The Federal Government has introduced major updates to support healthcare recruitment, including new IRCC immigration measures for international doctors. These changes create a smoother path to permanent residence for physicians already providing care in communities across Canada. With pressure on the healthcare system and shortages in many provinces, the government aims to simplify hiring processes while retaining skilled professionals who are already contributing to patient care.

A central feature of these changes is the creation of a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors with at least 1 year of recent Canadian work experience. IRCC confirmed that invitations under this category are expected in early 2026, offering clarity for physicians working on temporary status. The Express Entry System will prioritize eligible occupations such as general practitioners, family physicians, surgical specialists, and clinical or laboratory medicine professionals.

What the New IRCC Immigration Measures for International Doctors Include

The new measures highlight the federal focus on strengthening the healthcare workforce through immigration. In addition to the Express Entry category, Canada has also reserved 5,000 federal spaces for provinces and territories under the Provincial Nominee Program to nominate licensed physicians with job offers. These nominations will come with 14-day work permit processing, helping doctors’ transition quickly into approved roles while awaiting permanent residence.

This blend of federal and provincial support ensures faster integration into the healthcare system. Doctor shortages have become a significant concern, with about 5.7 million adults and 765,000 children reporting that they did not have a regular healthcare provider in 2024. These measures seek to improve accessibility and provide a reliable workforce for hospitals, clinics, and community practices.

How These Measures Connect to the Express Entry System

The dedicated category for physicians will operate within the Express Entry System. As seen in the recent Express Entry latest draw trends, IRCC has increasingly used category-based selection to support Canadian labour needs. The new category for doctors continues this approach.

Candidates are encouraged to review their eligibility, gather documentation, and prepare for the early 2026 invitation rounds. Many applicants use tools such as a CRS calculator for Express Entry and follow express entry next draw prediction updates to understand where they stand. While this new category gives doctors an advantage, completeness and accuracy remain essential for strong applications.

Why Provinces Benefit from the New Measures

The reserved 5,000 PNP spaces give provinces more flexibility to fill urgent healthcare vacancies. Because credential recognition and licensing fall under provincial responsibility, the provincial nomination process is an effective way to align immigration with regional needs.

Provinces can nominate physicians who:

• Hold valid job offers
• Have completed licensing steps
• Are you ready to integrate into local healthcare systems
• Possess specialized training that is in short supply

This structure also reduces delays, allowing employment and settlement processes to begin sooner.

Canada’s Long-Term Health Workforce Strategy

The new IRCC immigration measures for international doctors align with the country’s broader goals to bring in high-skilled talent, strengthen health services, and support sustainable population growth. Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force expansion, highlighting how essential it is to the overall system.

These measures also complement recent initiatives aimed at graduate students and temporary workers transitioning to permanent residency. Healthcare will remain a top priority due to population aging, increasing healthcare demand, and regional shortages.

The implementation of IRCC immigration measures for international doctors marks a major step in strengthening Canada’s healthcare system. With a dedicated Express Entry category and thousands of PNP spaces, physicians already working in Canada now have clear pathways to permanent residence and faster work authorizations. If you are a physician seeking permanent residence or need guidance on Express Entry and PNP eligibility, ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can support your application with expert direction from the Best RCIC in Canada and a trusted immigration consultant in Canada.