Ontario Doctors: Pathway to Permanent Residency Without a Job Offer Through OINP 2025

Ontario is facing a shortage of doctors — and the government knows it. That is why physicians are being granted a rare privilege under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), specifically the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.

While most applicants must have a job offer, meet EOI points requirements, prove qualifying work experience under the correct NOC TEER level, meet wage thresholds, and work in designated areas, eligible doctors can bypass the job offer requirement entirely — one of the biggest barriers in the system.

✅ What specific advantages are available for doctors?

No job offer required
Doctors can apply without a pre-arranged employment contract if they:

• Are registered and in “good standing” with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

• Hold one of the following licenses:
  • Independent Practice

  • Academic Practice

  • Postgraduate Education

• Are eligible to receive payment from Ontario’s public healthcare system (OHIP) under the Health Insurance Act, 1990.

Skip the Employer Portal process

• No need for the employer to create an account on the Employer Portal.

• No “job offer ID” required.

• Not subject to minimum revenue or employee count requirements for the employer.

Faster EOI and ITA process

• Doctors are advised to contact OINP directly to start the Expression of Interest process.

• This is a priority handling route, bypassing the usual points-based competition and screening stages.

⚠ Not every doctor qualifies for the exemption
This pathway is only for physicians actively practicing in Ontario. If you are not registered with the CPSO, are not eligible for OHIP billing, or are practicing outside Ontario, you must follow the regular OINP process like any other foreign worker.

💡 Strategy for International Doctors

The approach depends on whether you are already in Canada or overseas — but the ultimate goal is the same:
➡ Get nominated by OINP without a job offer, then apply for PR with IRCC.

1. 📍 If you are already in Canada
   (studying, in clinical residency, fellowship, or already practicing)

1. Register with CPSO
   • Obtain a license in Independent Practice, Academic Practice, or Postgraduate Education.

   • Apply at: www.cpso.on.ca

2. Activate OHIP billing privileges
   • Must be eligible to receive payment from Ontario’s public healthcare system.

   • Apply for a billing number under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

3. Contact OINP directly to open an EOI
   • Send your request via email or webform to OINP.

   • Include: CPSO license, OHIP eligibility confirmation (if available), and a letter explaining your intent to settle in Ontario.

4. Receive ITA → Apply for nomination → Apply for PR
   • OINP issues a nomination certificate and can support a work permit application if needed.

   • Submit your PR application to IRCC once nominated.

1. 🌍 If you are outside Canada
   You cannot bypass the job offer requirement unless you:

• Are already registered with CPSO.

• Are eligible for OHIP billing.

• Hold an appropriate license to practice.

In this case, you should:

• Apply for bridging programs, fellowships, or postgraduate positions in Ontario.

• Use that pathway to obtain a CPSO Postgraduate license.

• Then return to Step 1 above to apply through OINP without a job offer.

With Ontario’s severe healthcare staffing shortage, the province is rolling out the red carpet for doctors. If you meet the licensing requirements, you are not only prioritized but also able to move faster than almost any other skilled worker immigration stream available today.

This is a golden window of opportunity for doctors to choose Ontario as a long-term destination.

📌 Are you an international doctor aiming to settle in Ontario?
SICON knows the process inside-out — from CPSO registration, OHIP eligibility, to contacting OINP directly to open an EOI without a job offer.

If you are a doctor who is studying, working, or planning to practice in Ontario, our immigration experts will:

• Assess your medical credentials and current licensing.

• Guide you through CPSO and OHIP registration.

• Draft and submit the contact package to OINP to open your EOI.

• Support you from provincial nomination through to PR approval.

👉 Do not let this priority immigration pathway slip away.
Contact SICON today for one-on-one advice and a clear, targeted strategy.