Canada creates new permanent residency pathway for 5000 foreign doctors

The announcement was made Monday in Toronto by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.

The federal government will also reserve 5,000 admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.

A new Express Entry category will be created for international doctors who have at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation.

Nominated doctors will receive 14-day expedited work permit processing so they can continue working while waiting for permanent residency.

“Canada’s new government has a mandate to build a strong economy by attracting top global talent and filling critical labour shortages,” said Metlege Diab in a statement.

Chi said the measures are crucial for improving access to health services. “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,” she said.

The Canadian Medical Association said, “By creating a pathway to permanent residence for doctors here on temporary visas, we create a stronger health workforce, staffing gaps begin to close, and patient care benefits from diverse voices and experiences."

According to the data, in 2024, about 5.7 million Canadian adults and about 765,000 children reported not having a regular health care provider.