OINP Foreign Worker Stream: Is a Personal Support Worker Exempt from the Two-Year Work Experience Requirement?

One of the most common misunderstandings we see among applicants to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is the belief that Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are exempt from the two-year work experience requirement under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.

This belief is widespread — but it is incorrect.

Because many PSWs complete their training in Ontario and receive job offers quickly, applicants often assume that the program makes an exception for this occupation.

Unfortunately, this misunderstanding may lead to many avoidable refusals.

This article explains what the OINP actually requires and how the rules apply to Personal Support Workers classified under NOC 33012.

The Work Experience Requirement Under the OINP Foreign Worker Stream

The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream generally requires applicants to have at least two years of paid, full-time work experience in the same occupation as the job offer.

This work experience must:

• Have been gained within the last five years, and

• Be in the same NOC as the offered position

• Have been obtained inside or outside Canada

Unless the OINP specifically states that an occupation is exempt from this requirement, the two-year rule applies.At this time, there is no general exemption for Personal Support Workers.

Why Many Applicants Think Personal Support Workers Are Exempt from OINP Requirement

Much of the confusion arises from how OINP discusses licensing and authorization requirements.

OINP states that if a job offer is for an occupation that requires a mandatory licence or other authorization under Ontario law, the applicant must hold that licence or authorization at the time of application.

This rule applies only to regulated occupations.

Personal Support Worker Is Not a Regulated Profession in Ontario

Personal Support Worker is not a regulated profession in Ontario. There is no provincial licensing body that issues mandatory PSW licences.

While Ontario has created the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) and a PSW registry, registration is currently voluntary, not mandatory, to work as a PSW in most settings.

Because PSWs are not legally required to be licensed or registered, the OINP licensing rule does not apply to this occupation — and it does not replace or waive the two-year work experience requirement.

Employment Requirements for Personal Support Workers

When reviewing a job offer, OINP also looks at the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to understand what qualifications are typically required for the role.

For Personal Support Workers under NOC 33012, employment requirements usually include:

• Some secondary school education, and

• On-the-job training or completion of a personal support worker, nursing aide, health care aide, or nursing orderly program with supervised practical training

• CPR and first aid certification

• In some roles (especially home care), a valid driver’s licence

These requirements help determine whether a person is qualified to perform the job.They do not change the immigration eligibility requirements under the OINP.

Job Qualifications and Immigration Eligibility Are Not the Same

This distinction is critical.

Being legally allowed to work as a PSW — even without HSCPOA registration — does not mean you are automatically eligible for nomination under the OINP Foreign Worker Stream.

OINP assesses two separate questions:

1. Can you legally and practically perform the job being offered?

2. Do you meet all program requirements, including the two-year work experience rule?

Meeting the employment requirements for a PSW role does not cancel the need to meet the immigration program’s experience requirements.

A Common Refusal Scenario

A common scenario involves an applicant who:

• Completed a PSW program in Ontario

• Received a full-time job offer as a PSW

• Applied to OINP with less than two years of relevant work experience

Many applicants in this situation assume PSWs are treated differently or believe that training in Ontario is sufficient. Unfortunately, applications like this are frequently refused because the two-year work experience requirement was not met.

Final Thoughts

Personal Support Workers play a vital role in Ontario’s health-care system. However, under the current rules, they are not exempt from the two-year work experience requirement under the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.

Education, training, certifications, or voluntary registration help you qualify for the job itself. They do not replace the eligibility requirements set by OINP.

If you are a PSW planning to apply, it is essential to:

• Carefully review your work history

• Ensure your experience aligns with NOC 33012 duties

• Confirm that both you and your employer meet all OINP requirements before applying

Need Help Before You Apply?

OINP refusals can result in lost time, lost fees, and missed immigration opportunities.

At Gateway to Canada, we help applicants understand the rules before they apply, so they can make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

If you would like help assessing your eligibility or planning your next steps, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference.