On December 8, 2025, the Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, along with Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi, announced three major immigration measures designed to make it easier for internationally trained doctors to settle and work in Canada.
This update marks a significant step toward strengthening Canada’s healthcare workforce while simplifying the pathway to permanent residency (PR) for medical professionals.

In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about the new Express Entry category, the 5,000 reserved PR admissions, and the expedited work permit process for physicians.

Why This Update Matters

For years, internationally trained doctors have faced challenges in securing work in Canada due to licensing barriers, limited residency seats, and restricted immigration pathways.

With Canada facing ongoing physician shortages, especially in rural and underserved regions, IRCC’s new measures offer:

• Faster entry into the healthcare system
• Improved access to permanent residency
• A smoother, more predictable immigration process

This update is one of the most physician-friendly immigration changes Canada has introduced in recent years.

1. New Express Entry Category for Doctors

IRCC confirmed the launch of a new category-specific Express Entry stream dedicated entirely to physicians.

Who is this for?

This category targets:

• International doctors practicing in Canada
• Physicians abroad who have a Canadian job offer
• Practice-ready candidates who can begin working upon arrival

How will it work?

Much like category-based draws for STEM, healthcare, and French speakers, IRCC will now conduct targeted Express Entry draws exclusively for doctors, allowing qualified candidates to receive:

• A faster Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• A more predictable immigration pathway
• Better alignment with provincial and employer needs

This category is expected to significantly reduce wait times for doctors seeking PR through the Express Entry system.

2. 5,000 Reserved Permanent Residence Admissions for Provinces

A major highlight of this announcement is the allocation of 5,000 specially reserved PR admissions for provincial health authorities.

These spots will help provinces and territories nominate doctors through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) without being limited by annual quotas.

What this means for doctors:

• More provincial nomination opportunities
• Higher chances of receiving an ITA through PNP pathways
• Faster overall PR processing due to increased health-sector prioritization

Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia—which face significant physician shortages—are expected to benefit the most.

3. Expedited Work Permit Processing for Nominated Physicians

IRCC also introduced faster work permit processing for practice-ready physicians nominated by provinces.

This means:

• Physicians nominated through a provincial program will have their work permits processed on a priority basis
• Faster arrival in Canada
• Quicker integration into the healthcare workforce

This measure is especially valuable for Canadian communities experiencing urgent shortages in family doctors, specialists, and rural healthcare providers.

Why These Measures Were Introduced

Canada is projected to face a shortage of over 44,000 doctors within the next decade.
Provinces have consistently expressed difficulties attracting and retaining international physicians due to complicated licensing and immigration timelines.

These new measures aim to:

• Reduce administrative barriers
• Support provincial health systems
• Encourage long-term retention of skilled medical professionals

IRCC emphasized that boosting physician immigration is not just an immigration priority—it’s a national healthcare necessity.

How AeroPath Immigration Can Help

If you’re an international doctor hoping to move to Canada, these updates could significantly improve your chances.
At AeroPath Immigration, we help medical professionals navigate:

• Express Entry eligibility
• Category-based draw requirements
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Job offers and employer requirements
• Work permit applications
• PR applications from start to finish

Our team ensures your documents, experience, and credentials align perfectly with the new immigration pathways for doctors.

Final Thoughts

The December 8, 2025 announcement is a game-changing update for internationally trained physicians seeking to build their future in Canada.
With a new Express Entry stream, 5,000 reserved PR spots, and expedited work permits, the path to practicing medicine in Canada has never been more achievable.

If you want to check your eligibility or start your PR journey, contact AeroPath Immigration today.