Canada has just created a special, dedicated immigration pathway to help doctors currently working in the country get Permanent Residence (PR) faster. This is one of the most important changes for foreign physicians in years and is designed to solve Canada’s doctor shortage.
What is the New Program?
The Canadian government is setting up a new category within the Express Entry system that is only for physicians.
Who is it for? Family doctors, general practitioners, surgeons, and specialists.
The Main Rule: You must have worked as a doctor in Canada for at least 12 months (one year) in the last three years.
When does it start? The first invitations are expected in early 2026.
The Goal: To encourage doctors who are already helping Canadian communities to stay permanently.
💡 Simply put: If you are a doctor with a year of Canadian experience, you will soon have a direct and secure way to get your PR.
Additional Opportunity: Reserved Spaces
On top of the new Express Entry stream, the government is also making it easier to get PR through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
5,000 PR spots are being reserved specifically for doctors who get nominated by a Canadian province.
This makes it much simpler for provinces to nominate licensed doctors and doctors working towards their license.
Why has Canada Introduced This Pathway?
Canada urgently needs doctors. Many areas have:
Very long wait times to see a doctor.
Fewer family doctors available.
A major shortage of medical staff in rural areas.
This new program is meant to keep foreign-trained doctors in Canada, provide stability, and ultimately strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Are You Eligible?
You are likely a strong candidate for this new PR stream if you:
Have 12+ months of Canadian work experience as an eligible physician (gained in the last 3 years).
Meet standard requirements for things like language (e.g., IELTS/CELPIP) and background checks.
Currently hold a valid work permit in Canada.
What Should You Do Now?
Start preparing your documents right away to be ready for the early 2026 start:
Collect proof of your 12 months of Canadian work experience.
Make sure your language test results (IELTS/CELPIP) are current.
Get or update your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Prepare your profile for the Express Entry system.
⭐ How Rio Immigration Can Help You
If you’re a physician, Rio Immigration can manage this entire process for you to ensure a fast and successful application.
Assessment: We check if you qualify and choose the best path for you (New Physician Stream, PNP, or both).
Express Entry: We create and optimize your profile to get the highest possible score.
PNP Support: We handle all the details if you choose the Provincial Nominee route.
Document Management: We make sure all your paperwork (employment letters, licensing, etc.) meets government standards to prevent delays.
End-to-End Service: We stay with you from the first step until your Permanent Resident status is approved.
The new dedicated PR pathway is a game-changer for international physicians committed to a long-term career in Canada, directly addressing the nation’s critical healthcare needs. This opportunity demands a strategic and error-free approach, which is where Rio Immigration excels. By specializing in physician-focused programs, we offer end-to-end guidance, ensuring your Canadian experience and licensing are leveraged for maximum success. Don’t navigate these complex new streams alone. Secure your permanent future in Canada by partnering with Rio Immigration today.
🚀 Ready to start your journey to Canadian Permanent Residence?
📞 Book a Consultation today to discuss the new Physician PR Pathway.
