Canada is offering a faster and clearer pathway for international medical doctors who want to live and work in the country.
In a major move, the government has announced 14-day work permit processing for certain foreign doctors while they wait for permanent residence (PR).
The goal is simple: strengthen Canada’s healthcare system by bringing in more qualified doctors quickly.
14-Day Work Permit While Waiting for PR
Medical doctors nominated by a province or territory will now get their work permits processed in just 14 days.
This means they can start working much sooner instead of waiting months for paperwork to clear.
There are currently five pathways for doctors to apply for permanent residence through:
Express Entry
Provincial programs
Territorial programs
Regional immigration streams
Nearly 5,000 federal immigration spaces have been reserved under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specifically to nominate medical doctors with job offers or support letters.
Doctors can also include their family members in their application, making relocation easier.
Express Entry Option for Doctors
There is a dedicated Express Entry category for medical doctors.
To qualify, applicants must have:
At least 1 year of full-time Canadian work experience as a medical doctor
This experience must be within the last 3 years
If nominated by a province or territory, doctors can receive both PR support and the fast-tracked 14-day work permit.
This allows them to begin practicing while waiting for permanent residence approval.
You Must Get Licensed First
Before working as a doctor in Canada, foreign-trained physicians must complete credential recognition and licensing.
This involves:
Getting foreign education and experience assessed
Proving that qualifications match Canadian standards
Applying for a licence through a provincial or territorial regulatory authority
Each province or territory has its own medical regulatory authority (MRA).
Requirements vary depending on where you plan to practise.
The process can take time and may involve exams, documentation, and fees.
That’s why experts advise starting the process as early as possible — even before arriving in Canada.
Language and Other Requirements
All practising doctors in Canada must be able to communicate clearly in English or French.
The pathway to licensure depends on several factors, including:
Your level of medical training
Your years of experience
The province or territory where you want to work
Because rules differ by location, candidates must carefully review the requirements set by the relevant medical regulatory authority.
With faster work permits, reserved immigration spaces, and clearer pathways, Canada is actively encouraging international medical doctors to help address healthcare shortages.
For qualified physicians looking for new opportunities, this could be one of the most streamlined routes to permanent residence in recent years.
