Canada is creating a new Express Entry category for international doctors to support the country’s health care system by making the path to permanent residence simpler for foreign doctors. The Invitations to apply for the new Express Entry category will be issued in early 2026.
Foreign doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation, gained within the last three years, will be eligible under this category.
The occupations eligible for these measures are general practitioners and family physicians, specialists in surgery and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine.
These doctors are already working in Canada temporarily, helping patients and contributing to Canada’s health care system. Now, Canada is 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.
New Express Entry Category for Doctors
The Government of Canada 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.
“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. This announcement is a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association.
Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.
Currently, under the Express Entry: Category-based selection, the following are the categories:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social services occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Education occupations
Physicians with Canadian work experience