Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled measures to ease the path to permanent residence for international doctors working in Canada. In line with Budget 2025's goal to address critical labor shortages, a dedicated Express Entry category will be created for doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in eligible occupations within the past three years. Invitations for this new category are expected to begin in early 2026.
Additionally, the federal government is reserving 5,000 admission spaces specifically for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who hold job offers. Those nominated will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing to facilitate their transition while permanent residency applications are processed.
These initiatives target general practitioners, family physicians, surgical specialists, and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine. Provincial credential recognition remains a key step, with the Provincial Nominee Program continuing to support healthcare professionals' integration. These new steps complement Canada's broader strategy to attract internationally trained talent and improve healthcare accessibility nationwide.