Canada Announces New Immigration Measures to Attract More International Doctors
The Canadian Government has rolled out a significant set of immigration reforms designed to make it easier for international physicians to obtain permanent residence. These changes, aimed at addressing persistent healthcare shortages, introduce a new Express Entry category for doctors, reserve additional provincial nomination spaces, and speed up work permit processing for nominated physicians. Together, these initiatives signal a more focused federal strategy to recruit and retain medical professionals across Canada.
A New Express Entry Category for Physicians with Canadian Experience
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience” category under the Express Entry system. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience, or the equivalent in part-time hours, accumulated within the last three years. This category will apply to several key National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups, including:
General practitioners and family physicians
Specialized surgeons
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
The first invitations to apply are expected in early 2026, giving prospective applicants time to prepare documentation and improve their eligibility profiles.
It is important to note that physicians are already eligible under the broader Express Entry health care category, which requires only six months of experience—Canadian or foreign. However, the government has not yet clarified how the new physician-specific stream will operate alongside the existing category. For now, applicants should expect that IRCC will provide further guidance closer to the official launch.
5,000 Additional Provincial Nomination Spaces Reserved for Doctors
Another major element of the announcement is the creation of 5,000 additional federal admissions earmarked specifically for provincial and territorial nominations of licensed doctors who hold valid job offers. These spots are in addition to regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations, giving provinces expanded capacity to recruit foreign-trained physicians.
This measure recognizes that healthcare needs vary across regions and that provinces are best positioned to identify their own staffing priorities. By increasing the number of physicians they can nominate, provinces may be able to fill long-standing gaps in hospitals, clinics, and rural health networks.
Faster Work Permit Processing for Nominated Physicians
To complement the new nomination spaces, IRCC has also committed to expedited work permit processing for doctors nominated by a province or territory. Approvals are expected within 14 days, allowing physicians to begin practicing in Canada much sooner while their permanent residence applications continue to be processed in the background.
For internationally trained doctors, this creates a much clearer and faster pathway to both employment and long-term settlement.