Ontario Eases Pathway for Internationally Trained Nurses Amid Health Care Shortages

The Ontario government is taking significant steps to expand its health care workforce by enhancing pathways for internationally educated professionals. These changes aim to address the urgent need for skilled workers in health care, improve the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), and protect newcomers from immigration fraud.

Enhancements to the Health Care Workforce

Under Premier Ford’s leadership, Ontario is implementing bold and innovative changes to break down barriers for internationally trained nurses (IENs), making it faster and easier for them to start providing care to the people and families in Ontario.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized the government’s commitment to growing the health care workforce, ensuring that people can connect to the care they need. Cathy Hecimovich, CEO of Ontario Retirement Communities Association, highlighted the necessity of attracting IENs to care for the increasing number of seniors in Ontario. Donna Duncan, CEO of Ontario Long Term Care Association, noted the critical role of IENs in long-term care homes and the need for more professionals to fill these roles. She also mentioned that regulatory amendments and efforts by the College of Nurses of Ontario to modernize and streamline registration processes offer IENs a faster path to permanent residency and citizenship, ensuring their immigration status does not hinder their ability to settle in Ontario and contribute to the health care system.

The province’s economic immigration program will now exempt nurses registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario in designated classes from needing to provide a bachelor’s degree to qualify for the OINP Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. This exemption creates additional pathways for IENs to receive nominations through the program, enabling Ontario to better meet the health care needs of its residents.

Expansion of Eligible Occupations and Protection Against Fraud

Ontario is also expanding the number of occupations eligible for the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream from 22 to 56. This change responds to feedback from consultations on program eligibility, allowing more skilled workers to qualify for the program and helping to address labor shortages in key sectors such as health care and skilled trades.

In an effort to combat immigration fraud and protect newcomers, Ontario is increasing the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) for non-compliance. The minimum penalty for employers, representatives, recruiters, or others involved in fraudulent activities will rise from $2,000 to $10,000. This measure aims to prevent misuse of the program and safeguard the interests of newcomers.

Removing Discriminatory Barriers

Ontario is the first province in Canada to ban the use of discriminatory Canadian work experience requirements in regulated professions under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006. This initiative, praised by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO), aims to better align the recruitment of international construction laborers and skilled trades to meet labor market needs, especially as the province anticipates the retirement of thousands of construction workers by the end of the decade.

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, emphasized the importance of newcomers in growing the economy and building a stronger, more inclusive Ontario. By expanding the pathways of the OINP, Ontario attracts top-tier talent and addresses human resource challenges in health care, making the province a more welcoming place for skilled professionals.

Navigating the complex landscape of immigration and credential recognition can be challenging for newcomers. Ontario’s new measures to expand pathways for internationally trained health care professionals and other skilled workers are crucial steps toward building a stronger, more inclusive workforce. However, understanding and leveraging these opportunities requires expert guidance. Our firm specializes in providing comprehensive immigration services, including preparation, advising, and representation for immigration applications. Contact us today to ensure a smooth transition and to take full advantage of the opportunities in Ontario.