Canada has introduced new immigration measures designed to increase the number of doctors in the country by making permanent residence simpler for international physicians. The government announced on Monday that the policy will take effect in 2026 and is part of a wider effort to address critical labour shortages by attracting high-skilled workers.
According to the statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will create a new Express Entry category for international doctors who have gained at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation within the last three years. The government noted that many of these doctors are already working temporarily in Canada, supporting patients and strengthening the health system. It stated, “We’re giving these doctors a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada to fill critical health workforce gaps, while helping support reliable care and a stable health system for Canadians.”
Invitations to apply for this new category are expected in early 2026. Canada will also reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who already have job offers. These spaces will be separate from the annual Provincial Nominee Programme allocations. The statement added that nominated doctors will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to continue working while waiting for permanent residence.
Lena Metlege Diab, the immigration, refugees and citizenship minister, said the measures align with the government’s commitment to strengthen the economy by attracting top global talent. She explained, “Canada’s new government has a mandate to build a strong economy by attracting top global talent and filling critical labour shortages. This dedicated Express Entry category, along with the reserved federal admission spaces for provinces and territories, will help bring in and keep practice-ready doctors, so people across Canada can get the care they need.”
Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, said the policy will help address ongoing health workforce shortages. She noted, “Attracting skilled health professionals is essential to addressing Canada’s health workforce shortages. Increasing the number of qualified physicians with the expertise our health care system needs will ensure people across the country receive timely, high-quality care.”
Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association, welcomed the announcement. She said, “By creating a pathway to permanent residence for doctors here on temporary visas, we create a stronger health workforce, staffing gaps begin to close, and patient care benefits from diverse voices and experiences. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”
