Canada has unveiled new immigration measures aimed at making it easier for international medical doctors to gain permanent residence in the country.
The announcement was made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of efforts to bolster the nation’s healthcare system by attracting more skilled doctors across its provinces and territories.
What’s New
IRCC revealed that the updated framework provides medical doctors with five different pathways to apply for permanent residence, including through Express Entry as well as regional, provincial, and territorial programs. In addition, a faster processing option has been introduced that allows doctors to begin working while their applications for permanent residence are still under review.
“Medical doctors nominated by a province or territory will benefit from faster 14-day work permit processing, enabling them to work while waiting for permanent residence,” IRCC stated.
This initiative is expected to address delays that often prevent qualified doctors from joining the workforce, particularly in regions experiencing critical healthcare staffing shortages.
Furthermore, medical doctors can now include their family members in their applications, making Canada a more appealing destination for long-term settlement.
Pathways for International Medical Doctors
International medical doctors who have not previously worked in Canada can consider the following programs if they want to practice medicine in the country. IRCC notes that obtaining immigration approval alone does not grant the right to practice medicine in Canada; applicants must also:
- Have their foreign credentials assessed.
- Obtain a medical license through a provincial or territorial regulatory authority.
The available immigration options include:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Applicants need a job offer or a letter of support to work as a medical doctor in one of Canada’s provinces or territories. Up to 5,000 federal immigration spaces are reserved annually for medical doctors with such support.
- Express Entry – Designed for doctors who meet eligibility for one of the three federal Express Entry programs, have relevant work experience, but do not yet have a Canadian job offer.
- Atlantic Immigration Program – For those with relevant work experience or post-secondary education in Atlantic Canada, who have a job offer from a designated employer and wish to live in the Atlantic region.
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot – Aimed at doctors with at least one year of work experience in the past three years or graduates from eligible institutions. Applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer and be willing to live in a smaller rural community.
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot – For doctors with similar work or education qualifications as above, who can communicate in French and want to live in a Francophone community outside Quebec.
For Doctors Already Working in Canada
Medical doctors with Canadian work experience can pursue permanent residence through:
- Express Entry – Applicants must qualify under one of the three federal programs and have at least one year of full-time medical work experience in the past three years. Invitations to apply may be issued through category-based, general, or program-specific rounds.
- Provincial Nominee Program – Available for doctors with a job offer or letter of support from a province or territory.
Why This Matters
According to Nairametrics, Canada has now surpassed the United Kingdom as the top choice for international students seeking permanent residence. The country’s clear and faster post-study immigration pathways make it particularly attractive.
Under the Canadian Experience Class, graduates can become eligible for permanent residence after just one year of skilled work, with family members included in the application. In contrast, the UK requires students to transition from a graduate visa to a skilled worker visa, which involves employer sponsorship, a qualifying occupation, and meeting minimum salary criteria, lengthening the path to settlement.
Experts note that Canada’s streamlined approach has made it a preferred destination for students looking to combine education with long-term immigration opportunities.
