January 5, 2026: Self-Employed Physicians Eligibility Expanded
Ontario made significant changes to eligibility for self-employed physicians applying under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, effective January 1, 2026.
✅ Provisional certificate holders now eligible — Physicians holding a provisional certificate of registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) can now apply as self-employed, provided they:
- Are members in good standing with CPSO
- Hold an OHIP billing number
- Work under NOC codes 31100 (Specialists), 31101 (General practitioners and family physicians), or 31102 (Allied primary health practitioners)
❌ Postgraduate license removed — Physicians holding only a postgraduate education license are no longer eligible as self-employed because postgraduate license-holders cannot obtain OHIP billing numbers
- However, postgraduate education license-holders may still qualify under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream if they have a job offer with an Ontario employer
These changes broaden eligibility for internationally educated physicians (IEPs) working in Ontario and align with regulatory changes under the Medicine Act, 1991 that took effect January 1, 2026. Self-employed physicians with provisional certificates and OHIP billing numbers can now pursue OINP nomination without traditional employer sponsorship.
VG Immigration Services Note:
If you’re an internationally educated physician working in Ontario with a provisional certificate and OHIP billing number, this is a major opportunity. Self-employed pathways eliminate the need for employer-specific job offers and allow you to maintain practice autonomy while pursuing PR. Contact VG Immigration Services—the best immigration consultant for healthcare professionals in Ontario—for specialized physician OINP applications.
Critical OINP Application Deadlines After Receiving ITA
Tight Timelines Require Advance Preparation
Masters Graduate or PhD Graduate Streams:
- 14 calendar days from ITA date to submit complete application
Employer Job Offer Streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills):
- Employer must submit employment position application within 14 calendar days
- You must submit your application within 17 calendar days of ITA date
What “Complete Application” Means
Your application must include:
✅ All required forms completed accurately
✅ Supporting documents (education credentials, work experience letters, job offer, language tests, identity documents)
✅ Employer documentation (for job offer streams)
✅ Application fee payment
✅ Digital signatures and declarations
Common Mistakes That Cause Deadline Failures:
❌ Waiting until after ITA to request employer documents — Employer letters, business documentation, and employment verification can take weeks
❌ Not having certified translations ready — Non-English/French documents require certified translations
❌ Missing educational credential assessments (ECAs) — Some streams require pre-assessed credentials
❌ Outdated language test results — IELTS/CELPIP/TEF results must be valid at application time
❌ Incomplete work experience letters — Must include specific job duties, hours, salary, supervisor information
VG Immigration Services Strategy:
As the best immigration company in Brampton and GTA, we prepare clients’ full OINP application packages before they receive ITAs, ensuring all documents are organized, certified, and ready for same-day submission when invitations arrive. Our 14-day OINP rush service has a 100% on-time submission record.
OINP Score Ranges by Stream: 2025 Benchmarks
Foreign Worker Stream Score Ranges
| Draw Type | Lowest Score | Highest Score Seen |
|---|---|---|
| Regional draws (outside GTA) | 36 (Northern Ontario, June 2025) | 54 (Eastern Ontario, Dec 2025) |
| Health occupations | 38 (Oct 2025) | 50 (Aug 2024) |
| Other priority occupations | 42 (Sep 2025) | 54 (Aug 2024) |
| General draws | 48 (Oct 2024) | 52+ (Oct 2024) |
International Student Stream Score Ranges
| Draw Type | Lowest Score | Highest Score Seen |
|---|---|---|
| Regional draws (outside GTA) | 54 (Northern Ontario, June 2025) | 85 (Eastern Ontario, June 2025) |
| Health occupations | 56 (Oct 2025) | 81 (July 2024) |
| Other priority occupations | 63 (Sep 2025) | 77 (July 2024) |
| Early childhood educators | 60 (June 2024) | 65 (June 2024) |
In-Demand Skills Stream Score Ranges
| Draw Type | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Regional draws | 30-34 |
| Health occupations | 31-35 |
| General draws | 34-35 |
Strategic Insight:
International Student stream scores are consistently 15-25 points higher than Foreign Worker stream scores for comparable draws. If you’re an international graduate struggling to reach competitive scores, consider:
✅ Gaining additional Canadian work experience (increases points)
✅ Improving language test scores (CLB 9+ provides significant boost)
✅ Targeting regional positions outside GTA (lower score thresholds)
✅ Pursuing licensing/certification in health occupations (priority draws)
Regional Strategy: Why Working Outside the GTA Matters
GTA vs. Non-GTA Score Differences
Ontario’s 2025 draws clearly demonstrated regional preference:
December 11, 2025 Foreign Worker Stream:
- Central Ontario (excluding GTA): 49 points minimum
- Eastern Ontario: 54 points minimum
- Northern Ontario: 51 points minimum
- Southwestern Ontario: 51 points minimum
December 11, 2025 International Student Stream:
- Central Ontario (excluding GTA): 71 points minimum
- Eastern Ontario: 77 points minimum
- Northern Ontario: 77 points minimum
- Southwestern Ontario: 73 points minimum
What Counts as Each Region?
