The Canadian government has announced plans to grant permanent residency to foreign doctors working in the country as temporary residents to address the shortage of physicians nationwide. Immigration Minister Lena Diab revealed the new policy in Toronto, stating that an additional 5,000 spots will be made available for international doctors beyond current immigration quotas.
The initiative includes the introduction of a new express entry category starting in 2026 for foreign doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in the last three years and a current job offer. Eligible physicians under this program encompass primary care doctors and specialists in surgery, clinical, and laboratory medicine.
According to a government statement, the aim is to provide a clear pathway for these doctors to obtain permanent residency in Canada to help fill crucial gaps in the healthcare workforce and ensure a stable healthcare system for Canadians. Provinces and territories will be empowered to nominate licensed doctors with job offers to the express entry immigration stream, in addition to the existing provincial nominee spaces allocated annually.
Doctors nominated through this stream will have their work permits processed within 14 days, enabling them to work while their permanent residency status is being finalized. This move is intended to enhance access to healthcare for the significant portion of the population that currently lacks a regular healthcare provider, including 17% of adults and 11% of children and youth.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has expressed support for the government’s decision, emphasizing the need to tap into the existing pool of over 13,000 internationally trained physicians in Canada who are not practicing in their field. CMA President Dr. Margot Burnell stressed the importance of recognizing and utilizing medical talent within the country while also attracting and retaining skilled professionals from around the globe.