If you are a doctor currently working in Canada — or planning to work in Canada — this announcement could permanently change your future.
On December 8, 2025, the Government of Canada made a landmark immigration announcement aimed squarely at fixing one of the country’s most urgent challenges: the shortage of doctors.
Canada is officially introducing a new Express Entry category exclusively for doctors, reserving 5,000 permanent residence spaces, and offering faster work permit processing to international physicians already contributing to the healthcare system.
This move signals a major shift in Canada’s immigration strategy — from simply attracting doctors to actively retaining them.
In this article, we break down:
- What the Canadian government announced
- Who qualifies for the new pathway
- How the new Express Entry category works
- What this means for international doctors
- What steps you should take next
If you work in healthcare, this is an update you should not ignore.
What Did Canada Announce?
The announcement was made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of Canada’s Budget 2025 commitments to address critical labour shortages in high-impact sectors — especially healthcare.
The announcement took place in Toronto and was delivered by:
- The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
- Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
The message was clear and strategic:
Canada wants to make permanent residence faster and more accessible for international doctors already working in the country.
Rather than relying only on future graduates or overseas recruitment, Canada is focusing on keeping skilled doctors who are already treating patients within its borders.
New Express Entry Category for Doctors (Starting 2026)
This is the most significant part of the announcement.
IRCC confirmed that it will create a new Express Entry category specifically for international doctors, separate from general or occupation-wide draws.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under this new Express Entry category, you must:
- Be an internationally trained doctor
- Have at least one year of Canadian work experience
- The work experience must:
- Be in an eligible medical occupation
- Have been gained within the last three years
- Be currently working in Canada on a temporary basis
These are physicians who are already licensed or practice-ready, already working in hospitals or clinics, and already supporting Canada’s healthcare system.
👉 Invitations to apply under this category are expected to begin in early 2026.
This is a priority, targeted immigration pathway — not a general Express Entry draw.
Why Canada Is Doing This
Canada is facing a nationwide physician shortage.
Across provinces and territories:
- Patients are waiting months to see doctors
- Rural and underserved communities lack access to care
- Hospitals and clinics are understaffed
Instead of waiting years for new graduates, Canada is choosing a faster and more effective solution:
Retain skilled doctors who are already here.
According to the government, this approach:
- Closes staffing gaps more quickly
- Improves continuity of patient care
- Strengthens healthcare delivery nationwide
This policy is also part of Canada’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, which focuses on securing skilled professionals in critical industries — with healthcare at the top of the list.
5,000 Reserved Permanent Residence Spaces for Doctors
The second major announcement is just as important.
Canada will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces specifically for licensed doctors.
Why This Matters
- Provinces and territories can nominate doctors with job offers
- These 5,000 spaces are separate from regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quotas
- Nominated doctors will receive:
- Expedited 14-day work permit processing
- The ability to work immediately while waiting for permanent residence
This directly addresses one of the biggest frustrations international doctors face: long delays, uncertainty, and immigration bottlenecks.
What This Means for International Doctors
This announcement is a major win for internationally trained physicians in Canada.
If you are:
- Working in Canada on a temporary visa
- Licensed or practice-ready
- Already employed in the healthcare system
You now have access to:
- ✔️ A clear and dedicated pathway to permanent residence
- ✔️ Faster processing timelines
- ✔️ Strong provincial support
- ✔️ Long-term career and immigration stability
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has publicly welcomed the initiative, noting that it:
- Strengthens the healthcare workforce
- Improves patient outcomes
- Brings diverse global experience into Canada’s medical system
This is immigration policy designed for real-world impact, not just numerical targets.
What Canadian Leaders Are Saying
Government and healthcare leaders are strongly aligned on this move.
- The Minister of Immigration emphasized Canada’s commitment to:“Attracting top global talent and filling critical labour shortages.”
- The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health highlighted:“Increasing the number of qualified physicians ensures timely, high-quality care across the country.”
- Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association, stated:“Creating a pathway to permanent residence for doctors on temporary visas strengthens patient care and closes staffing gaps.”
This level of consensus signals long-term policy support — not a temporary program.
Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Now
Canada is no longer asking doctors to choose between service and stability — it is offering both.
If you are an international doctor already working in Canada, this is your moment to prepare.
Next Steps
- Ensure your Canadian work experience is well documented
- Monitor Express Entry updates in early 2026
- Connect with provincial nomination programs
- Stay informed about eligibility lists and draw timelines
Share This Opportunity
If you found this article helpful:
- Share it with a doctor who needs this information
- Bookmark it for future reference
- Follow for more updates on Canada immigration, Express Entry changes, and global opportunities
Canada’s healthcare future is being reshaped — and international doctors are at the center of it 🇨🇦✨
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