Canada to Fast-Track Permanent Residency for Foreign Doctors
On this page you will find:
- New federal pathway for foreign doctors
- Expanded provincial nominations
- Why Canada is speeding up PR for physicians
- Obstacles internationally trained doctors still face
- National health care shortages driving the policy
A New Fast-Track Pathway for Foreign Doctors
Canada will introduce a new fast-track permanent residency pathway for foreign doctors who have already worked in Canada, part of a broader push to address ongoing shortages of family physicians, surgeons and specialists. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the plan in Toronto, saying the goal is to make it easier for international medical professionals to put down roots and stabilise the system.
The Express Entry stream will open next year. It will target physicians who have worked in Canada for at least one year within the past three years, encouraging more doctors who arrive on temporary permits to stay long term.
The Globe and Mail first reported that the federal government will also allow provinces and territories to nominate 5,000 health care professionals for expedited permanent residency. These spaces come on top of existing PNP allocations.
Health Care Vacancies Continue to Rise Nationwide
The change follows years of growing shortages. As detailed in Immigration.ca’s earlier reporting, Canada’s health care job vacancies have more than doubled since 2016. This has deepened pressure on emergency rooms, clinics and specialists, with millions of Canadians now reporting difficulty accessing regular care.
In the latest immigration levels plan, Ottawa increased the number of permanent residency nominations available to provinces and territories to help fill the gaps.
Foreign doctors who secure job offers and provincial nominations will now have their work permits processed in 14 days, allowing them to begin work within weeks. Ottawa argues that provinces are best positioned to identify their most urgent needs.
Which Health Professionals Qualify?
The fast-track measures apply across a range of specialities. Eligible doctors include:
- Family physicians
- Emergency medicine doctors
- Surgeons
- Oncologists
- Cardiologists
- Gynaecologists
- Clinical and laboratory specialists
Federal officials say this broad coverage aims to help provinces stabilise both primary and specialist care.
Why Canada Is Making These Changes
Demand for doctors continues to outpace supply. Last year, 5.7 million Canadian adults and 765,000 children had no regular primary care provider. The Canadian Medical Association estimates the country is short about 23,000 family physicians.
Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the CMA, said more than 13,000 internationally trained physicians in Canada are not working in their field due to licensing and integration barriers. She called for a national plan to coordinate training, immigration and credential recognition.
Licensing Barriers Continue to Slow Integration
Even with the new immigration measures, licensing remains a major obstacle. Foreign doctors consistently report that Canada’s credential assessment process is slow and fragmented. Requirements differ by province, and securing an unrestricted licence can take years.
Foreign doctors without permanent residency also face practical burdens. In Ontario, for example, those without PR status must pay a 25-per-cent foreign buyer tax if they purchase a home. Many rent long term, making it harder to settle.
Interest from abroad is strong despite these difficulties. Ontario has issued certificates to 493 U.S.-trained physicians this year, up from 209 last year. British Columbia and Nova Scotia are seeing similar increases.
A Step Toward Stabilizing Canada’s Health Workforce
The new federal pathway marks a major shift in how immigration policy supports the health care system. Faster permanent residency, combined with expanding provincial nomination spaces, is intended to help keep foreign doctors in Canada.
Success will depend on matching immigration reforms with provincial licensing changes, and on addressing the long-standing obstacles that prevent many internationally trained doctors from practicing in their field.
Fast-Track Permanent Residency for Physicians: Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the new fast-track permanent residency pathway?
The pathway applies to foreign physicians who have worked in Canada for at least one year within the past three years. It includes family doctors, specialists and surgeons. The goal is to retain doctors already contributing to the system instead of losing them when temporary work permits expire.
How will provinces use the 5,000 new nomination spaces?
Provinces and territories will receive 5,000 additional nomination spaces dedicated to health professionals. These are separate from their existing allocations. Each province will deploy them to fill urgent shortages, including rural family medicine, emergency care and specialist roles.
Does the new PR pathway fix licensing barriers?
No. Licensing remains under provincial control and varies across the country. Many doctors must complete years of supervised practice, exams and assessments. The new pathway reduces immigration uncertainty but does not change licensing requirements.
Why is Canada prioritising health care immigration right now?
Health care vacancies have doubled since 2016. Millions of Canadians report not having a regular doctor, and hospitals face staffing shortages. Immigration has become a key tool to stabilise the workforce as the population ages and demand for services rises.
How quickly can nominated doctors begin working?
Doctors who receive provincial nominations and job offers will have their work permits processed in 14 days. This allows them to begin working within weeks, helping hospitals and clinics respond quickly to shortages.
