Explore Ontario’s new OINP rules for physicians (Ontario OINP Physician Updates), Canada’s rising unemployment rate in 2026, and the impact of student caps in Manitoba.
New Horizons for Physicians in Ontario and the Shifting Landscape of Canada’s 2026 Job Market
The beginning of 2026 has brought pivotal changes to Canada’s immigration and labour sectors. From Ontario’s strategic move to attract more foreign-trained doctors to the economic tug-of-war in the Prairies, staying ahead of these updates is essential for anyone planning their future in Canada.
Ontario (OINP) Broadens Pathways for Foreign-Trained Physicians
Effective January 1, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced significant updates to its Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
These changes specifically target self-employed, internationally educated physicians (Ontario OINP Physician Updates).
What has changed?
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Provisional Certificate Holders: Physicians holding a provisional certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario can now apply for provincial nomination, provided they have an OHIP billing number.
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Postgraduate License Update: Holders of postgraduate licenses are no longer eligible under the self-employed category because they cannot obtain billing numbers. However, they remain fully eligible if they hold a valid employer job offer.
These revisions align with the Medicine Act, 1991, and aim to solve the critical doctor shortage by making Permanent Residence Canada more accessible for medical professionals.
Canada’s Labour Market: Unemployment Climbs to 6.8%
Statistics Canada reports that the national labour market faced headwinds in December 2025. While the economy added a modest 8,200 jobs, the unemployment rate jumped to 6.8%.
Key Labour Trends:
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Sector Growth: Healthcare and social assistance remain the strongest sectors, adding 21,000 new positions.
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Demographic Shift: Employment grew among workers aged 55+, while youth employment (ages 15-24) saw a decline of 27,000.
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Wages: Average hourly wages rose to $37.06, showing a 3.4% year-over-year growth.
Manitoba Grapples with a 40% Cut in International Students
In a controversial move, the Federal Government has slashed Manitoba’s international student allocations by 40%. The province’s quota has dropped from 18,591 in 2025 to just 11,196 in 2026.
Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education, Renee Cable, noted that this unilateral decision threatens the financial stability and diversity of local campuses. For International Students, this means higher competition for the remaining spots in Manitoba’s esteemed colleges and universities.
Saskatchewan: The Economic Bright Spot of 2025
While the national unemployment rate rose, Saskatchewan closed 2025 with the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.2%. The province added 15,200 jobs throughout the year, driven by robust performance in:
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Healthcare
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Construction
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Agriculture
With a record 617,400 people employed, Saskatchewan continues to be a premier destination for Skilled Workers seeking stability and growth.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services (est. 2004) is your trusted partner in navigating the complex 2026 immigration landscape. We provide specialized legal and academic guidance to ensure your success in Canada.
Our Core Services:
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Permanent Residence Canada: Specialized pathways for healthcare professionals and skilled workers.
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Study Permits: Strategic advice for students facing new provincial caps.
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Family Sponsorship: Expert legal help to bring your loved ones to Canada.
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Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your 2026 eligibility instantly.
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Contact Our Experts: Personalized consultation for OINP and work permit renewals.
Important Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Ontario OINP Physician Updates
1. Can self-employed doctors apply for OINP in 2026? Yes, internationally educated physicians with a provisional certificate and an OHIP billing number can apply through the Foreign Worker stream as of Jan 1, 2026.
2. What is the current unemployment rate in Canada? As of December 2025, the national unemployment rate rose to 6.8%.
3. How much was Manitoba’s student allocation cut? The federal government reduced Manitoba’s international student allocation by 40%, allowing only 11,196 permits in 2026.
4. Which province has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada? Saskatchewan holds the record for the lowest unemployment rate at 5.2% as of late 2025.
5. Are healthcare jobs still in demand in Canada? Absolutely. The healthcare sector led job growth in December 2025, adding 21,000 new positions nationwide.
6. Do postgraduate license holders qualify for OINP’s self-employed category? No, they no longer qualify under the self-employed category because they cannot obtain billing numbers, but they can still apply with a valid employer job offer.
7. How can I assess my points for Saskatchewan immigration? You can use our Free Immigration Assessment to evaluate your profile for the SINP and other provincial programs.
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Whether you are a medical professional looking for an Ontario nomination or a student navigating new caps, our team is ready to help you succeed.