Canada has introduced a fast-track immigration option to help deal with healthcare staff shortages across the country, allowing eligible foreign doctors to receive a work permit in as little as 14 days.
The announcement was made by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Parliamentary Secretary to the Health Minister Maggie Chi, with the goal of attracting more international doctors to support Canada’s stressed healthcare system.
Under this new policy, doctors who obtain a provincial or territorial nomination along with a job offer will qualify for quicker processing. This will allow them to start or continue working while their permanent residency applications are being reviewed.
The federal government has also allocated 5,000 extra permanent residency spots specifically for licensed doctors, in addition to the existing spaces under the Provincial Nominee Program. Officials say this step is meant to retain doctors who are already trained and working in Canadian hospitals and clinics.
In addition, a new Express Entry category for doctors with at least one year of recent work experience in Canada is planned to launch in early 2026, creating more opportunities for foreign-trained physicians. Immigration Minister Diab said the new government is focused on strengthening the economy by attracting skilled global talent and that these new pathways will help support the healthcare sector.
The initiative is expected to reduce long-standing delays that have prevented internationally trained doctors from working, despite severe staff shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas.
