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The Canadian government has confirmed plans to roll out a new Express Entry pathway for foreign doctors from 2026.
The announcement came in a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, outlining a dedicated Express Entry category for international physicians.
Under the new system, doctors who have completed at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience within the past three years will qualify. The pathway targets physicians already in Canada on temporary status and actively involved in patient care.
Authorities expect to issue the first invitations to apply in early 2026.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the initiative would strengthen access to healthcare nationwide.
She explained that the government aims to boost the economy by attracting global talent and addressing critical labour shortages, particularly in healthcare.
According to Diab, the dedicated Express Entry stream and reserved admission spaces will help Canada attract and retain doctors who are ready to practise, ensuring patients receive the care they need.
In addition, the federal government will reserve 5,000 admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with confirmed job offers. These slots will be added to existing Provincial Nominee Programme allocations.
Doctors selected through this route will benefit from accelerated work permit processing within 14 days, allowing them to start work while their permanent residence applications are underway.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, said expanding the pool of qualified doctors is vital to improving health outcomes across Canada.
She noted that attracting skilled health professionals is key to resolving workforce shortages and ensuring timely, high-quality care nationwide.
Chi added that close cooperation with provincial and territorial governments remains essential to fixing systemic gaps in healthcare delivery.
President of the Canadian Medical Association Margot Burnell welcomed the move, describing it as a positive development for both patients and healthcare professionals.
She said creating a permanent residence pathway for doctors on temporary visas would strengthen the workforce, reduce staffing shortages and enhance patient care through diverse expertise and perspectives, calling the announcement a step in the right direction.
