Immigration rules keep changing, and it’s hard to keep up with all the new details. Ontario has made several key updates to its immigration programs in 2025. These changes affect how people can apply and who can qualify. Some updates target doctors, while others focus on regional development. Let’s look at what’s new with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

What are OINP Programs?

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) helps the province bring in workers with skills Ontario needs. It works together with the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  

Foreign workers, students, and others with the right skills can apply to the OINP for a nomination. If approved, this nomination will help them get permanent residence in Canada.

Ontario reviews applications and nominates qualified people. The federal government makes the final decision on permanent residence.

Recent Changes to OINP Programs for Physicians

In January 2025, Ontario made a big change to help bring more doctors to the province. Self-employed physicians can now qualify for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without needing a job offer from an employer.

Before this change, doctors who worked as independent contractors couldn’t apply through this stream. They needed a formal job offer, which didn’t fit how many doctors work in Ontario.

Now, physician applicants don’t need a job offer if they:

1. Are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
2. Can receive payment for public health services under the Health Insurance Act

This change affects doctors under NOC codes 31100, 31101, and 31102. It started on January 27, 2025.

Express Entry Updates for Medical Professionals

Ontario also changed rules for two Express Entry streams: Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker. These changes help self-employed doctors use their work experience to qualify. Now, applicants can count self-employment periods if they worked in:

• Clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
• Surgery (NOC 31101)
• Family medicine (NOC 31102)

This matches recent federal policy updates and makes it easier for doctors to qualify based on their actual work experience.

Regional Immigration Pilot Program

On January 2, 2025, Ontario launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot. This one-year program reserves 200 OINP nominations for each partner community.

The REDI pilot helps foreign workers with job offers who want to live in:

• Lanark
• Leeds and Grenville
• Sarnia-Lambton
• Thunder Bay

Applicants don’t need a separate process. They use the standard OINP Expression of Interest system, but can qualify for special draws.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates show Ontario recognizes how important self-employed professionals are to the economy. By making it easier for doctors to qualify, Ontario hopes to address healthcare shortages.

The changes create more inclusive paths for medical professionals. They also make Ontario more attractive to skilled workers from around the world.

Self-employed physicians now have a clearer path to permanent residency. This helps doctors who have built successful practices but struggled with traditional immigration rules.

Current Status of OINP Programs in 2025

The OINP has been much less active in early 2025 compared to 2024. Last year, Ontario issued 14,760 invitations in the first two months. This year, only 4 invitations went out by the same time.

Only the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream has issued invitations in 2025 so far. This happened on January 4, with four invitations in a targeted draw for refugees in the Economic Mobility Pathways Project.

However, all streams that accept direct applications are still taking new Expressions of Interest:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream  
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
• Master’s Graduate stream
• PhD Graduate stream

The Express Entry-aligned streams also remain open. Ontario reviews all candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and sends Notifications of Interest to eligible people.

Why Has Immigration Slowed Down?

In October 2024, the federal government cut provincial immigration numbers in half. This came as Canada faced housing and affordability challenges.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan shows PNP allocations dropped from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025.

Early this year, IRCC gave all provinces reduced nomination numbers. This affected OINP programs and all other provincial programs.

Some provinces have responded with new restrictions. New Brunswick added stricter rules, while Yukon delayed accepting applications.

The federal government offered provinces a way to get more spots: accept more humanitarian immigrants. Newfoundland recently got back 90% of its spots by agreeing to take 290 humanitarian immigrants over two years.

These changes have caused delays as provinces adjust to new limits and negotiate with IRCC. The OINP will announce its 2025 nomination numbers once finalized.

Looking Ahead

Despite the slowdown, the OINP programs remain a key pathway to Canadian permanent residence. The recent changes show Ontario is working to adapt its immigration system to meet specific needs.

For healthcare workers, especially self-employed physicians, the path is now clearer. For communities outside major cities, the REDI pilot offers new opportunities.

Applicants should stay informed about these changes and prepare strong applications. While fewer nominations are available this year, targeted draws might still offer opportunities for qualified candidates.

Ontario continues to value immigration as a solution to labor shortages. The OINP programs will keep evolving to balance federal targets with provincial needs.

If you’re interested in applying through the OINP, make sure to check the official website regularly. Rules can change quickly and staying informed gives you the best chance of success. If you have any questions or need professional help, you can contact Canus Immigration anytime.