December 8, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The federal government announced Monday that Canada will introduce a new express permanent residency pathway for international doctors starting next year.
Immigration Minister Lena Diab said the program will be open to physicians currently in Canada on temporary work permits who have worked in eligible medical roles for at least one of the past three years.
“This dedicated Express Entry category, along with the reserved federal admission spaces for provinces and territories, will help bring in and keep practice-ready doctors, so people across Canada can get the care they need,” Diab said in a statement.
Eligible doctors will begin receiving invitations to apply in early 2026.
Diab also announced that provinces and territories will be able to nominate up to 5,000 international doctors for work permits annually, with applications processed within 14 days. These nominations will be in addition to existing spots under the Provincial Nominee Program.
The minister said the initiative is part of a wider shift away from a “one-size-fits-all” immigration model, with the goal of making it easier for professionals in key sectors—such as health care—to come to and remain in Canada.
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