Canada Introduces New Express Entry Category Specifically for Doctors

On December 8, 2025, Canada officially launched a new Express Entry category specifically for internationally trained doctors with Canadian work experience. The update, first highlighted in Budget 2025, aims to address ongoing labour shortages in the country’s highly skilled healthcare sector for those seeking to immigrate to Canada as doctors.

The federal government stated that this initiative will simplify and expedite the permanent residence pathway for physicians seeking to build long-term careers in Canada. With easier access to PR, IRCC expects more qualified doctors across provinces.

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In its announcement, IRCC outlined three major components of the new update:

• A dedicated Express Entry category for doctors
• 5,000 federally reserved admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians
• Faster work permit processing, allowing eligible doctors to continue working while their PR is finalized

This marks one of Canada’s most significant steps toward strengthening its healthcare workforce and providing a clearer immigration pathway for medical professionals.

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New Express Entry Category For Doctors

To pursue a medical career in Canada as an international doctor, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidates must have at least one year of relevant Canadian work experience, gained within the past three years.

However, this experience must also be in a single eligible occupation to ensure consistency and alignment with the physician category requirements with Canada work permit. Helping IRCC accurately assess professional backgrounds and streamline application processing.

Occupation Targeted in New Express Entry Category

Occupation list targeted under this new category (and their corresponding National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes) are listed below:

5,000 PR Spots and Faster Work Permits for Doctors in Canada

The Canadian federal government announced the allocation of 5,000 federal admission spaces to be reserved for the provinces and territories. Those who are nominated as licensed doctors with a valid job offer. These extra spaces are allocated alongside the regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quota.

However, this announcement is designed to expedite the pathway to permanent residency for medical professionals. Nominated doctors will also benefit from expedited processing of 14-day work permits, allowing them to begin working in Canada while their Canadian PR application is finalized.

According to the federal government, these measures support Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, which focuses on strengthening essential sectors, addressing labour shortages, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the immigration system.

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Source: canada.ca

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