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Dear future neighbour,

Big news for doctors working in Canada! On December 8, 2025, the Canadian government has introduced a new Express Entry pathway specifically for internationally trained doctors who have worked in Canada for at least one year. This makes it faster and easier for doctors already living and working in Canada to get permanent residency.

Who Can Benefit?

If you are a doctor in Canada and meet these criteria, you may qualify:

• You have worked in Canada for at least 12 months (full-time or part-time equivalent).

• Your work experience is in one eligible physician occupation:

  • General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)

  • Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)

  • Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)

This new pathway is designed to help doctors already contributing to Canada’s healthcare system to stay permanently. Invitations under this category are expected to begin in early 2026.

How This Pathway Works

The new measures announced by Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab and Maggie Chi include:

1. A new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience.

2. 5,000 specially reserved permanent residence spots for doctors nominated by provinces and territories.

3. Expedited work permit processing for nominated, practice-ready physicians – decisions in just 14 days, compared to the usual several months.

This new category operates alongside all other existing Express Entry programs, but it specifically prioritizes doctors who have Canadian work experience, unlike the current healthcare occupations category, which only requires six months of work experience either in Canada or abroad.

The Impact for Doctors and Healthcare

Canada has been facing a shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas and in certain specialties. Many international doctors already work in Canada on temporary permits. This change could make a big difference for international doctors:

• • It makes it easier to stay permanently in Canada.

  • It recognizes the skills and experience you’ve gained while working in Canada.

  • It helps address doctor shortages, especially in rural areas and critical specialties.

  • Provincial nominations and fast-track work permits mean you can continue working without long delays while your permanent residency application is processed.

Next Steps If You Are a Doctor in Canada

1. Check your eligibility

   • Have you worked in Canada for at least 12 months in an eligible physician occupation?

2. Get your documents ready

   • Employment proof, license verification, and educational credentials.

3. Consider Express Entry

   • This is the immigration system you may now qualify for under the new doctor-specific category.

4. Explore provincial nominations

   • Some provinces are reserving spots for doctors, which may speed up your application.

5. Contact an immigration agency

   • Getting expert help ensures your application is complete and gives you the best chance for fast approval.

Have questions?

If you’re an international doctor working in Canada and want to take advantage of this new pathway, our team is here to guide you. We can:

• Check your eligibility

• Help prepare all documents

• Guide you through Express Entry and provincial nominations

• Maximize your chances for permanent residency

Don’t wait, the new pathway will start in early 2026! Contact us today for a 30- minute or 60-minute consultation and secure your future in Canada.