The Canadian government has pledged to grant permanent residency to foreign doctors currently working in Canada as temporary foreign residents to address the nationwide doctor shortage. Immigration Minister Lena Diab revealed this new initiative in Toronto, stating that an additional 5,000 spots will be made available for international doctors beyond the existing immigration quotas.
The plan includes establishing a new express entry category starting in 2026 for foreign doctors who have at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years and hold a current job offer. Eligible physicians under this program encompass primary care doctors and specialists in surgery, clinical, and laboratory medicine.
“We are providing these doctors a clear pathway to becoming permanent residents in Canada to fill crucial healthcare workforce gaps, ensuring consistent care and a robust healthcare system for Canadians,” expressed the federal government in a statement. Provinces and territories will have the authority to nominate licensed doctors with job offers to the express entry immigration stream, in addition to the existing annual provincial nominee spaces.
Under the revised procedures, doctors nominated for the stream will have their work permits processed within 14 days, enabling them to work while their permanent residency status is being finalized. This move aims to enhance access to healthcare for the 17% of adults and 11% of children and youth who have reported lacking a regular healthcare provider.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) lauded the announcement as a positive step forward. CMA President Dr. Margot Burnell emphasized the importance of recognizing and utilizing the medical talent already present in Canada, while also attracting and retaining more healthcare professionals from around the globe.