Canada is set to introduce a new immigration pathway aimed at retaining foreign-trained doctors already contributing to its healthcare system.
According to information released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the country will create a special Express Entry category exclusively for international physicians beginning in 2026.
Under the proposed framework, eligible doctors must have gained at least one year of recognised Canadian work experience within the last three years to qualify for the programme.
The initiative is designed primarily for physicians currently working in Canada on temporary permits and actively involved in patient care.
Officials said invitations under the new Express Entry stream are expected to commence early in 2026.
Speaking on the policy direction, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, said the decision aligns with the government’s plan to strengthen the economy while addressing labour shortages in critical sectors.
She explained that the specialised category, combined with federal admission slots reserved for provinces and territories, would help Canada attract and retain doctors who are ready to practise.
Beyond the Express Entry pathway, authorities disclosed that 5,000 additional permanent residence admission spaces will be allocated to provinces and territories for the nomination of licensed doctors with confirmed job offers.
These slots will be integrated into the existing Provincial Nominee Programme structure.
Physicians selected through this route will also enjoy fast-tracked work permit processing of up to 14 days, enabling them to resume duties while their permanent residency applications are underway.
Commenting on the development, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, said expanding the pool of qualified doctors remains vital to improving health outcomes nationwide.
She noted that bringing in skilled medical professionals would help ease workforce shortages and ensure timely access to quality healthcare for Canadians.
Chi added that cooperation with provincial and territorial governments remains central to strengthening the healthcare system.
Reacting to the announcement, President of the Canadian Medical Association, Margot Burnell, welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step for both patients and healthcare workers.
She said providing a clear route to permanent residence for doctors on temporary visas would help close staffing gaps and enrich patient care through diverse expertise.
Burnell described the policy shift as encouraging and necessary for the long-term stability of Canada’s health workforce.
