Canada Launches New Category Under Express Entry for International Doctors
In a move to strengthen Canada’s health care system and fill critical labour gaps, the Government of Canada has announced a new category under Express Entry for international doctors already working in the country.
Under this initiative, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will introduce a new category under Express Entry for international doctors who have at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years in eligible medical occupations. Invitations to apply are expected to begin in early 2026.
This change directly supports the federal government’s Budget 2025 commitment to attract high-skilled professionals and ensure a stable, sustainable health care system for Canadians.
5,000 New Federal Spaces for Provinces and Territories
Alongside this new Express Entry category, Canada will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces specifically for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These slots are in addition to regular annual Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations.
Once nominated, these doctors will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to continue working in Canada while awaiting permanent residence approval.
Boosting Canada’s Health Workforce
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab emphasized that the new category under Express Entry for international doctors will make it easier for internationally trained doctors to transition from temporary to permanent status, helping address the nationwide shortage of physicians.
Meanwhile, Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, noted that attracting qualified physicians is key to ensuring Canadians have access to timely, quality care.
The Canadian Medical Association also expressed strong support for this policy, calling it a meaningful step toward closing health workforce gaps and improving patient outcomes across the country.
Who Is Eligible?
Occupations covered under these measures include:
- General practitioners and family physicians
- Specialists in surgery
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
Candidates must meet the usual Express Entry criteria and demonstrate at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in an eligible role.
Because medical licensing is managed at the provincial and territorial level, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains an effective pathway for many healthcare professionals. This dual approach ensures that both federal and local governments can recruit and retain doctors who meet Canada’s standards.
Why This Matters for Foreign Doctors in Canada
This new category under Express Entry for international doctors provides a clearer, faster route to permanent residence, a major shift from previous years, when temporary workers often faced complex pathways to settle in Canada long-term.
It also signals Canada’s commitment to attracting global medical talent while ensuring its health system remains strong and sustainable.
Planning to Move to Canada as a Doctor?
If you’re an internationally trained doctor, or a healthcare professional, considering your immigration options, now is the time to prepare.
EV Immigration can help you navigate the process, from eligibility assessment to application submission. Our consultants can guide you through both the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs to find the pathway that best fits your profile and goals.
Consult with EV Immigration today to map out your next steps and turn your goal of living and working in Canada into reality.
