Canada has eased permanent residence for doctors, creating new opportunities for international medical professionals to live and work in the country. The government aims to strengthen the healthcare system with more skilled medical staff.
Under the updated rules, foreign doctors can now apply through the Express Entry system and other provincial or regional programs. This includes a special Express Entry category for doctors with at least one year of full-time Canadian experience in the last three years.
The government has also reserved 5,000 immigration spaces under the Provincial Nominee Program for doctors who have job offers or provincial support. Fast-track work permits are now processed within 14 days for doctors nominated by a province or territory. This allows them to start working while waiting for permanent residency approval.
Applicants can include their family members in the permanent residence applications.
To practice medicine in Canada, foreign doctors must have their credentials assessed and obtain a license from the relevant provincial or territorial medical authority.
Other healthcare workers may still immigrate through different programs, and Canada will continue to invite candidates with healthcare experience via Express Entry.
