Canada has just announced a major update to its immigration policy — a move that could open a smoother, faster pathway for internationally trained doctors to settle in Canada permanently. This new initiative aims to shore up Canada’s healthcare workforce while offering unprecedented opportunities for qualified foreign physicians.
Here’s everything you must know — and why these matters for nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals considering migration.
What’s New: The Key Measures
- The introduction of a dedicated Express Entry category for international doctors who have worked in Canada for at least 1 year (within last 3 years) in an eligible occupation (GPs, family physicians, surgeons, clinical / lab specialists).
- The government reserves 5,000 federal admission spaces (additional to existing quotas) for provinces/territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.
- Nominated physicians will benefit from expedited 14‑day work permit processing, allowing them to start working quickly while their permanent residence application is finalized.
- Official invitations under the new physician‑specific Express Entry stream are expected to begin early 2026.
Why This Change is a Game‑Changer
- Addresses Severe Physician Shortages — In 2024, roughly 5.7 million Canadian adults (17%) lacked a regular health‑care provider; about 765,000 children/youth (11%) also reported no regular provider. This measure aims to fill such critical healthcare gaps.
- Clears Bottlenecks for International Physicians — Many foreign-trained doctors struggle to navigate Canadian immigration/licensing. This dedicated stream reduces uncertainty and offers a clear, streamlined path.
- Flexibility for Provinces & Territories — With 5,000 new admission spaces earmarked for doctor nominations, provinces can actively recruit internationally trained doctors to meet local demands — ideal for underserved or rural areas.
- Faster Integration — 14‑day work permits let physicians begin work almost immediately, improving retention and reducing disruption in patient care.
Who Can Benefit: Eligibility Snapshot
This new pathway is designed for:
- Physicians (GPs, family doctors, surgeons, clinical or lab specialists) working in Canada on a temporary permit, with at least 12 months of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) Canadian experience in the past 3 years.
- Doctors who receive a job offer and nomination from a Canadian province or territory.
- Those aiming for permanent residence (PR) via Express Entry, but who previously found the standard PR route challenging or time-consuming.
For allied health professionals (nurses, physiotherapists, etc.), this specifically targets doctors — but the broader demand for health‑care workers in Canada remains high, so other streams may still be relevant.
Canada’s healthcare sector is undergoing a major transformation. On December 8, 2025, the federal government launched a sweeping immigration reform aimed at bolstering the nation’s supply of doctors. For internationally trained medical professionals — especially those already working in Canada — this could be the simplest, fastest route yet to permanent residency.
What’s changing
Under the new plan: a dedicated Express Entry category for physicians, 5,000 reserved admission spots for doctor nominations, and a lightning-fast 14‑day work permit processing for selected doctors. Invitations under the new physician‑specific stream are slated to begin in early 2026.
Why this matters
With millions of Canadians lacking regular healthcare access — and many regions experiencing doctor shortages — this reform is a critical step toward improving healthcare access nationwide. For foreign‑trained physicians, it reduces immigration uncertainty and opens doors to long‑term stability and career growth in Canada.
Who is eligible — and how to prepare
To benefit from this program, you must:
- Be a physician (GP, surgeon, clinical/lab specialist) currently working in Canada under a temporary permit, with at least 12 months of relevant Canadian work experience in the last 3 years.
- Obtain a job offer + nomination from a Canadian province or territory.
- Complete the standard Express Entry & licensing requirements (language, credentials, etc.).
If you’re an international nurse, allied health professional, or doctor currently outside Canada — keep an eye out. Although this new stream is doctor‑specific, Canada’s broader health‑care demand remains high, and parallel immigration or provincial‑nominee options may still apply.
How this aligns with EduRecruit4u’s mission
At EduRecruit4u, we guide nurses and healthcare professionals from Dubai and UAE who aspire to migrate to Canada — through licensing support, immigration counselling, and job placement. With this new policy, there’s renewed hope for internationally trained doctors seeking Canadian PR. We encourage prospective candidates to start preparing early: ensure valid credentials, gain relevant experience if possible, and monitor updates from IRCC.
Conclusion — A New Era for Healthcare Immigration in Canada
The 2025 doctor‑immigration reforms mark a significant shift: Canada is no longer offering the same old pathways, but a targeted, efficient, and realistic route for internationally trained physicians. For healthcare professionals worldwide, this is a signal — now may be the right time to act, plan, and prepare for a future in Canada.