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New Delhi: In a move to boost the healthcare industry in Canada, the government has launched a fast-track immigration pathway to retain international doctors already working in the country. The federal government decided to roll out this new category, considering the severe shortages in the medical and healthcare system.
Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab and Maggie Chi have announced three new measures that will make it easier for international doctors to become permanent residents. The minister announced that foreign doctors with at least one year of experience in Canada will be eligible for a new 'Express Entry' category.
“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,” minister Diab said.
The government has introduced a new Express Entry category for foreign doctors. This is Canada's points-based system for selecting skilled doctors for permanent residence. The invitation process for the new system will begin in early 2026. The government has also decided to reserve a total of 5,000 federal admission spots for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors.
Doctors shortlisted under these slots will receive expedited, 14-day work-permit processing, allowing them to continue practicing while awaiting permanent residency in the country.
The targeted roles and their National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes include: General practitioners and family physicians (31102), Specialists in surgery (31101) and Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (31100)
According to the International Migration Outlook 2025 released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, around 3,900 India-trained doctors are present in Canada. However, the unofficial sources claim that the number of India origin doctors is much higher than 8,000.
The new Express Entry category allows nominated physicians in the province to receive work permit approvals within 14 days, allowing them to work while their permanent residence applications are processed. Typically, work permit processing in Canada takes several months.
"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. By working closely with provinces and territories, we are tackling workforce challenges and strengthening the health care system so Canadians receive the care they need, when they need it," said by Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.
"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," said by Dr Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association.
