Ontario has widened the eligibility criteria for self-employed physicians under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, following new regulations effective from January 1, 2026.
The changes mainly focus on the certification requirements for internationally educated physicians to qualify as self-employed under this stream.
Eligibility Criteria for Self-Employed Physicians
Under the OINP’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, candidates usually need a job offer to qualify. However, self-employed physicians are exempt from this requirement if they meet specific criteria.
To qualify without a job offer, self-employed physicians must apply under National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes 31100, 31101, or 31102 and meet the following conditions:
- Eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services, with an Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing number.
- Registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding a certificate in one of the specified classes.
The specified NOCs cover specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, surgery, and general practitioners and family physicians.
Recent Changes in Certification Classes
Prior to January 1, 2026, the classes of certification allowing patient care were independent practice, academic practice, and postgraduate education.
With the recent changes, the OINP eliminated postgraduate education as a qualifying class due to the inability of post-graduate license-holders to meet the OHIP billing number requirement.
A new qualifying class, provisional certificate of registration, replaced postgraduate education.
The provisional certificate of registration, effective January 1, is part of Ontario’s ‘As of Right’ framework, aimed at reducing barriers for regulated professions to obtain legal work authorization promptly.
This certificate allows physicians to practice under specific conditions while completing required exams for full independent licensure.
Physicians with provisional certificates must practice under supervision until they fulfill all requirements for full independent licensure.