Healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, pediatricians, and psychiatrists, now have an expedited pathway to Canadian permanent residence (PR).
Recently, the Immigration Minister announced a dedicated Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience, aiming to provide them with a competitive edge in the immigration process.
The new category is anticipated to have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-offs, enhancing the chances of qualified physicians receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Initial draws under this category are projected to commence in early 2026. Eligible candidates are encouraged to update their Express Entry profiles promptly to be considered in the upcoming draws.
This article will discuss the eligibility requirements for candidates, the medical occupations included in the new category, how to determine the National Occupation Classification (NOC) code relevant to your experience, and the distinctions between the new category and the existing healthcare occupations category.
Eligibility for the New Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Category
Foreign nationals seeking eligibility for this category must have work experience in specific medical occupations, even if not their primary field. The criteria include 12 months of continuous full-time work in Canada within the past three years.
Candidates must also satisfy the ministerial instructions for the respective invitation round and meet the requirements of an Express Entry program to qualify for an ITA under the category-based selection draws.
If individuals do not meet these criteria, they may still be eligible under IRCC’s existing healthcare and social services occupations category, which encompasses a broader range of occupations.
Occupations Included in the New Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Category
The new category currently features three specified occupations:
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
NOC Code: 31102
Eligible Job Titles:
Family physician, general practice resident, general practitioner (GP), medical doctor.
Professionals should have experience performing various duties, including prescribing medication, diagnosing illnesses, and providing primary care.