In a significant development for skilled medical professionals abroad, the Canadian government has unveiled a dedicated immigration pathway specifically for foreign doctors. The new Express Entry category, scheduled to launch in early 2026, is designed to help international physicians already working in Canada transition to permanent residence. This initiative presents a major opportunity for Nigerian medical practitioners and other foreign doctors contributing to the Canadian healthcare system.
A Direct Response to Healthcare Workforce Gaps
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the new policy in a news release dated December 8, 2025. Officials directly linked the move to the country's persistent physician shortages, framing it as a critical step to stabilise the national health system and retain high-skilled professionals already delivering care.
The new category will target international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience in eligible occupations, gained within the three years preceding their application. Once the program draws begin in 2026, qualified candidates will receive direct invitations to apply for permanent residence, offering them certainty and a streamlined process.
"We're giving these doctors a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada to fill critical health workforce gaps, while helping support reliable care and a stable health system for Canadians," IRCC stated. The first invitations under this new stream are confirmed to be issued in early 2026.
Reserved Admission Spaces and Expedited Processing
Alongside the new Express Entry category, Ottawa announced an additional measure to fast-track doctors into the system. The federal government will reserve 5,000 admission spaces specifically for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who have secured job offers. These spots are separate from existing Provincial Nominee Program allocations.
Successful nominees under this provincial stream will benefit from significantly expedited processing, including 14-day work permit processing while their permanent residence applications are being finalised. This dual-track approach aims to quickly place doctors where they are needed most across the country.
Government Focus on Attracting and Retaining Global Talent
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasised that the initiative supports Canada's broader goals of attracting global talent and retaining doctors already providing essential care. "This dedicated Express Entry category, along with the reserved federal admission spaces for provinces and territories will help bring in and keep practice-ready doctors, so people across Canada can get the care they need," Minister Diab said.
Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, highlighted the direct impact on healthcare access. "Increasing the number of qualified physicians with the expertise our health care system needs will ensure people across the country receive timely, high-quality care," Chi stated, underscoring the collaborative effort with provinces and territories to tackle workforce challenges.
Strategic Immigration Balancing Act
It is important to note that while Canada is creating this new welcoming pathway for foreign doctors, officials have simultaneously confirmed plans to tighten the wider immigration system in 2026. This dual approach reflects a strategic government effort to balance the urgent need for essential health professionals with the broader management of overall immigration levels.
For Nigerian doctors and other international medical professionals in Canada, this policy shift represents a tailored and promising route to secure their long-term future in the country. It acknowledges their critical role and offers a structured solution to both their immigration goals and Canada's pressing healthcare needs.