Greater Toronto Area (GTA):
- City of Toronto
- Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill
- Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Whitby
- Oakville, Burlington (part of Hamilton CMA but often grouped with GTA for OINP)
Central Ontario (excluding GTA):
- Barrie, Orillia
- Peterborough
- Kawartha Lakes
Eastern Ontario:
- Ottawa, Kingston
- Cornwall, Belleville
- Pembroke, Brockville
Southwestern Ontario:
- London, Windsor
- Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph
- Sarnia, Chatham
Northern Ontario:
- Sudbury, Thunder Bay
- Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay
- Timmins, Kenora
REDI (Regional Economic Development through Immigration)
Ontario’s REDI initiative targets specific smaller communities experiencing labour shortages. REDI draws had score ranges as low as N/A (no minimum posted) or 45 points in 2025.
VG Immigration Services Regional Strategy:
If your OINP EOI score is below 70 (International Student) or below 50 (Foreign Worker), relocating to regional Ontario dramatically improves your invitation chances. We help clients:
✅ Identify employers in regional Ontario hiring in their NOC
✅ Negotiate job offers with relocation support
✅ Understand regional housing costs and quality of life
✅ Build regional connections that strengthen OINP applications
Working with the best immigration consultant in Canada means accessing our network of regional Ontario employers actively seeking skilled workers.
Priority Occupations: Health & Early Childhood Educators
Health Occupations (Consistent Priority in 2025)
Ontario prioritized health occupations in multiple 2025 draws across all three employer job offer streams:
Foreign Worker — Health Occupations:
- Dec 10, 2025: 398 ITAs at 49+ points
- Oct 9, 2025: 671 ITAs at 38+ points
- Sep 2, 2025: 1,305 ITAs at 41+ points
- Aug 13, 2024: 420 ITAs at 50+ points
International Student — Health Occupations:
- Dec 10, 2025: 659 ITAs at 73+ points
- Oct 9, 2025: 757 ITAs at 56+ points
- Sep 2, 2025: 1,105 ITAs at 58+ points
- Jun 3, 2025: 1,350 ITAs at 68+ points
In-Demand Skills — Health Occupations:
- Oct 9, 2025: 162 ITAs at 31+ points
- Sep 2, 2025: 233 ITAs at 33+ points
- Jun 3, 2025: 214 ITAs at 34+ points
Eligible Health NOCs (Examples):
Common health occupations receiving priority include:
TEER 0/1 (Professional/Management):
- 31100 — Specialist physicians
- 31101 — General practitioners and family physicians
- 31301 — Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- 31202 — Physiotherapists
- 31203 — Occupational therapists
- 31120 — Pharmacists
TEER 2 (Technical):
- 32101 — Licensed practical nurses
- 32103 — Respiratory therapists
- 32111 — Dental hygienists
- 32120 — Medical laboratory technologists
- 32129 — Other medical technologists
TEER 3/4 (Support):
- 33102 — Nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates
- 33103 — Pharmacy technical assistants
- 44101 — Home support workers and related occupations
Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
NOC 42202 — Early childhood educators and assistants received dedicated draws throughout 2024-2025:
- June 17, 2024: 106 Foreign Worker ITAs (39+ points) + 84 International Student ITAs (60+ points)
- June 11, 2024: 124 Foreign Worker ITAs (43+ points) + 120 International Student ITAs (65+ points)
ECE occupations include Ontario-licensed ECEs working in licensed childcare settings, which Ontario prioritizes to address severe childcare workforce shortages.
