CANADA IMMIGRATION

FOREIGN-TRAINED DOCTORS GET A BREAK

IRCC announced a new Express Entry category for international doctors. Image credit: VAIBHAV VIVIAN on Unsplash.

From IRCC

In support of the Budget 2025 commitment to fill critical labour gaps with high-skilled talent, Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new measures to support Canada’s health care system by making the path to permanent residence simpler for international doctors.

As part of these measures, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will create a new Express Entry category for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation, gained within the last three years. These doctors are already working in Canada on a temporary basis, helping patients and contributing to our health care system. Canada is now giving these doctors a clear pathway to permanent residence to fill critical health workforce gaps, while helping support reliable care and a stable health system for Canadians.

Invitations to apply for the new Express Entry category will be issued in early 2026.

The government will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These spaces are in addition to the annual Provincial Nominee Program allocations. Doctors who are nominated will receive expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to work while awaiting permanent residence.

IRCC said these measures support the broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, which aims to strengthen the jobs and industries while helping restore balance and long-term sustainability in Can