IRCC Launches New Pathway to Support Doctors in Express Entry

Canada has announced big changes to help more international doctors build their careers and settle permanently in the country. On December 8, 2025, the Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, and Maggie Chi introduced new measures that are designed to make the pathway to Permanent Residency smoother for medical professionals.

These updates by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) include:

• A new Express Entry category for physicians
• 5,000 reserved permanent residence spots for provinces
• Faster work permit processing for nominated practice-ready doctors

New Express Entry Category for Doctors With Canadian Experience

The new category under Express Entry is called “Physicians with Canadian work experience.” To qualify, doctors must:

• Complete at least 12 months of full-time continuous work in Canada within the past 3 years (or equivalent part-time work)
• Have experience in one eligible medical occupation

Eligible categories include:

• General practitioners and family physicians – NOC 31102
• Specialists in surgery – NOC 31101
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine – NOC 31100

The first invitations to apply under this new stream are expected in early 2026.

This new system will function along with the existing healthcare draws, but now doctors with Canadian work experience will receive a more focused advantage.

5,000 Special PR Spots for Provinces

Canada will add 5,000 extra admissions exclusively for medical professionals. Provinces and territories can use these allocations to nominate more licensed doctors with job offers.

This is over and above the regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) limits, helping fill urgent healthcare staffing needs across Canada.

Work Permits Processed in Just 14 Days

Doctors nominated by a province will get their work permits processed within 14 days, which means:

• They can start working quickly
• They don’t have to wait months for authorization
• Employers get faster access to essential talent

This faster system will support both the Canadian healthcare system and internationally trained doctors who are ready to contribute.

Planning to Work in Canada as a Doctor?

If you are a medical professional aiming for Permanent Residency in Canada, this is the perfect opportunity.

At Oasis Visas, we help:

• Doctors select the right immigration pathway
• Prepare Express Entry and PNP applications
• Guide through job offer and licensing requirements
• Speed up the process towards PR in Canada

Start your immigration journey with confidence. Contact Oasis Visas today, your Canadian dream is just one step away.

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