How to Maximize Your OINP EOI Score
Score Optimization Strategies
1. Canadian Education (Highest Impact)
- Ontario post-secondary credentials receive maximum points
- Master’s and PhD degrees score higher than bachelor’s or diplomas
- Multiple credentials can compound points
2. Language Proficiency
- CLB 9+ in all four abilities significantly boosts score
- French proficiency (if applicable) provides additional points
- Take IELTS/CELPIP/TEF multiple times until you achieve CLB 9+
3. Canadian Work Experience
- Each additional year of Canadian work experience increases points
- Work experience in Ontario scores higher than other provinces
- NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 work experience scores higher than TEER 4/5
4. Job Offer Characteristics
- NOC TEER level (TEER 0 highest, TEER 5 lowest)
- Wage relative to median wage for occupation
- Employer location (regional Ontario scores higher)
- Employer size and establishment
5. Field of Study Alignment
- Job offer aligned with Canadian education field of study provides bonus points
6. Licensing and Certification
- Regulated occupations requiring licensing (nursing, engineering, accounting, trades) receive points for certification
- Red Seal certification for trades
Common Score-Killing Mistakes
❌ Not verifying NOC code accuracy — Wrong NOC means wrong TEER level and lower score
❌ Accepting below-median wages — Wage significantly impacts score; negotiate competitive salary
❌ Generic job offer letters — Job duties must precisely match NOC requirements
❌ Stale language test results — Retake tests if your scores aren’t CLB 9+
❌ Ignoring regional opportunities — GTA job offers score lower than regional Ontario
VG Immigration Services EOI Optimization:
Our OINP EOI profile audit service identifies score weaknesses and provides actionable recommendations to increase your points by 10-20+ within 3-6 months. We’ve helped clients raise scores from the 40s to 70s through strategic job changes, credential assessments, and language improvement plans.
Why Masters and PhD Streams Paused: What Ontario Graduates Should Do
The Silent Crisis for Ontario University Graduates
Zero Masters ITAs in 2025 (down from 5,519 in 2024)
Zero PhD ITAs in 2025 (down from 533 in 2024)
Thousands of international students who graduated from Ontario’s top universities in 2024-2025 expecting job-offer-free PR pathways through Masters/PhD streams now face indefinite waits.
Alternative Pathways for Ontario Graduates
Option 1: Employer Job Offer — International Student Stream
✅ Requires job offer in NOC TEER 0/1/2/3
✅ Must apply within 2 years of graduation
✅ Competitive but actively issuing ITAs (6,605 in 2025)
Strategy: Secure skilled employment in Ontario, preferably:
- Health occupations (priority draws)
- Regional Ontario (lower score thresholds)
- Employers willing to support OINP process
Option 2: Express Entry (CEC or FSW)
✅ Canadian Experience Class if you gain 1 year Canadian work experience
✅ Federal Skilled Worker if you have foreign work experience + strong CRS score
Strategy: Build CRS points through:
- Provincial nomination from another province (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Atlantic)
- Additional credentials
- Language scores (CLB 10 in all abilities)
- Spousal points (if applicable)
Option 3: Other Provincial Nominee Programs
✅ BC PNP — International Graduate streams (if you studied in BC) or Skilled Worker with BC job offer
✅ Alberta AOS — Graduate Entrepreneur Stream or Opportunity Stream
✅ Saskatchewan SINP — International Skilled Worker with job offer
✅ Manitoba MPNP — International Education Stream
✅ Atlantic Immigration Program — If willing to relocate to Atlantic provinces
VG Immigration Services Multi-Pathway Strategy:
As the best immigration consultant in Ontario, we don’t put all eggs in one basket. When Ontario Masters/PhD streams went silent, we pivoted clients to:
✅ Employer Job Offer streams with job placement support
✅ Express Entry optimization with provincial nominations from other provinces
✅ Atlantic Immigration Program with employer matching
✅ Spousal sponsorship where applicable
Don’t wait indefinitely for Masters/PhD draws to resume. Contact VG Immigration Services for a comprehensive PR pathway assessment.
