IRCC Unveils New Express Entry Category and Measures for International Doctors (December 8, 2025)

In a significant boost to Canada’s healthcare sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on December 8, 2025, three targeted immigration measures to expedite permanent residence (PR) for internationally trained physicians. Delivered by Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health Maggie Chi, these initiatives address critical labor shortages, fulfilling a Budget 2025 commitment to attract high-skilled talent. With physicians facing barriers like credential recognition and immigration hurdles, this package offers streamlined pathways for those already contributing to the system.

At Worldbridge, we’re thrilled to see these changes they create clearer routes for doctors pursuing PR via Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Here’s a breakdown of the announcements and their implications.

The Three New Measures: A Tailored Approach

1. Dedicated Express Entry Category: “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience” IRCC will launch this new category in early 2026, prioritizing doctors with at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian work experience in eligible occupations within the last three years. Covered roles include:
   • NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (e.g., pathologists, radiologists).
   • NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery (e.g., cardiothoracic surgeons).
   • NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians.
   This category-based selection will issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) exclusively to qualified physicians, bypassing broader competition. Unlike the existing Healthcare and Social Services category (requiring only 6 months of experience anywhere), this demands Canadian-specific proof, ensuring readiness for practice.
2. Reserved PNP Spots: 5,000 Additional Federal Admissions Provinces and territories gain 5,000 extra nomination spaces beyond standard PNP quotas to fast-track licensed doctors with job offers. This empowers regions like Ontario and British Columbia to nominate practice-ready physicians, aligning with local shortages. Nominations add 600 CRS points in Express Entry, virtually guaranteeing PR.
3. Expedited Work Permits: 14-Day Processing Nominated doctors will receive work permits within 14 days, allowing immediate employment while PR applications process (target: 6 months). This removes delays for hospitals hiring foreign talent, including independent contractors.

These measures could admit thousands more doctors annually, building on 2025’s 281,615 economic PRs.

Why This Matters: Tackling Healthcare Gaps

Canada faces a physician shortage, with 4.1 million waiting for family doctors and rural areas hit hardest. Internationally trained doctors over 10,000 annually often struggle with temporary status despite contributions. This announcement streamlines transitions, supporting Budget 2025’s CAD 172 million digital modernization push.

Minister Diab noted: “These doctors are already helping patients now we’ll help them build long-term careers in Canada.”

Implications for Doctors and Applicants

• For Physicians: Update your Express Entry profile now; first draws launch Q1 2026. Combine with PNPs for dual advantages.
• Broader Impact: Boosts overall healthcare Express Entry category (NOCs 31100-31303), benefiting nurses and technicians too.
• Challenges: Credentialing via Medical Council of Canada remains key—expect competition for reserved spots.

This is a win for talent retention amid 2026’s student caps and PR stability (380,000/year).

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