New Canadian Immigration Measures for International Doctors

On December 8, 2025, a significant announcement was made by the Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, regarding the future of international doctors in Canada. This announcement introduced three pivotal measures aimed at facilitating the path to permanent residency for international medical professionals. With Canada facing a continuous demand for healthcare professionals, these measures not only address the immediate needs of the healthcare system but also provide a structured pathway for qualified doctors to integrate into the Canadian workforce and society.

The introduction of these measures marks a progressive step toward enhancing Canada's healthcare system by attracting skilled medical professionals from around the globe. This initiative underscores Canada's commitment to maintaining a robust and responsive healthcare framework, which is crucial for the well-being of its citizens. The measures include a new Express Entry category, a special allocation of permanent residence admissions, and expedited work permit processing, all of which are designed to streamline the immigration process for doctors.

New Express Entry Category for Physicians

The new Express Entry category introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is specifically designed for physicians with Canadian work experience. To qualify, candidates must have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time, continuous work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience, in Canada within the last three years. This work experience must fall under specific eligible occupations.

The targeted occupations under this new category, along with their National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, include:

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

Invitations to apply under this new category are set to commence in early 2026. This category operates alongside other existing Express Entry categories, with potential adjustments to program priorities in the upcoming year. Currently, the healthcare occupations category within Express Entry targets a wide range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and dentists, but does not require in-Canada work experience, allowing for international applicants.

Special Admissions Allocation for Provincial Nominees

The Canadian government has allocated 5,000 additional federal admission spaces specifically for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. This allocation is in addition to the regular annual quotas under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allowing provinces to significantly increase their intake of foreign doctors for permanent residency nominations.

Admissions spaces, as outlined in Canada's Immigration Levels Plan, dictate the number of new permanent residents allowed to enter Canada annually across all immigration programs, including Express Entry and PNPs. However, the specific source of the new allocation for physicians remains unspecified by the government at this time.

Expedited Work Permit Processing for Nominated Doctors

One of the most impactful measures introduced is the expedited work permit processing for doctors nominated by a province. This process allows nominated doctors to have their work permits processed within a mere 14 days, enabling them to commence work while their permanent residence applications are being processed. This is a significant improvement over the traditional processing times, which often extend over several months.

This expedited process is expected to greatly benefit healthcare systems across Canada by quickly integrating skilled professionals into medical practices, thereby addressing critical shortages and enhancing patient care. Additionally, it provides nominated doctors with the assurance that they can begin their professional practice in Canada without undue delay.

Conclusion

The introduction of these new immigration measures represents a strategic advancement for Canada's healthcare sector and its immigration policy. By creating a dedicated pathway for international doctors, Canada is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also reinforcing its position as a desirable destination for skilled professionals worldwide. These measures reflect a balanced approach that recognizes the value of foreign-trained doctors, ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute to the Canadian healthcare system effectively.

As these measures take effect, international doctors will find a more streamlined process for achieving permanent residency in Canada, aligning with the country's long-term goals of economic growth and social development. The Canadian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for immigrants, with these steps serving as a testament to the nation's inclusive and forward-thinking policies.