Canada has introduced new immigration pathways to make it easier for international doctors to live and work in the country, as part of efforts to strengthen the national healthcare system.
Under updated policies announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, foreign doctors will now have multiple options to apply for permanent residence.
New Immigration Options for Doctors
The government has expanded opportunities through several immigration programs, including the Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.
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A new Express Entry category will allow medical doctors who have at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience within the past three years to apply for permanent residence.
Additionally, 5,000 immigration spaces have been reserved under the Provincial Nominee Program for doctors who have job offers or provincial support to settle permanently in Canada.
Authorities say these measures aim to address doctor shortages in several provinces and improve access to healthcare services.
Faster Work Permits
Under the updated policy, doctors nominated by a province or territory will also be eligible for fast-track work permits processed within 14 days. This will allow them to start working while waiting for their permanent residency applications to be approved.
Applicants will also be able to include their family members in their permanent residence applications.
Licensing Requirements
Despite the new immigration pathways, foreign doctors must still meet professional requirements before practicing medicine in Canada.
Applicants must:
- Have their foreign medical credentials assessed
- Obtain a medical license from a provincial or territorial regulatory authority
Healthcare professionals in other fields, such as nursing and allied health services, may also qualify for immigration through separate streams under the Express Entry system.
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Canada has been facing a growing shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural and remote areas. To address this gap, the government has been adjusting immigration policies to attract skilled healthcare workers from around the world.
Officials say expanding immigration pathways for doctors will help improve access to medical services while supporting the country’s long-term healthcare needs.
