The Canadian government has unveiled a new express entry pathway for foreign doctors beginning from 2026.
It was gathered that the new express entry pathway for foreign doctors was designed to tackle persistent healthcare shortages.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new express entry offers a clear, fast-tracked path to permanent residence for qualified physicians already working in the country.
The new Express Entry stream is specifically tailored for international doctors who have at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation within the last three years.
Eligible occupations include General Practitioners/Family Physicians, Specialists in Surgery, and Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine.
This was contained in a statement issued by the IRCC on Tuesday. In the statement, IRCC said Canada’s Immigration Minister Lena Diab and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, announced the new express entry pathway for foreign doctors.
“Invitations to apply are expected to be issued in early 2026. These measures will help bring in and retain practice-ready doctors so Canadians can access the care they need,” Diab was quoted as saying, noting that attracting top global medical talent would strengthen both the healthcare system and the broader economy.
The statement continued: “As part of these measures, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will create a new Express Entry category for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation, gained within the last three years. These doctors are already working in Canada temporarily, helping patients and contributing to our health care system.
“We’re giving these doctors a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada to fill critical health workforce gaps, while helping support reliable care and a stable health system for Canadians. Invitations to apply for the new Express Entry category will be issued in early 2026.
“The Government of Canada will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These spaces are in addition to the annual Provincial Nominee Program allocations. Doctors who are nominated will receive expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to work while awaiting permanent residence.
“These measures also support our broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, which aims to strengthen the jobs and industries that drive our economy and communities, while helping restore balance and long-term sustainability in our immigration system.”
Also, Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi underscored the urgency of boosting the country’s medical workforce. “Increasing the number of qualified physicians ensures timely, high-quality care across the country. Working with provinces and territories, we are tackling workforce challenges and strengthening our health care system,” she said.
President of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Margot Burnell, welcomed the policy shift, saying it would help close staffing gaps and enrich patient care with diverse expertise and global experience.
The new pathway forms part of Canada’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, designed to fill critical labour shortages, support essential sectors, and ensure long-term sustainability in the country’s immigration system.
