Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) updates effective January 1, 2026, expand eligibility for internationally trained physicians seeking self-employed immigration pathways through broadened CPSO certificate classes and mandatory OHIP billing requirements. These Medicine Act-aligned changes open doors for doctors under NOC 31100-31102, particularly Indian specialists and family physicians. This comprehensive guide details the amendments, eligibility criteria, numeric comparisons, and complete application process for Ontario medical practice.
OINP Physician Streams Comparison
| Metric | Self-Employed Stream | Employer Job Offer Stream |
| CRS Points Boost | 600 points | 200-500 points |
| Processing Time (post-ITA) | 90-120 days | 60-90 days |
| Minimum Net Worth | CAD 100,000+ | Not required |
| Ontario Experience | 12 months | None required |
| Annual Patient Billings (min) | 1,000 billings | Not applicable |
| Average Specialist Salary | CAD 250,000+ | CAD 250,000+ |
| Application Fees | CAD 35,000 (total) | CAD 1,500 (OINP) |
| OHIP Processing Time | 4-6 months | Not required |
OINP Self-Employed Stream CPSO Certificate Changes Explained
Ontario eliminated restrictions on specific CPSO certificate classes for physicians applying as self-employed under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. Previously limited licenses now include provisional certificates of registration for doctors in good standing with CPSO under NOC codes 31100 (Specialist Physicians), 31101 (General Practitioners), and 31102 (Other Professionals). The key requirement remains an active OHIP billing number proving patient billing capacity in Ontario.
Who Qualifies Under New Provisional Certificate Eligibility?
International medical graduates holding CPSO provisional certificates can now pursue OINP nomination without full independent practice status. Applicants must demonstrate good standing CPSO membership and possess an OHIP billing number essential for self-employed billing operations. NOC 31100-31102 physicians benefit most, particularly specialists and family doctors completing supervised practice periods. Postgraduate license holders face exclusion due to OHIP ineligibility, redirecting them to employer-sponsored streams.
Detailed Step-by-Step OINP Self-Employed Application Process
Step 1: Secure CPSO Provisional Certificate – Obtain provisional registration from CPSO through Supervised Practice pathway by passing MCCQE exams, verifying postgraduate training, and securing a 12-month Ontario supervisor contract. Submit language tests (IELTS 7.0+) and criminal checks. Processing takes 3-6 months; supervised practice counts toward OINP’s 12-month Ontario experience requirement.
Step 2: Obtain OHIP Billing Number – After CPSO approval, apply for OHIP billing number proving patient revenue capacity—requires 3 months supervised practice with 100+ billable encounters and supervisor endorsement. Submit encounter logs and bank details. Rural Ontario offers 2-3 month fast-track vs 4-6 months standard processing.
Step 3: Prepare OINP Self-Employed Application Documents – Develop 3-year business plan (1,000+ annual billings, CAD 250K+ revenue), secure clinic lease, verify CAD 100K+ net worth, document 12 months Ontario experience, and gather CLB 7+ language/education assessments. Include equipment inventory and staffing plans.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Register on OINP portal; score based on NOC 31100-31102 occupation, language, education (50 points), and Ontario experience (20 points). Target 65+/100 score for ITA within 30-90 days during physician draws.
Step 5: Complete Nomination and PR Process – Submit full application within 45 days of ITA (CAD 2,000 fee). OINP verifies in 90-120 days, issues 600-point nomination. Federal PR processing takes 6 months. Total timeline: 18-24 months from CPSO application.
The January 2026 OINP updates create a strategic opportunity for Indian physicians, transforming CPSO provisional certificates combined with OHIP billing into direct self-employed nomination pathways. This Medicine Act-aligned expansion bypasses Express Entry competition while prioritizing revenue-ready doctors to address Ontario’s healthcare gaps, especially in underserved rural regions.
Indian specialists and family physicians gain a clear route to launch private practices: secure CPSO supervision first, obtain OHIP billing capability, submit a scored Expression of Interest, and achieve permanent residency through streamlined provincial processing. This pathway offers financial independence through private practice faster than traditional employer-sponsored options. Ready to launch your Ontario private practice? Indian specialists & family physicians qualify NOW under OINP 2026 updates!