IRCC Introduces New Express Entry Category and Faster PR Pathways for International Doctors
Canada Introduces New Express Entry Stream for Healthcare Doctors
Canada is preparing to introduce a set of major immigration reforms aimed at easing the permanent residency process for international physicians and strengthening the country’s medical workforce.
Announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on December 8, 2025, the measures include a new Express Entry category exclusively for doctors, thousands of reserved PR admissions for provinces, and significantly faster work permit processing for nominated physicians. These changes arrive at a time when the country is actively seeking solutions to its ongoing shortage of physicians across both rural and urban regions.
A Dedicated Express Entry Category for Physicians with Recent Canadian Experience
- Stop the intake of new immigration applications.
- Pause or terminate applications already in processing
- Cancel, alter, or suspend official immigration documents such as work permits, study permits, visitor records, and permanent resident cards
- Change conditions attached to immigration documents
- Modify conditions imposed on temporary residents.
These powers were drafted so broadly that they could be invoked on the basis of a general, undefined notion of “public interest.”
Eligibility Requirements
- Completion of at least one year of continuous full-time experience in Canada, or an equivalent amount in part-time, during the preceding three years.
- The work experience must be in one eligible medical occupation, not split across multiple roles.
- Only the following NOC-classified professions qualify for this category:
| Eligible Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Family physicians and general practitioners | 31102 |
| Surgical specialists | 31101 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
This category will operate alongside the existing healthcare-focused Express Entry stream, which targets a broader range of roles in health and social services. Unlike the existing stream, this new category specifically prioritises the in-Canada experience, suggesting IRCC is gearing up for more targeted selection criteria in 2026.
5,000 Reserved Annual Permanent Residence Admissions for Provinces
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
Work Permits for Provincial Nominees to Be Processed in Just 14 Days
Where the Bill Stands in Parliament
Bill C-12 is currently in the report stage in the House of Commons. During this phase, members of Parliament can debate the revised text and propose further changes before a final vote. To become law, the bill must:
- Pass third reading in the House of Commons;
- Move to the Senate for another round of readings and committee review.
- Be approved at third reading by the Senate;
- Receive Royal Assent.
Governor General’s Role Remains Advisory
Key Questions for Healthcare Doctors
IRCC has created a new occupation-focused Express Entry category specifically designed to prioritize internationally trained doctors working in Canada. This category helps physicians receive invitations faster by giving preference to candidates with medical experience.
Doctors in this category receive targeted invitations to apply (ITAs) instead of relying solely on CRS scores. This means eligible physicians can be selected more quickly, significantly reducing the wait time for permanent residency.
To qualify, applicants generally need:
- Work experience in specific medical occupations (e.g., physicians, surgeons).
- Eligibility for an Express Entry program (CEC, FSW, or FST).
- Proof of language proficiency and education credentials.
Exact requirements may vary depending on the occupation and IRCC’s criteria.
Yes. The new category specifically benefits doctors who are already practicing in Canada under work permits, including those previously classified as self-employed contractors, which often made PR applications difficult. This new pathway gives them fairer access to permanent residency.
IRCC plans to hold periodic category-based draws throughout the year. The frequency will depend on Canada’s labor needs in the healthcare sector and immigration targets announced by the government.
What These Updates Mean for International Medical Professionals
Recent News
- Ontario Restarts OINP Selections With Over 2,000 Invitations Issued in Two Days
- IRCC Launches December’s First Targeted Express Entry Draw for Healthcare Professionals
- Canada Holds Largest CEC Express Entry Draw in Over a Year as 6,000 ITAs Issued
- IRCC Introduces New Express Entry Category and Faster PR Pathways for International Doctors
- IRCC Launches December With Its Largest PNP Express Entry Draw of 2025
