New Immigration Measures for International Doctors in Canada

On December 8, 2025, the Canadian government unveiled a series of groundbreaking measures aimed at simplifying the path to permanent residency for international doctors. These measures, announced by Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab and Maggie Chi, are designed to address the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in Canada by streamlining immigration processes. This initiative not only promises to bolster the healthcare system but also offers new opportunities for international medical graduates seeking to establish their careers in Canada.

The new measures include the introduction of an Express Entry category tailored specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience. Additionally, 5,000 permanent residence admissions will be reserved annually for provinces to nominate practice-ready physicians. Furthermore, expedited work permit processing will be available for nominated doctors, significantly reducing the waiting time for work authorization.

Introduction of a New Express Entry Category for Physicians

The new "Physicians with Canadian work experience" Express Entry category is a pivotal aspect of Canada's strategy to attract and retain skilled medical professionals. To qualify under this category, candidates must have accumulated at least 12 months of continuous full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time, in Canada within the past three years. This experience must be in one of the designated occupations as per Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, specifically targeting general practitioners, specialists in surgery, and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine.

Invitations to apply under this category will commence in early 2026, offering a streamlined path to permanent residency for eligible physicians. Unlike previous healthcare occupation categories, this new category emphasizes in-Canada work experience, aligning with Canada's focus on integrating professionals familiar with the country's healthcare environment.

Eligibility and Occupation Codes

Eligible occupations under the new category are defined by specific NOC codes:

• General practitioners and family physicians (31102)
• Specialists in surgery (31101)
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)

This targeted approach ensures that the most critical medical roles are prioritized, addressing specific gaps in the healthcare system. The initiative is part of a broader effort to recalibrate immigration priorities, making it more responsive to the evolving needs of Canada's population.

Special Admissions Allocation for Provincial Nominees

In a bid to further support provinces and territories in attracting skilled healthcare professionals, the Canadian government has allocated 5,000 federal admission spaces specifically for licensed doctors with job offers. These spots are in addition to the regular annual allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), significantly boosting the capacity of provinces to nominate physicians for permanent residency.

This allocation is part of Canada's Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines the total number of new permanent residents the country intends to welcome each year. By reserving a specific number of admissions for physicians, the government aims to ensure that the healthcare sector receives the necessary influx of skilled professionals to meet growing demands.

Impact on Provincial Immigration Strategies

The additional admissions spaces offer provinces the flexibility to tailor their immigration strategies to local healthcare needs. This move is expected to attract more international doctors to underserved areas, ensuring equitable distribution of medical services across Canada.

Expedited Work Permit Processing for Nominated Physicians

Another significant aspect of the new measures is the expedited processing of work permits for physicians nominated by a province. Under the new guidelines, work permits will be processed within 14 days, allowing doctors to begin working in Canada while their permanent residency applications are being finalized. This streamlined process addresses one of the primary challenges faced by international doctors: the lengthy wait times for work authorization.

The expedited processing is part of a broader effort to make Canada's immigration system more efficient and responsive to immediate labor market needs. By reducing the time it takes for skilled physicians to enter the workforce, Canada not only addresses short-term healthcare shortages but also enhances the long-term integration of international doctors into the healthcare system.

Benefits of Accelerated Work Authorization

The ability to begin working quickly is a crucial factor in retaining international medical talent. It allows doctors to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is often a prerequisite for permanent residency, and ensures that they can contribute to the healthcare system without unnecessary delays.

Overall, these new immigration measures represent a significant step forward in Canada's approach to attracting and retaining international medical professionals. By creating a more streamlined and targeted immigration process, Canada is not only addressing its immediate healthcare needs but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system in the future.

Conclusion

The introduction of these new immigration measures marks a pivotal moment for Canada's healthcare system and its approach to international talent. By establishing a dedicated Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience, reserving additional admissions spaces for provincial nominees, and expediting work permit processing, Canada is demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its healthcare workforce.

These initiatives are expected to have a profound impact on the ability of international doctors to transition to permanent residency, while also addressing critical shortages in healthcare services across the country. As the global demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, Canada's proactive approach to immigration will ensure that it remains a competitive destination for skilled medical talent.

Looking ahead, it is essential for aspiring international doctors to stay informed about these new opportunities and to understand the eligibility criteria and application processes. By doing so, they can better position themselves to take advantage of Canada's welcoming and progressive immigration landscape.