OINP Refusals: Common Reasons & How to Overcome Them
Top 5 OINP Refusal Reasons
1. Job Offer Not Genuine or Doesn’t Meet Requirements
❌ Job duties don’t match NOC requirements
❌ Wage below prevailing wage for occupation
❌ Employer cannot demonstrate business viability
❌ Job offer appears arranged solely for immigration purposes
Solution: Work with refused visa specialists to:
- Obtain detailed employer documentation (business license, tax filings, payroll records)
- Craft job offer letters with precise NOC-aligned duties
- Ensure wage meets or exceeds Job Bank median wage for occupation and region
2. Work Experience Verification Issues
❌ Employment letters lack required details (duties, hours, salary, supervisor)
❌ Gaps or inconsistencies in work history
❌ Unable to contact previous employers for verification
❌ Self-employment or contractor work not properly documented
Solution:
- Obtain comprehensive reference letters on company letterhead
- Include pay stubs, T4s, tax returns, contracts
- Provide explanation letters for any gaps or changes
3. Education Credential Problems
❌ Education Credential Assessment (ECA) expired or not completed
❌ Program doesn’t meet stream requirements (part-time, distance learning, language programs excluded)
❌ Credential not from recognized institution
❌ Graduation occurred more than 2 years ago (International Student stream)
Solution:
- Complete ECA through WES, ICAS, or other designated organizations
- Verify institution eligibility on OINP website before applying
- Apply within 2-year graduation window for International Student stream
4. Insufficient Settlement Funds or Financial Capacity
❌ Cannot demonstrate ability to support self and family in Ontario
❌ Bank statements show recent large deposits (appear borrowed)
❌ Income insufficient to meet Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
Solution:
- Maintain stable bank balances for 6+ months before application
- Provide employment income, savings, assets documentation
- Include spouse’s income and assets if applicable
5. Misrepresentation or Document Fraud
❌ False information in application
❌ Fraudulent documents (fake degrees, employment letters, etc.)
❌ Omitting material information (previous refusals, criminal history, etc.)
Solution:
- Never submit false documents or information
- Work with RCIC-certified consultants who maintain professional standards
- Disclose all relevant information, including previous refusals
VG Immigration Services Refusal Reconsideration Success
As Ontario’s leading refused visa specialists, we’ve successfully overturned OINP refusals through:
✅ Detailed reconsideration requests addressing officer concerns
✅ Additional evidence gathering and document strengthening
✅ Employer verification and business documentation support
✅ Procedural fairness letter responses
✅ Strategic reapplication with corrected deficiencies
If you’ve received an OINP refusal, don’t give up. Contact VG Immigration Services within 30 days of refusal to explore reconsideration options.
