IRCC New Express Entry Category for Doctors: Full Guide to PR Path

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Jun 07,2026

IRCC New Express Entry Category for Doctors: Full Guide to PR Path - TerraTern

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Key Highlights

Canada needs more doctors now. On December 8, 2025, IRCC launched a new Express Entry category for doctors with Canadian work experience. This move targets the healthcare shortage, where 5.7 million adults lack regular providers. International doctors get a direct shot at permanent residence Canada.

Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi made the announcement. It supports the Budget 2025 plans to bring in skilled talent. Doctors already helping patients in Canada can transition faster to PR.

Why Canada Needs This IRCC New Express Entry Category for Doctors?

Healthcare strains hit hard. Canada reports nearly 23,000 family doctor shortages. Nursing vacancies jumped 147% in five years to 42,045. Provinces struggle with wait times and burnout.

These measures fill gaps. They keep practice-ready physicians who know the system. Existing categories help nurses and others, but doctors get focused support now. In 2025, healthcare draws issued thousands of ITAs with CRS scores around 470-500.

  • Family doctors handle primary care in clinics.

  • Surgeons perform operations across specialities.

  • Lab specialists diagnose via tests and research.

Also Read: Cost of Study in Canada for Indian Students

Eligibility Rules for Express Entry Physicians Category

Doctors need specific experience. Gain at least 12 months full-time (or part-time equivalent) in Canada within the last 3 years. Work in one eligible occupation only. Invites start early 2026 alongside other categories. No Canada experience required in the current healthcare category—just 6 months anywhere. This new one prioritises locals.

Eligible Occupations

NOC Code

Example Roles

General practitioners and family physicians

31102

Family doctor, GP, medical resident

Specialists in surgery

31101

Cardiac surgeon, neurosurgeon, orthopaedic surgeon

Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

31100

Cardiologist, oncologist, psychiatrist, pathologist

 

5,000 Reserved PR Spots Boost Provincial Nominee Doctors

Provinces gain big. IRCC reserves 5,000 admissions beyond regular PNP limits. Nominate licensed doctors with job offers. These spots come from the Immigration Levels Plan. Provinces control licensing and matching. Expect more intake for foreign doctors.

How do these 2025 Express Entry Trends fit?

IRCC ran many healthcare draws in 2025. Over 35,000 ITAs total. Healthcare ones hit CRS 462-504. The new category adds priority. Expect changes to draws in the new year. French, trades, and education categories continue too.

2025 Healthcare Draws

Date

ITAs

Min CRS

Latest example

Oct 15

2,500

472

Another

Nov 14

3,500

462

June

June 4

500

504

Also Read: Canada Ends Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply for Work

Steps to Prepare for the IRCC New Express Entry Category for Doctors

If you are a doctor planning to use the new IRCC Express Entry category, it helps to get organised early. Follow these simple steps to improve your chances of a smooth and timely application.

  1. Build 12 Months of Experience in Your Target NOC: Make sure you complete at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work in one eligible NOC (31100, 31101, or 31102) within the last three years.

  2. Enter the Express Entry Pool Before Draws Begin: Create your Express Entry profile, upload accurate details on education, language scores, and work history, and ensure your profile is active so you can be considered when this category starts issuing invitations.

  3. Track Announcements for Early 2026 Invitations: Keep an eye on official IRCC updates so you know when the first invitations under the physicians category are issued in early 2026 and whether your CRS score is competitive.

  4. Pursue a Provincial Nomination Where Possible: Check if the province where you are working or intend to work has a stream for doctors and, if eligible, apply for a provincial nomination to boost your CRS score significantly.

  5. Submit Your Application Within 60 Days of Receiving an ITA: Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), gather documents in advance, such as reference letters, police certificates, and proof of funds, so you can submit a complete PR application within the standard 60-day window.

Conclusion

The IRCC's new Express Entry category for doctors marks a game-changer for healthcare professionals with Canadian work experience, offering a direct path to permanent residence starting early 2026 amid severe doctor shortages affecting millions. With 5,000 reserved PR spots for provincial nominees and 14-day work permit processing, licensed physicians gain flexible options to stay and contribute long-term. Doctors, take these steps now—build your experience, enter the pool, and monitor updates—to turn this opportunity into your future in Canada. For full official eligibility details, always refer to the Government of Canada’s Express Entry page on IRCC’s website. To know more about Express Entry, visit TerraTern now!

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Mynaz Altaf

Sr. Content Writer

I am Mynaz Altaf, an accomplished Senior Content Manager with extensive experience in the immigration industry. At TerraTern, I craft transformative content strategies, leading a dynamic team of creatives. By blending analytical precision with creative flair, I create engaging narratives that captivate and convert. Join me in exploring the art of impactful storytelling, where precision meets passion in the realm of content innovation.

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply under the new IRCC Express Entry category for doctors?

The new category is designed for foreign-trained doctors who already have Canadian work experience in eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes such as family physicians, specialists in surgery, and specialists in clinical or laboratory medicine. To qualify, you typically need at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in Canada within the last three years.

What are the main benefits of this new Express Entry pathway for doctors?

The biggest advantage is a more targeted and predictable route to permanent residence for doctors who have already proven they can work in Canada. By creating a dedicated category, IRCC can prioritize invitations for qualified physicians and respond directly to nationwide doctor shortages.

Do I still need a provincial nomination if I apply through this new category?

A provincial nomination is not mandatory to use the new Express Entry category for doctors, but it can be a major advantage. A nomination usually adds a large number of points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which can move you above the cut-off in competitive draws.

How should doctors prepare their documents before receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

Even before you receive an ITA, it is smart to gather the main documents you know IRCC will ask for. These typically include employment reference letters describing your duties and hours, professional licences, language test results, educational credential assessments, and police clearance certificates.

Will this new category affect other healthcare workers in Express Entry?

The new physician-focused category is an addition to the existing healthcare and social services categories, not a replacement. Other healthcare professionals like nurses, therapists, and technologists will still have access to category-based selection that targets their occupations.