The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have designed changes to strengthen Canada’s healthcare workforce by supporting overseas doctors already working in the country. The new measures aim to make permanent residency more accessible, helping to retrain skilled internationally trained doctors.
Addressing Canada’s Ongoing Doctor Shortage
Like many countries, Canada continues to face significant shortages of medical professionals. Many overseas doctors are already contributing to Canada’s health system on temporary visas, but face uncertainty when it comes to long-term residency.
Recognising the need to retain these doctors long term, the IRCC has introduced reforms that create clearer and more achievable routes to permanent residence.
A new Express Entry category for International Doctors
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a dedicated immigration pathway within the Express Entry system for doctors. Internationally trained doctors who have completed at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in the past three years may now qualify to apply for permanent residence.
Additional Provincial Nominated Doctors
To further support regional healthcare needs, the federal government has allocated an additional 5,000 permanent-residence places for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These spaces sit outside standard Provincial Nominee Program allocations, giving provinces greater flexibility to retain essential medical staff.
Faster Work Permits for Nominated Doctors
Doctors who receive a provincial nomination will also benefit from accelerated work-permit processing, with decisions made in as little as 14 days. This allows doctors to begin or continue working in Canada without disruption while their permanent-residence applications are processed.
What This Means for Overseas Doctors
These measures represent a positive step for overseas-trained doctors seeking long-term careers in Canada. For those already working in the country, there are now clearer pathways to settlement. For doctors considering relocating from abroad, the changes reinforce Canada’s commitment to attracting and retaining international medical talent.
How Head Medical Supports Doctors Moving to Canada
Head Medical specialises in recruiting overseas doctors for roles across Canada, supporting both GPs and Clinical Specialists. We work closely with Canadian healthcare employers and international candidates to match skills with available opportunities, while guiding doctors through the complex processes of relocation, licensing, and immigration planning.
If you are an overseas doctor exploring opportunities in Canada, take a look and explore some of the great opportunities on our website, where you can register with us and apply online.
Call or email us to discuss further – 0131 226 2200 | info@headmedical.com