New Express Entry Stream for International Doctors in Canada

Canada Announces New Express Entry Pathway for International Doctors

On December 8, 2025, in Toronto, the Canadian government introduced a major update that could be life-changing for international doctors working in the country. The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, along with Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, unveiled new immigration measures aimed at making it easier for foreign-trained physicians to become permanent residents of Canada.

Key Highlights

• New Express Entry category dedicated to international doctors
• Requires at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible healthcare occupation
• 5,000 additional federal admission spaces allocated for nominated physicians
• Faster work permit processing—just 14 days for eligible candidates
• Invitations under the new Express Entry stream will begin in early 2026
• Supports Canada’s healthcare system by addressing physician shortages

New Express Entry Category for International Doctors

Good news for international physicians already working in Canada: starting in early 2026, there’ll be a brand-new Express Entry category tailor-made just for you. This new stream will be open to international doctors who have at least one year of recent, Canadian work experience in a qualifying occupation. That Canadian experience must have taken place within the last three years.

These doctors are typically already on temporary permits, actively helping patients in communities across the country. With this new pathway, their transition from temporary residents to permanent ones will be significantly smoother.

So what’s the big deal? This change isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about recognizing the vital contributions these healthcare professionals make every day. It’s also a practical move to fill major gaps in our health system and make sure Canadians continue to receive timely, quality care.

Faster Pathways Through the Provincial Nominee Program

In addition to the new Express Entry stream, the federal government is also setting aside 5,000 extra admission spaces under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These spots are reserved specifically for licensed physicians who have job offers in Canada.

What’s more, doctors nominated through their province or territory will benefit from expedited work permit processing in just 14 days. That means they can continue—or start—working almost right away, even while their permanent residency application is still being processed.

This is a significant move, especially for provinces like Manitoba and others that rely on the Manitoba PNP to address local labour market needs. These additional spots give provinces more flexibility to bring in the talent they need—even outside of their regular annual immigration quotas.

Why This Matters for Canada’s Health System

Canada has long been dealing with physician shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. While the country trains a significant number of doctors domestically, it’s simply not enough to meet demand. Internationally trained doctors already play a crucial role in keeping our health system running, often stepping into roles where local professionals are hard to find.

By creating a dedicated Express Entry category and speeding up processing times through the PNP, the federal government is sending a clear message: we value our international doctors. These steps not only help stabilize the workforce, but also improve access to healthcare for Canadians across the board.

Who’s Eligible for the New Stream?

While full eligibility criteria will be released closer to the launch date in early 2026, here’s what we know so far:

• Applicants must be international doctors currently in Canada on temporary status
• Must have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a qualifying healthcare occupation within the past three years
• Must meet the requirements of the new Express Entry category or be nominated under a PNP stream

If you’re an internationally trained physician working in Canada, now’s a great time to assess your options and get your documents in order. You can also check your eligibility across all Express Entry streams using a free assessment tool like this one.

What Happens Next?

Invitations to apply under this new Express Entry category will start going out in early 2026. If you’re a doctor already working in Canada, that means you could be on the fast track to becoming a permanent resident within months.

While more details are expected as the program rolls out, now is a great time to prepare. Make sure your credentials are up to date, and consider speaking with an immigration consultant to understand your full range of options.

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for Canada and Its Doctors

This new initiative is a win for everyone involved. It rewards international doctors who’ve already proven their skills on Canadian soil, and it gives our healthcare system some much-needed support. Whether you’re a physician hoping to settle permanently or a province looking to fill medical positions, these changes open new doors to success.

If you’re curious about your eligibility or want to explore similar immigration pathways, check out our resources on Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program. The future looks bright for international doctors in Canada — and we’re excited to see more healthcare heroes make this country their permanent home.

Ready to take the next step? Start your eligibility assessment today and begin your journey towards permanent residency in Canada.