Canada Announces New Express Entry Category for Doctors – Complete Guide (2026)

Canada has introduced a major new immigration pathway specifically for doctors under its Express Entry system, aimed at addressing severe shortages in the healthcare workforce. This initiative, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2025, creates a dedicated stream for physicians with recent Canadian work experience and starts issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in early 2026.(canada.ca)

This blog explains everything you need to know — what the new category is, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, how to apply, where to apply, and key tips to maximize your chances.

What Is the New Express Entry Category for Doctors?

Canada’s Express Entry system is a points‑based immigration program that selects skilled immigrants for permanent residence based on factors like age, education, experience, and language ability. Traditionally doctors could only qualify under broader categories such as Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class.(cicnews.com)

Under the new Express Entry category for physicians, IRCC will:

✅ Create a dedicated stream for doctors who have at least 12 months of full‑time, continuous work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.(canada.ca)
✅ Issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under this category starting early 2026.(cicnews.com)
✅ Reserve 5,000 federal PR spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians with valid job offers — in addition to regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations.(canada.ca)
✅ Provide expedited 14‑day work permit processing for doctors nominated by provinces, allowing them to work while awaiting PR.(canada.ca)

This targeted pathway is one of the fastest and clearest routes for doctors already in Canada to transition from temporary status to permanent residence.(immigrationnewscanada.ca)

Who Is Eligible? (Requirements)

To be eligible for the new doctors category, you must meet the following key criteria:

 1. Work Experience

• Minimum 12 months of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) work experience in Canada within the past 3 years.(cicnews.com)

• Experience must be continuous and in one eligible medical occupation.(cicnews.com)

2. Eligible Occupations (NOC Codes)

Your work must align with one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

3. Immigration Status

• You must be in Canada on a temporary status when you apply (such as a work permit).(canada.ca)

 4. Express Entry Eligibility

You must meet standard Express Entry requirements:
✔ Education credential assessment (ECA) if your degree was earned outside Canada.
✔ Language proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP for English or TEF for French).
✔ Proof of admissibility (clean criminal and health checks).(y-axis.com)

 5. Licensing

Before working as a doctor in Canada you must:
✔ Get your foreign medical credentials assessed.
✔ Obtain a medical license from the relevant provincial or territorial regulatory authority.(canada.ca)

Required Documents (Checklist)

• Passport / travel document

• Birth certificate & national ID

• Degree certificates & transcripts

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report

• Medical licensing certificates from Canadian authorities

• Job letters, contracts, pay stubs

• Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)

• Resume/CV

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical examination report (IME)

 How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Get Licensed – Obtain Canadian provincial medical license.

2. Create Express Entry Profile – Fill out your profile on the IRCC portal with credentials, experience, language scores, and licensing.

3. Receive ITA – Invitations expected early 2026 for eligible physicians.

4. Submit PR Application – Upload all documents and pay fees within 60 days.

5. Final Decision – Usually processed within 6 months; receive COPR if approved.

 Where to Apply

Apply online via IRCC: https://www.canada.ca/immigration-refugees-citizenship
Provincial nominations (PNP) are through the respective province’s portal.

 Tips to Improve Your Success

• Secure Canadian licensing early

• Match job duties accurately to NOC codes

• Collect strong employment documents

• Score high in language tests

• Consider Provincial Nomination for extra CRS points

• Prepare for medical exams (IME)

 Conclusion

The new Express Entry category for doctors is a groundbreaking development in Canadian immigration — making it easier, more predictable, and faster for qualified physicians with Canadian experience to secure permanent residency.

At Utter Vision, our platform helps you apply for yourself with full guidance, ensuring your documentation, licensing, and application strategy are complete and accurate. Whether you are a physician aiming to secure PR or exploring your immigration options, Utter Vision makes the process transparent, efficient, and tailored to your profile.

With ITAs expected in early 2026, now is the perfect time to prepare and start your journey to permanent residency in Canada.