Canada Introduces New Immigration Measures to Support Health Care System

On December 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced new immigration measures to help address critical doctor shortages across the country. A new Express Entry category will be created for international doctors who have at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in eligible medical occupations. These invitations will begin in early 2026, giving practice-ready doctors already working in Canada a faster and more direct path to permanent residence.

Additionally, the government will reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These nominees will also benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to work sooner while awaiting permanent residence.

The measures support Canada’s broader strategy to attract global talent and strengthen key sectors. They aim to ease health workforce shortages, improve patient access to care, and enhance stability in the health system.

Eligible occupations include family physicians, general practitioners, surgical specialists, and specialists in clinical or laboratory medicine. Since licensing is managed by provinces and territories, the Provincial Nominee Program will remain central to integrating internationally trained doctors into Canada’s workforce.

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