New PR Pathway for Doctors in Canada Announced: Express Entry Update for Physicians
- InfoPlace Canada
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Canada has just introduced one of the most exciting immigration changes of the decade a dedicated permanent residence (PR) pathway for international doctors working in Canada.
On December 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced that a brand-new Physicians Category will be added to Express Entry, making it faster and simpler for doctors to transition from temporary status to permanent residence.
This update is a major step forward in addressing Canada’s ongoing health-care shortages while recognizing the critical contributions of internationally trained physicians.
What Is the New PR Pathway for Doctors in Canada?
IRCC is launching a targeted Express Entry category specifically for doctors with recent Canadian work experience.
To qualify, doctors must have:
At least 1 year of Canadian work experience
Experience gained within the last 3 years
Experience in one of the newly confirmed eligible NOC codes
IRCC has already updated the Express Entry website — the same day the announcement was made — to include the eligibility criteria, occupation list, and requirements for this category. This quick implementation signals that IRCC intends to move swiftly.
Eligible NOC Codes for the New Physicians Category (Updated by IRCC)
If you are a doctor in Canada, your work experience must fall under one of these three NOC codes to qualify for this PR pathway:
✔️ NOC 31100 – Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine
✔️ NOC 31101 – Specialists in Surgery
✔️ NOC 31102 – General Practitioners and Family Physicians
These are the official NOC codes listed on IRCC’s updated Express Entry page.Working under any other NOC will not meet the eligibility criteria for this new physicians category.
Because NOC matching errors are a top cause of Express Entry refusals, doctors are strongly encouraged to confirm that their job duties, job title, and employer documentation align accurately with one of the three eligible NOCs.
When Will Invitations for Doctors Begin?
IRCC has stated that Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the new Physicians Category will begin in early 2026.
However, there’s an important requirement that many could miss:
Doctors must already have an active Express Entry profile to be eligible for selection.
If your profile is not in the pool when invitations begin, you cannot be considered — even if you meet all criteria.
This is why early preparation is essential.
5,000 Additional PR Spaces for Provinces Through PNP Streams
Alongside the new Express Entry category, the federal government is reserving:
5,000 federal PR admission spaces
for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.
These spots are in addition to regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations.
Why this matters for doctors:
A provincial nomination gives 600 CRS points
This guarantees an Express Entry invitation
Nominated doctors receive 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to work immediately while their PR is being finalized
This creates one of the strongest and fastest PR pathways currently available in Canada.
Why Canada Is Offering a New PR Pathway for Physicians
Canada continues to face an urgent shortage of family doctors, specialists, and surgeons. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are already essential to the country’s health-care system, yet many have been limited to temporary work permits with no clear PR direction.
This new pathway aims to:
Strengthen health-care capacity
Reduce shortages across hospitals and clinics
Support Canada’s long-term health workforce planning
Make immigration more responsive and sustainable
It also aligns with the government’s broader International Talent Attraction Strategy, emphasizing high-skilled workers who support key sectors.
How Doctors Can Prepare for PR Through Express Entry in 2026
To take advantage of the new opportunity, international doctors must start preparing now.
Steps Doctors Should Take Immediately:
Create or update your Express Entry profile
Confirm your NOC code (31100, 31101, or 31102)
Gather documentation to prove your Canadian work experience
Evaluate your CRS score and identify ways to strengthen it
Monitor provincial announcements as the 5,000 nomination spaces roll out
Doctors who prepare early will have a significant advantage once invitations begin in early 2026.
Book an In-Canada PR Consultation for International Doctors
If you're a medical doctor in Canada or know one, this is the perfect time to get ahead.
Our team can help you:
Build or optimize your Express Entry profile
Verify your eligibility under NOC 31100, 31101, or 31102
Strengthen your CRS score
Prepare before invitations begin in 2026
Stay updated as provinces release their nomination requirements
Don’t wait! IRCC moved fast on this update, and doctors who prepare now will be first in line for selection.
Final Thoughts: A Historic Opportunity for Physicians in Canada
This new Express Entry pathway marks a major shift in how Canada supports internationally trained doctors. It provides a clearer, faster, and more direct route to permanent residence something physicians have been waiting for.
With IRCC already updating the system and confirming eligible NOC codes, it’s clear that implementation will begin quickly. Doctors who act early will be positioned to benefit the most.
For ongoing updates, insights, and one-on-one support, stay connected email us at ask@infoplacecanada.ca or call +1519-900-0199 or +1306-585-6565 .