Ontario Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream: 2025 Update for Self-Employed Physicians

If you are an international worker who hopes to become a permanent resident of Canada, and you already have Ontario in mind, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) could be your ideal pathway.

One of the most accessible options is the Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream which is designed for skilled workers with job offers in hand. But as of January 28, 2025, this program became even more inclusive with a new exemption for self-employed physicians.

What Is the Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream?

This stream is part of the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and targets foreign nationals with job offers in skilled occupations which allows them to apply for provincial nomination that is a key step toward Canadian permanent residence.

It’s available to individuals inside or outside Canada, as long as they meet all the criteria below.

Eligibility Requirements (General Applicants)

To qualify under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, you must meet both applicant and employer requirements:

Applicant Requirements:

1. Job Offer
   • Must be full-time and permanent (minimum 30 hrs/week, no end date).
   • Must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
2. Work Experience
   • Minimum 2 years of cumulative full-time paid work experience (or part-time equivalent) in the same NOC occupation as your job offer.
   • Experience must be gained within the past 5 years.
   • Canadian experience must be acquired legally.
3. Wage
   • Job offer must meet or exceed the median wage level in the region where you’ll work.
   • If you’re already in the position, your offered wage must be equal to or higher than your current pay.
4. Licensing (if applicable)
   • If your occupation is regulated in Ontario, you must hold a valid license or authorization at the time of application.
5. Legal Status
   • You must have valid legal status in Canada (work permit, study permit, or visitor record) at the time of application, or be in “maintained status.”
6. Intent to Reside
   • You must clearly demonstrate an intention to live in Ontario after obtaining PR.

Employer Requirements:

1. Business Legitimacy
   • Must have been active for at least 3 years before submitting the application.
   • Must have business premises in Ontario where you’ll work.
   • Must have no outstanding orders under the Employment Standards Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act.
2. Revenue Threshold
   • Inside the GTA: Minimum $1 million in gross annual revenue.
   • Outside the GTA: Minimum $500,000 in gross annual revenue.
3. Employee Threshold
   • Inside the GTA: At least 5 full-time Canadian citizens or PRs working at the location.
   • Outside the GTA: At least 3 full-time Canadian citizens or PRs working at the location.
4. Recruitment Efforts
   • Employers must prove they attempted to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before offering the position (unless the applicant is already in Ontario with a valid work permit).

2025 OINP Update: Self-Employed Physicians Now Eligible Without Job Offer

As of January 28, 2025, physicians in Ontario who are self-employed and bill OHIP can now apply under this stream without needing a formal job offer.

Eligibility Requirements for Physicians (2025 Exemption)

You qualify for the job offer exemption if you meet both of the following:

1. Registration with CPSO:
   • You must be registered and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) in one of these license categories:
     • Independent Practice
     • Academic Practice
     • Postgraduate Education
2. OHIP Eligibility:
   • You must be eligible to receive payment for publicly funded health services (i.e., eligible for OHIP billing) under the Health Insurance Act, 1990.

Why This Matters?

This change solves a real-world problem: many Ontario physicians are independent contractors, not salaried employees. They contribute significantly to the province’s healthcare system but were previously locked out of this stream.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the OINP.
2. Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA) based on your EOI score.
3. Gather and upload supporting documents:
   • Job offer (unless exempt)
   • Proof of experience
   • Valid status and licensing (if required)
   • For physicians: CPSO certificate + OHIP billing eligibility
4. Submit your online application and pay the fee.
5. Wait for OINP nomination approval.
6. Apply to IRCC for permanent residency using your nomination.

Key Takeaway

The Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream is already one of the best options for skilled workers aiming for permanent residency in Ontario. With the 2025 update for self-employed physicians, it just became even more relevant and inclusive.

If you’re a doctor practicing independently in Ontario, or helping one navigate the PR process; this is the moment to act.

Need Help?

At Yoke Immigration, we turn complex into clear. Whether you’re a physician using the new OINP exemption or a skilled worker with a job offer, we guide you every step of the way — no stress, no confusion.

Let’s get started — your Ontario PR starts here.