In order to work in Ontario, you must be either, 1. have the necessary documents for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or 2. have obtained Permant Residency status in Canada.

Work Permit

Once you have decided on a practice location the community physician recruiter can assist with obtaining your Temporary Foreign Work Permit:

  • A sponsoring or ‘hiring’ organization can apply for a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), which will allow you to work under a closed work permit linked to the organization. Community recruiters can complete this as an 3rd party.
  • Within approximately 15-30 days, a decision letter will be issued by Service Canada to the hiring organization. This positive LMIA will be forwarded to you to apply for your work permit.

If you’re applying for an employer-specific work permit you will need to bring the following documentation to a point of entry Immigration office. ie. immigration office at an international airport or a border crossing coming into Canada.

  • your job offer letter
  • a copy of the LMIA with LMIA number
  • proof that you meet the qualifications and experience for the job (CPSO and MCC letters)
  • medical certificate

Permanent Residency

Physicians can complete a profile for express entry through the IRCC to apply for permanent residency:

  • Express Entry Application – This is the national program to add your name to the pool for permanent residency. This is a point system draw in which LMIA’s and OINP programs will add the necessary points to apply. High wage and in demand position applications, such as physicians, have been pulled from this pool and nominated by the province. This process adds 600 points to the EE application.
  • Ontario Provincial Nominee Program Application – The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Skilled Trades and Development nominates candidates in the Express Entry Pool each year, depending on needs in the province.  The province’s 2024 allocation is 21,500. This will happen automatically in the pool if you meet eligibility.
    • Once the email comes back inviting you to apply, you have 14 days to submit your application for OINP. This is where you will need your offer letter from an organization that has more than 3 employees and over $500,000 in annual revenue.
    • Within 60-120 days a Certificate of Nomination is issued along with a work permit support letter.
    • They take this to the point of entry or border for a work permit.
    • Make application to the IRCC for Permanent Residency within 6 months of receiving the nomination.
    • This is distinct from the Express Entry program.

Ontario Health also offers support and resources provincially. Click here for more information.