The Canadian government has announced a new initiative to grant permanent residency to foreign doctors currently working in the country as temporary residents to address the ongoing shortage of medical professionals nationwide. Immigration Minister Lena Diab unveiled the policy change in Toronto, revealing plans to open up 5,000 spots for international doctors beyond the existing immigration quotas.
Diab emphasized the importance of retaining these doctors who are already providing essential healthcare services within Canadian communities. The proposal includes the establishment of a dedicated express entry category for foreign physicians, set to launch in 2026. Eligible candidates must have at least one year of recent Canadian work experience and a current job offer.
The government specified that the program will cater to a wide range of medical practitioners, including primary care physicians and specialists in surgery, clinical, and laboratory medicine. This initiative aims to streamline the pathway to permanent residency for foreign doctors, addressing critical gaps in the healthcare workforce and ensuring a stable healthcare system for Canadians.
Under the new measures, provinces and territories will have the authority to nominate licensed doctors with job offers for expedited processing through the express entry immigration stream. These nominations will supplement the existing provincial nominee allocations, enabling nominated doctors to have their work permits processed within 14 days, allowing them to practice while their permanent residency applications are being finalized.
The government highlighted that these changes are designed to enhance healthcare access for the significant portion of the population that currently lacks a regular healthcare provider. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing the existing pool of internationally trained physicians in the country while also attracting more medical talent from around the globe.