Due to a shortage of doctors in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on December 8 a plan to bring in foreign skilled medical professionals, offering a fast-track pathway to permanent residence (PR). This presents a golden opportunity for foreign nationals, including those from Nepal and India.

The announcement, made under the Budget 2025, was part of Canada’s commitment to fill critical labor gaps with highly skilled talent. Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health Maggie Chi participated in the event, highlighting a simplified process for international doctors to obtain permanent residence. The initiative aims to strengthen Canada’s healthcare system by bringing in foreign doctors and healthcare workers in a short period, with selected professionals able to receive work permits within 14 days. After receiving a work permit, they will become eligible for permanent residence.

A study has revealed that in Canada, there is one doctor for every five people, but there is a severe shortage of family doctors. Research projects that by 2028, Canada will need to bring in 39,000 additional doctors from abroad to meet demand.

The IRCC plan includes fast-track PR for foreign healthcare workers already working in Canada, and those coming from abroad will become eligible for PR after one year of work experience in Canada. A new Express Entry category will be created for international doctors who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a qualified occupation within the last three years. These doctors are currently working in Canada on a temporary basis, serving patients and contributing to the healthcare system. The goal is to fill critical healthcare workforce gaps and ensure reliable services for Canadians. Applications for this new Express Entry category will open in early 2026.

The Canadian government will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These are in addition to the annual Provincial Nominee Program allocations.

The initiative is also part of Canada’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, aimed at strengthening jobs and industries that drive the economy and communities while ensuring balance and long-term sustainability in the immigration system.

According to IRCC, “Canada’s new government aims to build a strong economy by attracting top global talent and filling critical labor gaps. This dedicated Express Entry category and reserved federal admission spaces for provinces and territories will help bring in and retain experienced doctors so that people across Canada can receive the healthcare they need.”

Health Minister Maggie Chi stated: “Attracting skilled healthcare professionals is essential to addressing Canada’s healthcare workforce shortages. Increasing the number of qualified physicians with expertise ensures Canadians receive timely, high-quality care. Working closely with provinces and territories, we are addressing workforce challenges and strengthening the healthcare system so Canadians get the care they need when they need it.”

Dr. Margot Burnell, President of the Canadian Medical Association, added: “Creating a pathway to permanent residence for doctors currently on temporary visas strengthens the healthcare workforce, reduces staffing gaps, and benefits patient care through diverse experiences and perspectives. The program will be fully implemented in 2026.”

IRCC emphasizes that immigration accounts for 100% of Canada’s labor force growth, helping address shortages in key sectors. In 2024, about 5.7 million adults (17%) and 765,000 children and youth (11%) did not have a regular healthcare provider.

Eligible occupations under this program include general practitioners and family physicians, specialists in surgery, and clinical and laboratory medicine specialists. Recognition of foreign credentials and licensing is the responsibility of each province and territory.

Canada continues to work to attract and retain top talent, including targeted measures for graduate students who studied in Canada, showing this initiative is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the healthcare system and the immigration framework.

For details on the Express Entry process, interested applicants can visit the official IRCC link provided.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html