New Express Entry Stream for Physicians in Canada Unveiled

New Express Entry Stream for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: What You Need to Know

Great news for medical professionals in Canada — a new immigration pathway is making it easier for qualified physicians to become permanent residents. If you’re a doctor with Canadian work experience, this update could be your ticket to staying in Canada for good.

In December, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced the launch of a new Express Entry category specifically for physicians who have recent Canadian work experience. This means certain doctors — including general practitioners, specialists, and surgeons — will now have a more direct route to permanent residency (PR).

Let’s break it all down to help you understand what this means, who qualifies, and how it compares to existing immigration options.

Key Highlights

• A new Express Entry category targets physicians with Canadian work experience
• Only three medical occupations are currently eligible under this stream
• Candidates must have 12 months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in Canada
• The first draws for this category are expected to begin in early 2026
• This stream may have lower CRS cut-offs, giving physicians a competitive edge
• This new category is different from the broader healthcare and social services stream

Who Can Apply: Eligibility for the New Physicians Category

To be eligible under this new category, candidates must meet a few specific criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 12 months of continuous, full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in Canada
• Recency: This experience must have been gained within the last three years
• Occupation: Work must fall under one of the three eligible physician roles
• Compliance: Applicants must meet all other requirements set out in the invitation round’s ministerial instructions

Even if you don’t meet these exact requirements, don’t worry. You might still qualify under the broader Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category, which casts a wider net when it comes to job roles and work locations.

Which Medical Specialties Are Eligible?

This new category is quite focused and currently includes only three physician occupations. Let’s take a closer look:

1. General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)

Eligible titles: Family physician, general practitioner (GP), general practice resident, medical doctor.

Typical duties:

• Diagnosing illnesses and prescribing treatments
• Providing emergency and preventative care
• Delivering babies and offering maternal care
• Managing chronic conditions and referring to specialists
• Supporting patients with lifestyle advice and mental wellness

2. Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)

Eligible titles: General surgeon, cardiac surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, pediatric surgeon, and more.

Typical duties:

• Performing and supervising surgical procedures
• Diagnosing conditions requiring surgery
• Consulting with other physicians on patient care

3. Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100)

Eligible titles: Dermatologist, pediatrician, psychiatrist, radiologist, cardiologist, neurologist, and many others.

Typical duties:

• Diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions
• Prescribing medications and therapies
• Conducting diagnostic tests and research
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals on treatment plans

For a full list of duties and job titles under each NOC, it’s a good idea to search directly in the NOC system.

How to Confirm if Your Experience Qualifies

Not sure if your job fits one of these categories? Here’s how you can find out:

• Search your job title or duties in the NOC system
• Review the lead statement and ensure your role broadly aligns with it
• Check if you’ve performed most of the “main duties” listed for that role

It’s important your experience matches not just the title, but the responsibilities outlined under the NOC code. If you’re unsure, check out our guide on how to determine your NOC code.

How This New Category Compares to the Existing Healthcare Stream

You might be wondering how this new physicians category stacks up against the already existing healthcare and social services stream. Here’s a quick comparison:

If your experience doesn’t fit the new physicians category, the healthcare and social services stream may be a better fit. We recommend checking out our page on the Manitoba PNP as well if you’re considering provincial programs.

What Happens Next?

The first draws under this new stream are expected to begin in early 2026. That gives you time to get everything in order. If you’re a qualified physician and meet the Canadian work experience requirement, now’s the moment to either update or create your Express Entry profile. You’ll want to be ready when the draws begin!

Also, since Express Entry draws under category-based selection often have *lower* CRS score requirements, this could give you a leg up in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Final Thoughts

This new Express Entry stream is a promising opportunity for physicians who’ve trained and worked in Canada. Whether you’re a family doctor, surgeon, or specialist, your skills are in high demand — and now there’s a clearer path to permanent residence.

If you think you might be eligible, it’s worth taking the next step. Keep your documents up-to-date, double-check your NOC code, and prepare your Express Entry profile well ahead of time.

Ready to find out where you stand? Start your eligibility assessment and see which Express Entry stream is the right fit for you.

Want to explore more options? Check out our guide to the Manitoba PNP and other pathways that might suit your background.