Immigration Corner|New pathways for international doctors

Dear Miss Powell,

I’m a 42-year-old doctor in Jamaica, and I’m interested in immigrating to Canada. Can I qualify for immigration?

L. B.

Dear L. B,

Doctors are always needed in Canada. The issue is qualifying under one of the existing immigration programmes based on your current situation.

The Government of Canada has introduced significant new immigration measures that directly benefit internationally trained doctors. These changes, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2025, are designed to strengthen Canada’s health workforce and provide clearer, faster routes to permanent residence for physicians who wish to live and work in Canada.

Creation of a New Express Entry Category

The newly updated policy signals the establishment of a new Express Entry category dedicated to international doctors. This category will focus on physicians who have accumulated at least one year of Canadian work experience in the last three years. The targeted occupations include general practitioners and family physicians, specialists in surgery, and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine. These doctors are already contributing to patient care while working in Canada on temporary status, and the government now aims to support them with a defined pathway to permanent residency. Invitations to apply under this category will begin in early 2026.

Reserved Provincial Admissions for Doctors

In addition to the new category, the federal government has announced that it will reserve 5,000 permanent residence admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who have valid job offers. These reserved spots are separate from the usual Provincial Nominee Programme allocations and are intended to ensure that provinces can recruit and retain the medical professionals they urgently need.

Faster Work Permit Processing

Doctors who are nominated by a province as practice-ready physicians will benefit from expedited work permit processing. IRCC has announced that they are committed to processing these applications within 14 days, allowing nominated doctors to begin or continue working in Canada even while their permanent residence applications are still being finalised. This measure supports both the physicians and the Canadian health system, which depends on a steady and reliable supply of skilled medical professionals.

What This Means for You

As a 42-year-old practising doctor in Jamaica, you could be eligible for several Canadian immigration pathways. Even without Canadian work experience, programmes such as the Federal Skilled Worker stream and the healthcare-targeted categories under Express Entry continue to prioritise applicants with medical training. To get started, you would need to complete an Educational Credential Assessment, prove proficiency in English or French, and submit an Express Entry profile. Once in the system, you may be selected under existing healthcare draws or future doctor-specific initiatives.

It is also worth exploring Provincial Nominee Programmes that work alongside Express Entry. However, each province has its own process for licensing internationally trained doctors, which can add another layer of complexity. Given these requirements, a consultation with a licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer may be a helpful first step.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and author of Tell Me a Story, Grandma. Contact her via Facebook, Instagram, or through www.deidrepowell.com.