Toronto (Visas & Travels) – To address critical labour shortages in the health care sector as outlined in Budget 2025, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, have announced new immigration pathways designed to simplify permanent residence for international physicians already contributing to Canada’s health system.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will establish a dedicated Express Entry category for foreign-trained doctors holding at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years. These physicians, currently in Canada on temporary status, will receive invitations to apply for permanent residence starting early 2026.
Additionally, the Government of Canada will allocate 5,000 dedicated federal admission spaces outside regular Provincial Nominee Program levels, enabling provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. Nominated physicians will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to continue practicing while their permanent residence applications are processed.
Eligible occupations include general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102), specialists in surgery (NOC 31101), and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100).
These initiatives support Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, focusing on high-skilled professionals to bolster key industries while ensuring sustainable immigration levels.
Quotes
“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.” – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“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.” – 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.” – Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association
Quick Facts
- Immigration drives nearly 100% of Canada’s labour force growth, addressing shortages in vital sectors.
- In 2024, approximately 5.7 million adults (17%) and 765,000 children/youth (11%) reported lacking a regular health care provider.
- Foreign credential recognition and physician licensing remain provincial/territorial responsibilities, making tools like the Provincial Nominee Program key for efficient recruitment.
These measures build on ongoing efforts to attract global talent, including recent supports for international graduate students.
For physicians planning to apply, monitor IRCC for category-based Express Entry details and provincial nomination pathways.
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