Express Entry Updates for International Doctors: New Immigration Pathways (Dec 2025)
Canada opens new immigration routes for internationally trained doctors, with faster work permits and reserved PR spaces
Canada is moving to bring more physicians into the health system by reshaping how international doctors can qualify for permanent residence and how quickly they can get to work. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined three physician focused measures that aim to reduce bottlenecks for doctors who are already close to practising in Canada.
For immigration minded physicians, the message is clear. Canada is trying to convert “practice ready” talent into faster labour market impact, while giving provinces more room to recruit doctors where shortages are most acute.
The three measures that matter most
1) A new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience
IRCC is creating a dedicated selection category inside Express Entry that targets doctors who have already worked in Canada. This is designed to reward candidates who have proven they can integrate into the Canadian workplace and health system.
2) 5,000 permanent residence spaces reserved for provincially nominated doctors
Provinces and territories will have access to a set aside pool of 5,000 PR spots for physicians nominated through provincial nominee programs (PNPs). This gives provinces more certainty when they recruit internationally trained doctors.
3) Expedited work permits for provincially nominated, practice ready physicians
IRCC also plans faster work permit processing for doctors nominated by a province who are ready to practise. The stated service goal is about 14 days, although approvals still depend on complete documents and routine checks.
Who is likely to qualify
Express Entry physician category (Canadian experience focused)
The core requirement highlighted by IRCC is:
- At least 12 months of continuous Canadian work experience in an eligible physician occupation
- The experience must be within the last three years
- Candidates still need to meet language requirements and admissibility rules
Reserved PR seats through PNPs
- A candidate must receive a provincial nomination as a physician
- Competition is expected to be high because 5,000 spaces nationally can fill quickly
Expedited work permits
- Intended for provincially nominated physicians who are practice ready
- “Fast” does not mean automatic. Missing paperwork, medical exams, or security screening can still slow files down
Why Canada is doing this now
Canada’s health care staffing gaps are not new, but the policy direction is shifting. Instead of relying mainly on long, general immigration queues, IRCC is signalling a preference for candidates who can deliver services quickly. That is why Canadian work experience, provincial nomination, and practice readiness show up repeatedly in these measures.
This approach also gives provinces more leverage. Health care delivery is provincial, and the reserved PR spaces align immigration selection more closely with local workforce planning.
The catch: this is not a broad health care pathway
These measures are targeted specifically at physicians. Nurses and other health professionals may still have strong options through existing Express Entry programs, PNP streams, or separate health care initiatives. But they should not assume these physician measures apply to them.
What prospective immigrants should do next
If you are a physician planning a move to Canada, these steps will help you act quickly when program details and invitations roll out:
1) Confirm your NOC and duties align with eligible physician occupations.
2) Document Canadian work experience carefully if you have it, including dates, hours, and continuity.
3) Prepare language results early, since Express Entry eligibility depends on them.
4) Engage with provinces strategically if your specialty is in demand. A nomination could unlock both PR priority and faster work authorization.
5) Get “practice ready” documentation organized, such as licensing progress, proof of job offer or health authority support if applicable, and any required verification documents.
Bottom line for doctors watching Canada
For internationally trained physicians, Canada is building a more direct bridge between labour shortages and immigration selection. The best positioned candidates will be those who can show recent Canadian work experience, secure a provincial nomination, and demonstrate they are ready to practise with minimal delay. Demand is likely to exceed the reserved PR supply, so timing, preparation, and provincial alignment will matter as much as credentials.
Waiting on Your Immigration Application?
GCMS (Global Case Management System) is the system used by IRCC to track and process all immigration and visa files. GCMS notes include detailed updates, officer comments, and reasons for decisions.
If you’re unsure about your application status, apply GCMS notes to see what’s happening behind the scenes. It’s the most reliable way to understand your file.
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