Canada,09,DEC,2025,(India Today News Ca):- Canada has launched a new Express Entry category and expedited immigration measures to address critical shortages of doctors by fast-tracking foreign-trained physicians to permanent residency.​​
Program Details
The initiative reserves 5,000 permanent residence spots for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers, plus a dedicated Express Entry stream for those with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in eligible medical roles. Nominated physicians qualify for work permits processed in just 14 days, enabling them to start or continue practicing while their PR applications proceed. Invitations to apply under the new category begin in early 2026.​
Background and Goals
Announced on December 8, 2025, by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi, the program targets practice-ready doctors already in Canada on temporary permits, such as family doctors, surgeons, and specialists. It aims to retain talent amid frontline healthcare strains, including emergency department pressures, by providing a clear pathway to stay permanently. Provinces determine nominations based on local needs.
