Canada’s New Express Entry Route: 5,000 Doctors to Fast‑Track Permanent Residency

The Canadian government has just announced a dedicated Express Entry pathway that will grant up to 5,000 foreign‑trained doctors a fast‑track to permanent residence. This new category is designed to address the country’s critical physician shortage and will operate alongside existing healthcare streams.

What this means for eligible physicians

– Dedicated quota – 5,000 additional spots reserved for doctors, over and above regular Provincial Nominee Program allocations.
– Rapid work‑permit processing – Nominated candidates will receive a work‑permit decision within 14 days, allowing them to start practicing almost immediately.
– Eligibility – Must hold a valid job offer in Canada and meet the work‑experience requirements (12 months full‑time or equivalent in the past three years) in NOC 31102 (Family Medicine), 31101 (Surgery) or 31100 (Clinical/Laboratory Medicine).
– Launch – Invitations are expected to begin in early 2026.

For many overseas doctors, this is a game‑changer: a clear, streamlined route to PR without the usual lengthy waits.