Canada Strengthens Healthcare Workforce with New Immigration Pathways for Doctors
On December 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced one of its most significant healthcare-focused immigration reforms in recent years. The new measures are designed to address chronic physician shortages, strengthen Canada’s public healthcare system, and provide internationally trained doctors with faster, more predictable pathways to permanent residence (PR).
The announcement, led by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in coordination with provincial and territorial governments, reflects a broader shift toward occupation‑specific immigration selection, particularly in sectors critical to Canada’s economic and social stability.
1. New Express Entry Category for Doctors
Canada will introduce a new dedicated Express Entry category specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience. Eligibility requires at least 12 months of full-time Canadian clinical work (or equivalent part-time) in the last three years in one of the eligible medical occupations, such as:
- General practitioners and family physicians
- Specialists in surgery
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
This physician-focused category is expected to begin issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in early 2026, making it simpler and faster for eligible doctors who have already contributed to Canada’s healthcare system to qualify for PR. By creating a category-based stream under Express Entry, Canada aims to reduce competition with general skilled worker pools and help address urgent workforce gaps.
2. 5,000 Reserved PR Spaces for Doctors
In a historic move, the federal government has reserved 5,000 additional permanent residence admission spaces specifically for licensed doctors with job offers and provincial or territorial nominations. These reserved spots are separate from regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations, allowing provinces and territories greater flexibility to recruit and retain physicians based on local healthcare needs.
This dedicated allocation underscores Canada’s commitment to retaining internationally trained doctors already working in the country, as well as attracting new medical professionals to regions experiencing the most severe doctor shortages.
3. Expedited Work Permits for Physicians
To support quicker employer onboarding and reduce barriers to practice, eligible doctors who receive a provincial nomination will qualify for expedited work-permit processing, with decisions delivered in as little as 14 days. This allows physicians to begin or continue working in Canada while their PR applications are finalized, ensuring minimal disruption to healthcare services.
How These Measures Work Together
The December 8 reforms are designed as a comprehensive, integrated system, not isolated policy changes.
| Measure | Purpose | Impact |
| Express Entry physician category | Faster federal PR selection | Lower CRS competition for doctors |
| 5,000 reserved PR spaces | Provincial retention and recruitment | More predictable admissions |
| 14‑day work permits | Immediate workforce support | Reduced service disruption |
| Measure | Purpose | Impact |
Together, these initiatives significantly shorten the timeline from temporary work status to permanent residence, which has historically taken several years for many doctors.
Why the Changes Matter
Canada has been experiencing a persistent shortage of physicians, with many communities facing long wait times for primary care and specialist services. The new measures aim to:
- Strengthen the healthcare workforce with skilled international doctors
- Streamline immigration pathways for qualified physicians
- Support provinces in recruiting and retaining medical professionals
- Reduce processing delays for work authorization and permanent residency
By integrating these reforms into the Express Entry system and provincial nomination processes, the government signals a major shift toward strategic, occupation-focused immigration that prioritizes essential services.
Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
With Express Entry physician draws expected in 2026 and provinces already preparing targeted nomination streams, Canada is positioning itself as one of the most attractive destinations globally for internationally trained doctors.
Experts expect:
- Regular physician‑specific Express Entry draws
- Possible expansion to other healthcare professions
- Increased provincial recruitment campaigns abroad
For international doctors seeking stability, long‑term status, and meaningful professional opportunities, Canada’s December 8, 2025 announcement represents a turning point.