Canada has launched a new Express Entry immigration category designed to help internationally trained physicians transition to Canadian permanent residence more efficiently. The dedicated pathway, announced by Immigration Minister Lena Diab on December 8, targets doctors who already have Canadian work experience, addressing long-standing labour shortages in the healthcare sector.
The Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category will conduct its first Express Entry draws in early 2026. Eligible candidates must have at least 12 months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) medical experience in Canada within the last three years. Only three National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes qualify under the new stream:
- General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
- Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
Because category-based selection draws often feature lower CRS score requirements, the new stream is expected to significantly improve the chances of qualified physicians receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Candidates are encouraged to update their Express Entry profiles promptly to ensure they are considered when draws begin.
The new physician-focused category differs from the broader Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category by requiring exclusively Canadian experience and maintaining a higher work-experience threshold. This approach aims to retain skilled medical professionals already contributing to the Canadian healthcare system.
