If you are a medical professional working in Canada, a massive door just opened for your Permanent Residence. On December 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the creation of a dedicated Express Entry category for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience. Unlike the general “Healthcare” category draws seen throughout 2024 and 2025, this new stream is hyper-focused on retaining doctors who are already practicing in Canada. Scheduled to begin draws in early 2026, this pathway requires just one year of Canadian experience, significantly lowering the barrier for those on temporary work permits. This article explains the new eligibility rules and how to update your profile today.
The News: A Dedicated Path for Doctors (Dec 8 Announcement)
In a press conference on December 8, Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed that Canada is moving to fix its doctor shortage by prioritizing those who are already here.
Key Difference from Previous Draws: Previously, doctors competed in the broad “Healthcare Occupations” category against nurses, dentists, and pharmacists.
- The Change: IRCC has created a specific sub-category for Physicians (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102).
- The Goal: To fast-track Permanent Residence (PR) for doctors who are currently working on temporary visas (like fee-for-service contracts) and might otherwise leave due to instability.
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New Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To be eligible for this specific category-based draw, you must meet stricter “Canadian” criteria than the general healthcare stream.
- Work Experience: You must have at least 12 months of continuous work experience as a physician in Canada. (Previous streams allowed foreign experience; this one prioritizes Canadian experience).
- Job Offer: While not strictly mandatory for the category, candidates with a valid job offer or “fee-for-service” arrangement with a provincial health authority will likely be prioritized.
- Language: Benchmark of CLB 7 (English or French), though most physicians already meet this.
When do draws start? IRCC confirmed that the first invitations for this specific category will be issued in early 2026 (likely January or February).
Why This Matters for “Fee-for-Service” Doctors
Many doctors in Canada are not “employees”—they are “independent contractors” (fee-for-service).
- The Fix: Historically, self-employment didn’t count for the “Canadian Experience Class” (CEC).
- The Update: This new category is designed to recognize this specific type of medical work arrangement as valid Canadian experience for Express Entry purposes.
Official Government Sources (Read More)
- IRCC Announcement (Dec 8, 2025): Canada announces new Express Entry category for physicians
- Category-Based Selection Instructions: Express Entry: Category-based selection
- NOC Codes for Physicians: National Occupational Classification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am a doctor outside Canada. Can I apply for this?
No. This specific announcement is for physicians with Canadian work experience. You should still apply under the general “Healthcare” category-based draws, which remain open to offshore applicants.
Does “Residency” (medical training) count as work experience?
This is a complex area. Generally, work done while on a study permit (student status) does not count for CEC. However, if you were on a Work Permit (Post-Grad or closed permit) during your residency, it may count. Wait for the specific technical instructions in January 2026.
Will this replace the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for doctors?
No. The BC PNP Health Authority Stream and similar provincial paths are still faster for some. However, this federal Express Entry route is better if you want to avoid being tied to a specific province.
Current as of December 11, 2025. This new category was officially announced by Immigration Minister Lena Diab on December 8, 2025. Always verify with official links provided below.
