On December 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a set of targeted immigration measures that it says are intended to ease physician shortages and support the health care system. The news release explains that these steps are part of the federal government’s Budget 2025 commitment to address critical labour gaps by attracting and retaining highly skilled workers, including international doctors who are already in Canada.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a new category will be added under Express Entry for international physicians. To be eligible, a doctor must have obtained at least one year of Canadian work experience in a qualifying occupation within the previous three years. The government indicates that these physicians are already in Canada on temporary status, providing care to patients and contributing to the health system. IRCC states that invitations to apply for permanent residence through this new Express Entry category are planned to begin in early 2026.
The federal announcement also states that 5,000 federal admission spaces will be set aside for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who hold job offers in Canada. These reserved spaces are described as being in addition to the regular annual allocations provided under the Provincial Nominee Program. Physicians who receive a nomination under this initiative are to benefit from expedited work permit processing, with a stated 14-day processing period so they can continue working while their permanent residence applications are under review.
The measures are described as supporting Canada’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, which is intended to strengthen key sectors of the economy and promote long-term sustainability in the immigration system. The news release notes that immigration accounts for almost all recent labour force growth in Canada and points to ongoing difficulties many adults, children and youth face in accessing a regular primary health care provider.
To find out more information, refer to Canada’s news release:
