notably, for those opting for the Canadian Experience Class criteria, periods of self-employment in the designated NOC codes are now considered valid work experience.
This change aligns with recent federal policy updates, ensuring consistency across immigration programs.
No Job Offer Requirement For OINP Foreign Worker Stream
Previously, candidates had to obtain a work offer from an Ontario company in order to be eligible for the company work Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
To better address healthcare Labour market needs, the OINP has revised this requirement for physician applicants.
Now, physicians can qualify for this stream without a traditional job offer if they meet the following criteria:
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Registration and Good Standing: The applicant must be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in one of the following certificate categories that permits patient care
Eligibility for Payment: The applicant must be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services in accordance with the Health Insurance Act, 1990.
These changes, effective January 27, 2025, are exclusive to applicants under the NOC codes 31100, 31101 and 31102, and do not extend to other occupations.
By removing the job offer requirement, Ontario aims to attract and retain more self-employed physicians, thereby strengthening the province’s healthcare system.
Positive News for Independent Medical Professionals
An important change in Ontario's immigration laws has been made with the inclusion of self-employment as acceptable work experience, which will especially help independent doctors. In addition to offering a more equitable road to permanent residency, this acknowledgement recognizes the variety of medical professionals' professional backgrounds.
Ontario guarantees a unified approach to immigration by coordinating provincial laws with federal changes, which increases the province's attractiveness to foreign medical professionals.
It is projected that these adjustments will strengthen the healthcare workforce, resolving present shortages and enhancing Ontario people' access to healthcare services. These changes demonstrate Ontario's dedication to flexibility and responsiveness to industry-specific demands as it continues to hone its immigration policies.
Self-employed physicians considering Ontario as their professional destination now have a clearer and more accessible pathway to contribute to the province’s healthcare system.
In conclusion, the recent changes to Ontario's Express Entry streams, effective January 27, 2025, focus on prioritizing candidates with in-demand skills, particularly in health care and other critical sectors. These adjustments offer new opportunities for those with relevant experience in these fields. Applicants should stay updated and align their profiles with the province's evolving priorities to increase their chances of selection. For personalized guidance and support through the application process, Planman Immigration is here to assist you every step of the way.