Canada has announced new immigration measures designed to help address physician shortages across the country. These changes aim to make it easier for internationally trained doctors who are already contributing to Canada’s healthcare system to transition to permanent residence.
These steps come as provinces and territories continue to face long wait times, gaps in primary care, and an increasing need for qualified medical professionals.
1. New Express Entry Category for International Doctors
IRCC has confirmed that a new Express Entry category will be created specifically for internationally trained doctors who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible medical occupation, earned within the past three years.
This pathway is designed for doctors who are already in Canada practicing on temporary permits and helping meet patient demand.
Key goal: To give practice-ready doctors a clear and predictable route to permanent residence.
2. Faster Work Permit Processing for Nominated Doctors
The Government of Canada will also reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces to support provinces and territories in nominating licensed physicians with job offers through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Doctors who are nominated will receive:
- Expedited work permit processing
- A targeted standard of 14-day processing so they can begin or continue working while their permanent residence application moves forward
This is intended to speed up hiring in hospitals, clinics, and underserved communities.
3. Supporting Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy
IRCC confirmed that these measures align with Canada’s broader strategy to:
- Strengthen healthcare capacity
- Recruit globally recognized talent
- Build long-term sustainability in immigration pathways
By focusing on skilled health professionals, Canada aims to fill ongoing labour shortages that have affected both urban and rural areas.
4. Medical Occupations Eligible Under These Measures
The announced occupations include:
- General practitioners
- Family physicians
- Specialists in surgery
- Specialists in laboratory medicine
These roles represent some of the areas experiencing the most urgent patient care needs.
5. Provincial Credential Requirements Still Apply
While IRCC is easing the immigration pathway, licensing and credential recognition remain provincial responsibilities.
Doctors will still need to:
- Meet provincial standards
- Obtain the appropriate certification or licence
- Work with provincial regulatory bodies before practicing independently
Immigration approval does not replace medical licensing.
6. Why These Measures Matter
Canada is facing ongoing physician shortages. According to figures shared in the update, millions of Canadians do not have a regular healthcare provider, and wait times for services continue to increase.
These immigration measures help:
- Keep qualified doctors in Canada
- Encourage long-term retention
- Support hospitals and clinics struggling to fill essential roles
- Improve access to care in communities with the greatest needs
Conclusion
Canada’s new targeted immigration measures provide an important boost to the healthcare system by offering a clearer path to permanent residence for internationally trained doctors. These steps recognize the essential contributions of medical professionals who are already serving Canadians and aim to strengthen the healthcare workforce for the long term.
NPZ Law Group assists physicians, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations with Canadian immigration strategies, Express Entry planning, and Provincial Nominee Program applications.
FAQs — Canada’s New Measures for Doctors
1. Who qualifies for the new Express Entry category?
International doctors with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in an eligible medical occupation.
2. How many spaces did the government reserve for provinces and territories?
5,000 federal admission spaces.
3. Will nominated doctors receive faster processing?
Yes. Nominated doctors will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing.
4. Do doctors still need provincial licensing?
Yes. Immigration and licensing are separate processes.
5. Why is Canada introducing these measures?
To address national physician shortages and improve patient access to care.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.