Canada introduces new Express Entry immigration category
Eligible people will soon be able to apply for a new Express Entry immigration category introduced by the Canadian government.
On Monday, Ottawa announced new measures to fill “critical labour gaps” in Canada’s healthcare system by making the path to permanent residence simpler for international doctors.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is creating a new Express Entry category for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation, gained within the last three years.
The government explained that these doctors are already working in Canada and contributing to the country’s healthcare system on a temporary basis. The new Express Entry category will provide international doctors with a clear pathway to permanent residence and fill gaps in the health-care workforce.
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“This dedicated Express Entry category, along with the reserved federal admission spaces for provinces and territories, will help bring in and keep practice-ready doctors, so people across Canada can get the care they need,” stated Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab.
According to the IRCC, invitations to apply to this new category will be issued in early 2026.
The Canadian government added that it will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These spots are in addition to the annual Provincial Nominee Program allocations.
Nominated doctors will receive expedited 14-day work permit processing, which allows them to work while waiting for their permanent residence approval.
“Attracting skilled health professionals is essential to addressing Canada’s health workforce shortages,” stated Minister of Health Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi.
“Increasing the number of qualified physicians with the expertise our health care system needs will ensure people across the country receive timely, high-quality care.”
Occupations eligible for this incoming category are general practitioners and family physicians, specialists in surgery and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine.
Canada has been experiencing a shortage of doctors for years. Statistics Canada reported that in 2021, 4.7 million Canadians still didn’t have access to a family doctor.
In 2024, about 5.7 million (17 per cent) of Canadian adults and about 765,000 (11 per cent) of children and youth reported not having a family doctor, according to the federal government.