The Canadian government has announced 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 unveiled the policy change in Toronto, revealing that an additional 5,000 spots will be allocated for international doctors beyond the current immigration quotas.
Diab emphasized the importance of retaining these doctors who are already providing essential care in local communities. The plan involves introducing a specialized express entry category for foreign doctors starting in 2026. Eligible physicians must have at least one year of recent Canadian work experience and a current job offer. The program will cater to primary care doctors and specialists in surgery, clinical, and laboratory medicine.
In a government statement, it was stated that the objective is to offer foreign doctors a clear pathway to permanent residency in Canada to address critical healthcare workforce shortages and ensure a stable health system for Canadians. Provinces and territories will have the authority to nominate licensed doctors with job offers to the express entry immigration stream. These nominations will be in addition to the existing provincial nominee spaces allocated annually.
Under the new measures, doctors nominated for the stream will have their work permits processed within 14 days, enabling them to start working while their permanent residency status is being finalized. This initiative aims to enhance access to healthcare for the 17% of adults and 11% of children and youth who currently do not have regular healthcare providers.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) expressed support for the government’s decision, noting that there are over 13,000 internationally trained physicians in Canada who are not practicing in their specialized fields. CMA President Dr. Margot Burnell emphasized the need to recognize and utilize the existing medical talent in the country while also attracting, welcoming, and retaining more skilled professionals from around the world.