Canada has officially announced a dedicated pathway for physicians already working in the country.
If you are an international doctor currently practicing in Canada, your path to Permanent Residence (PR) just became significantly clearer. In a major announcement on December 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled a new Express Entry category specifically designed to retain the medical talent already serving Canadian communities.
Here is everything you need to know about the new “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience” category and what it means for your immigration journey in 2026.
Canada has officially announced a dedicated pathway for physicians already working in the country.
1. The New “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience” Category
As a global power, the United Kingdom has the motivation and resources to influence how the internation Unlike the broad “Healthcare” category introduced in 2023—which covers dozens of occupations and accepts foreign work experience—this new stream is laser-focused. It targets doctors who have already integrated into the Canadian healthcare system.
When Does It Start?
Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for this specific category are scheduled to begin in Early 2026.
As a global power, the United Kingdom has the motivation and resources to influence how the internation Unlike the broad “Healthcare” category introduced in 2023—which covers dozens of occupations and accepts foreign work experience—this new stream is laser-focused. It targets doctors who have already integrated into the Canadian healthcare system.
When Does It Start?
Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for this specific category are scheduled to begin in Early 2026.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this new category, you must meet the following specific criteria:
- Canadian Experience: You must have at least 12 months of continuous full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time hours) in Canada.
- Recency: This experience must have been gained within the last 3 years.
- Valid Temporary Status: You must currently have temporary work authorization in Canada.
- Express Entry Profile: You must already be in the Express Entry pool (eligible under FSW, CEC, or FST)
Eligible Occupations (NOC Codes)
This category is restricted to three specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
NOC 31100: Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians
Key Difference: The existing healthcare category only requires 6 months of experience (which can be foreign). This new category demands 1 year of Canadian experience, signaling a shift toward retaining doctors who are already "practice-ready" in the Canadian system.
2. Bonus: 5,000 New PNP Spots & Faster Processing
The federal government isn’t acting alone. In addition to the Express Entry changes, they announced two massive support measures for the provinces:
5,000 Reserved PNP Spaces
The government is allocating 5,000 dedicated federal admission spaces specifically for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors.
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Crucial Detail: These spaces are in addition to the standard annual Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations.
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Requirement: You must be a licensed physician with a valid job offer.
14-Day Work Permit Processing
Speed is of the essence. Doctors who receive a nomination under these new provincial streams will benefit from expedited work permit processing.
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The Promise: Work permits processed in just 14 days.
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The Benefit: This allows you to start working (or continue working) almost immediately while your Permanent Residence application is finalized.
3. Why This Matters Now
Canada is facing a critical shortage of physicians, with millions of Canadians lacking a family doctor. This policy shift is a direct response to that crisis. By prioritizing doctors who are already here—familiar with the medical system, the culture, and the patients—IRCC aims to close the gap faster than recruiting from abroad.
For you, this means lower competition. You will no longer be competing against the entire pool of global skilled workers or even the broad spectrum of healthcare workers for these specific spots.
4. Your Action Plan: What to Do Next
If you are a physician in Canada, early 2026 will be here before you know it. Here is how to prepare:
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Verify Your NOC: Ensure your current job title and duties align perfectly with NOC 31100, 31101, or 31102.
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Track Your Hours: Ensure you have documentation (pay stubs, employment letters) proving 12 months of continuous Canadian work.
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Update Your Profile: Log into your IRCC account and update your work history to reflect your Canadian experience accurately.
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Consult Your Employer: Ask if they are willing to support a provincial nomination if you don’t yet have enough points for Express Entry alone.
Are you ready for 2026? The rules of Canadian immigration are changing fast. Book a session with Sunny Blue Immigration Inc
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