Fast-Track Medical Licensing Program
Canada Invests $20 Million to Fast-Track Ontario Licensing for Foreign Doctors
Canada is investing $20 million to help internationally trained physicians (ITPs) qualify for medical practice in Ontario through an accelerated licensing program. The funding will expand the Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) initiative, creating additional opportunities for eligible doctors to enter the province’s healthcare workforce without completing the conventional two-year residency pathway.
The announcement, made by Health Canada on October 7, 2026, aims to address physician shortages in rural and northern communities while improving access to primary healthcare for French-speaking populations. The expansion is expected to support 200 internationally trained physicians through additional training and assessment opportunities.
Practice Ready Ontario Program to Expand
Citizenship Certificate Backlog Continues to Expand
The longer processing period is occurring alongside a substantial increase in the number of applications waiting for a decision. IRCC’s September figures put the outstanding inventory at approximately 136,000 applications. This represents another significant rise from August, when the queue stood at about 121,800 applications.
The backlog has developed alongside the expansion of eligibility for citizenship by descent. At the end of 2025, the queue was considerably smaller, at roughly 40,400 applications. By September 2026, it had grown to 136,000.
Backlog Growth Over 2026
| Month | Applications Awaiting a Decision |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | 40,400 |
| January 2026 | 42,400 |
| February 2026 | 47,900 |
| March 2026 | 50,900 |
| April 2026 | 56,300 |
| May 2026 | 70,400 |
| June 2026 | 82,000 |
| July 2026 | 99,500 |
| August 2026 | 121,800 |
| September 2026 | 136,000 |
This rapid increase means new applicants are entering an already crowded queue.
Who Can Apply for the Fast-Track Medical Licensing Program?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Immigration status: Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Education: Applicants must satisfy the program’s medical education requirements.
- Clinical experience: Physicians need to demonstrate the required professional experience.
- Language proficiency: Candidates must meet the applicable language requirements.
- Clinical assessment: Applicants must successfully complete the required assessment process.
The Touchstone Institute administers the program in partnership with the Ontario government and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which oversees physician licensing in the province.
Three-Year Service Commitment for Successful Candidates
During this period, participants practise under supervision. To become fully licensed for independent practice, they must complete their service commitment and pass the relevant Certification Examination in Family Medicine administered through the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), in accordance with applicable licensing requirements.
The arrangement allows Ontario to recruit experienced physicians while ensuring that participating doctors receive supervised practice experience within the provincial healthcare system.
New Funding Targets Rural and Francophone Healthcare
Parents and Grandparents Admissions Targets
Check the latest Canada Parents and Grandparents admissions targets, immigration levels, sponsorship requirements, and application updates.
| Year | Planned Admissions |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 15,000 |
| 2027 | 15,000 |
| 2028 | 15,000 |
These targets reflect Canada’s decision to manage the existing backlog rather than increase the number of new sponsorship opportunities.
Canada Introduces More Measures for Internationally Trained Healthcare Workers
Ontario has also taken steps to simplify licensing for healthcare professionals already authorised to practise elsewhere in Canada. Legislation that came into effect on January 1, 2026, allows eligible physicians, surgeons and nurses licensed in other provinces to obtain authorisation to practise in Ontario in as little as two business days after their credentials are validated. Eligible workers in 20 other regulated healthcare professions can obtain authorisation in as little as 10 days.
Earlier federal measures announced in December 2025 included:
- Establishing a dedicated permanent residence pathway for physicians with Canadian work experience.
- Reserving an additional 5,000 permanent residence spaces for physicians through provincial and territorial immigration pathways.
- Offering 14-day work permit processing for physicians nominated by a province or territory.
Together, these initiatives aim to help Canada recruit and retain qualified healthcare professionals while reducing delays associated with immigration and professional licensing.
Conclusion
The expansion of Practice Ready Ontario offers an alternative route for experienced international medical graduates who meet the province’s eligibility and licensing requirements. By replacing the traditional two-year residency requirement with a structured clinical assessment, the program can help eligible physicians move towards practice more quickly.
However, immigration status, professional qualifications, clinical experience, assessment results and service obligations remain important considerations. Doctors interested in working in Canada should review the official program requirements and distinguish between obtaining immigration status and securing authorisation to practise medicine.
3. Full-Time Equivalency Standard
Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours per week. Candidates must accumulate the equivalent of 12 months at this standard.
- 30 hours per week for 12 months qualify.
- Part-time work is acceptable if it equals the same total number of hours (for example, 15 hours per week over 24 months).
Recent News
- Canada Invests $20 Million to Fast-Track Ontario Licensing for Foreign Doctors
- Ontario Increases CRS Points for High-Earning Candidates Under New PR Stream
- Alberta PNP Issues 1,110 ITAs in September 2026 Across 9 Draws
- Quebec Invites 519 Candidates for PR
- Newfoundland and Labrador Invites 41 Workers in Latest Immigration Draw
