Canada took a major step towards strengthening its health-care system – and giving internationally trained doctors already working here a clearer route to permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced on 8 th December 2025 the creation of a new, dedicated Express Entry category for physicians with recent Canadian work experience.
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If you are a foreign-trained doctor working in Canada, this may be the most significant development in your immigration journey in years.
Why is there a need for a New category for Doctors?
Canada has ongoing physician shortages across the country, particularly in family medicine and surgery as well as diagnostic specialties. These gaps are often filled by internationally trained doctors, but many have struggled to secure permanent status under immigration rules that didn’t reflect the realities of medical employment in Canada, such as being hired as independent contractors instead of traditional employees.
This new category aims to fix that.
It recognizes doctors who already contribute to Canada’s healthcare system and provides them with a direct, streamlined pathway for applying for permanent residence.
Invitations under this category are expected to start in early 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for the Applicants ?
IRCC has indicated that the category will be open to physicians with 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian work experience gained within the last 3 years, in one eligible occupation.
Eligible NOC Codes (2021):
- 31100 — Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine
- 31101 — Specialists in Surgery
- 31102 — General Practitioners and Family Physicians
The key requirement here is recent Canadian work experience, which distinguishes this category from previous healthcare-focused draws where foreign experience could be counted.
Additional Benefits Announced
Alongside this new Express Entry category, the government announced two big measures:
1. 5,000 Reserved PR Spots for Doctors Through Provincial Nominations
Physicians who get a nomination from a province or territory — and who have a job offer — will have access to 5,000 dedicated federal admission spaces.
This is apart from the regular PNP quotas.
2. 14-Day Processing for Work Permits
Eligible physicians nominated by a province will also get access to expedited 14-day work permit processing period , helping them start or continue working with minimal interruption while their PR is still in progress.
Why is this Policy Significant?
This new stream aligns immigration policy with healthcare needs. Here’s why it’s significant:
- Retention of doctors who are already working in Canada
Many international doctors have serve communities for years but face delays in achieving permanent status. This policy gives them stability and a pathway for settlement. - Quick access to medical talent for provinces
Shorter work-permit processing means fewer service gaps in hospitals and clinics in order to fill up the gap for trained Doctors. - More predictable path to PR in the coming years
Instead of competing with diverse professions in the general Express Entry pool, doctors now have a dedicated category tailored to their realities.
What is not yet disclosed by IRCC for this new category
Since this category has not yet rolled out, some details remain pending:
• Exact launch date for the first draw in 2026
• How often IRCC will do doctor-specific draws
• Minimum CRS scores for selection
• Whether doctors abroad- currently not in Canada-will have other routes for consideration
• How this new category will work alongside the broader “Healthcare & Social Services” Express Entry category
IRCC is expected to provide detailed program instructions closer to launch.
What International Doctors need to be Prepare for ?
If you’re a foreign-trained physician working in Canada or planning to come soon, here are steps to take immediately:
1. Confirm Your NOC Code
Ensure your job title and duties align with NOC 31100, 31101, or 31102.
2. Track Your Canadian Work Experience
Document all work done in Canada within the last 3 years, including:
- Contracts
- Letters from employers or medical facilities
- Locum agreements
- Hours worked (full-time or equivalent)
3. Keep Your Express Entry Profile Updated
Make sure all information is accurate and ready before draws begin.
4. Explore Provincial Nomination Options
If you have a job offer, a PNP nomination may give you access to the reserved 5,000 PR spots.
5. Maintain Progress on Licensing Requirements
Permanent residence does not replace medical licensing.
Stay aligned with MCC and provincial college requirements while pursuing immigration.
What to know at the End
Canada’s new doctor-specific Express Entry category marks a critical juncture in the country’s strategy to recruit and retain medical professionals. This policy brings clarity, equity, and swiftness to the journey of internationally trained physicians already working in Canada toward permanent residence.
Paying attention to and being prepared for how things unfold in early 2026 will afford you the best opportunity to take advantage of the new system.
