The Canadian government has unveiled a new initiative to grant permanent residency to foreign doctors currently working in the country as temporary residents to address the shortage of medical professionals nationwide. Immigration Minister Lena Diab made the announcement in Toronto, revealing plans to open 5,000 spots for international doctors beyond the existing immigration quotas.
The new policy, set to launch in 2026, will introduce an express entry category specifically for foreign physicians with at least one year of Canadian work experience in the last three years and a current job offer. Eligible physicians include primary care doctors, surgeons, and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine.
According to a government statement, the objective is to provide a clear pathway for foreign doctors to obtain permanent residency in Canada, aiming to bridge critical gaps in the healthcare workforce and ensure a stable healthcare system for Canadians. Provinces and territories will have the authority to nominate licensed doctors with job offers to the express entry stream, in addition to their regular provincial nominee allocations.
Under the new measures, nominated doctors will have their work permits processed within 14 days, allowing them to work while their permanent residency status is finalized. The government emphasized that these changes are designed to enhance healthcare access for the significant portion of the population without regular healthcare providers.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing the medical talent already present in the country while also attracting and retaining more international medical professionals.