Contact VG Immigration Services: Ontario’s OINP Experts
Why Choose Canada’s Best Immigration Consultant
Proven OINP Success:
✅ 95%+ approval rate for OINP applications
✅ 100% on-time submission record for 14/17-day deadlines
✅ Specialized refusal overturns — Successfully appealed 60+ OINP refusals
✅ Regional employer network — Connections with employers in Northern, Eastern, Southwestern Ontario
✅ Healthcare specialist team — Dedicated consultants for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals
Comprehensive OINP Services
Pre-Application:
- Free OINP eligibility assessments
- EOI profile creation and optimization
- Score improvement strategy consultations
- Job offer facilitation and employer matching (regional Ontario focus)
Application Preparation:
- Complete OINP application packages prepared in advance
- Employer documentation support and verification
- Document translation and certification coordination
- 14/17-day rush application services
Post-ITA:
- Same-day application submission services
- Application status monitoring and OINP liaison
- Additional document request responses
- Interview preparation (if required)
Refusal Support:
- OINP refusal analysis and reconsideration strategy
- Procedural fairness letter responses
- Additional evidence gathering
- Reapplication with strengthened documentation
Post-Nomination:
- IRCC permanent residence application support
- Work permit extensions during PR processing
- Landing preparation and settlement services
Book Your OINP Consultation Today
Ready to secure your Ontario provincial nomination and Canadian permanent residence?
VG Immigration Services Inc. — recognized as the best immigration consultant in Canada, top immigration company in Brampton and the GTA, and leading OINP specialist — offers personalized consultations and full-service application support.
Contact Information:
📧 Email: immigration@vgis.ca
📞 Phone: +1 (416) 578-9269
🌐 Website: www.vgis.ca
📍 Office: Serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
🌍 Service Area: Ontario-wide (regional Ontario specialist)
Services Available:
✅ Free OINP eligibility assessments (15-minute phone consultations)
✅ EOI profile optimization audits ($250, credited toward application if you proceed)
✅ Complete OINP application preparation (starting at $2,500)
✅ 14-day rush application services (guaranteed on-time submission)
✅ Refused visa specialist consultations (OINP refusal reviews)
✅ Employer documentation support (for job offer streams)
✅ Regional Ontario job placement assistance (access to our employer network)
✅ Healthcare professional OINP applications (physicians, nurses, allied health)
✅ Post-nomination IRCC PR application support
Special Services for 2026:
“OINP Readiness Package” — Prepare your complete application before invitations resume:
- EOI profile creation and optimization
- All documents collected, certified, and organized
- Employer verification completed
- Application forms pre-filled and reviewed
- Ready for same-day submission when you receive ITA
Investment: $1,800 (save $700 vs. preparing after ITA)
Conclusion: Position Yourself for OINP Success in 2026
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program remains one of Canada’s most important pathways to permanent residence, but the pause in 2026 invitations and closure of Masters/PhD streams in 2025 demonstrate that Ontario immigration is increasingly competitive, unpredictable, and employer-focused. International students, foreign workers, and skilled professionals targeting Ontario PR cannot afford to wait passively for invitation rounds to resume—they must optimize EOI profiles, consider regional opportunities, explore parallel pathways, and prepare applications in advance to succeed when draws return.
The 2025 data shows clear patterns: regional Ontario candidates received ITAs at scores 15-25 points lower than GTA candidates, health occupations and early childhood educators dominated targeted draws, and employer job offer streams issued 12,528 invitations while graduate streams issued zero. These trends will likely continue in 2026, making regional employment, in-demand occupations, and employer-sponsored applications the most reliable routes to Ontario nomination.
Working with RCIC-certified immigration consultants like VG Immigration Services—Canada’s best immigration company—provides critical advantages: EOI score optimization, employer connections in regional Ontario, 14-day application rush services, and refused visa specialist support that dramatically increases approval chances and reduces costly delays.
Whether you’re an Ontario university graduate navigating the Masters/PhD stream closure, a foreign worker seeking regional opportunities, an internationally educated physician taking advantage of new self-employed pathways, or a healthcare professional targeting priority draws, the key to OINP success in 2026 is strategic preparation, professional guidance, and pathway diversification.
Contact VG Immigration Services today — the best immigration consultant in Brampton, the GTA, and Ontario — to position yourself for success when OINP invitations resume.
👉 Book a free OINP eligibility assessment
👉 Get your EOI profile optimized for maximum score
👉 Explore regional Ontario opportunities through our employer network
👉 Prepare your complete application package before ITAs resume
👉 Work with refused visa specialists if you’ve faced OINP refusals
VG Immigration Services Inc. — Your trusted partner for Ontario immigration success in 2026 and beyond.