Guberman // Appleby Immigration Update: December 2025
Welcome to the Guberman // Appleby Immigration Update. We hope you find the information provided relevant to your immigration needs. Our objective is to highlight recent changes in immigration that are of interest to our readers. If you have specific questions relating to this update, feel free to contact us at info@gaimmlaw.com.
On December 8, 2025, the federal government announced new targeted immigration measures to help address Canada’s doctor shortage and create a clearer path to permanent residence for international physicians. If you’re a foreign-trained doctor already working in Canada—or hoping to move here soon—these changes could significantly affect your options.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the plan includes a new Express Entry category for doctors and reserved federal admission spaces for provincial nominations, all aimed at strengthening Canada’s health-care workforce.
Why Is Canada Creating a New Path for Doctors?
Canada’s health-care system is under pressure. Many adults and children do not have a regular family doctor, and wait times in key areas remain a concern. The federal government has made it clear that attracting and retaining skilled physicians is a crucial part of its strategy to improve access to care. At the same time, regulation and licensing of doctors remain a provincial responsibility. That means the federal immigration system needs to work with provincial health and licensing systems to ensure that qualified doctors can both immigrate and practise in the communities that need them most. For many physicians, that will mean understanding how federal programs like Express Entry interact with provincial licensing and nomination pathways.
Summary of the New Measures
There are two major immigration changes designed specifically for international doctors: a new Express Entry category, and more spaces for provinces and territories to nominate physicians through their own programs.
1. A New Express Entry Category for International Doctors
IRCC has announced that it will create a new Express Entry category for international doctors who already have at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible medical occupation, gained within the last three years. These doctors are already in Canada on work permits.
Practically:
- Doctors who are already working in Canada may have a more direct route to permanent residence.
- Eligible physicians should update their Express Entry profiles to be considered under this new category.
- Invitations to apply through this category are expected to begin in early 2026, according to IRCC’s announcement.
2. 5,000 Extra Nomination Spaces for Provincial Programs
In addition to the Express Entry change, the federal government will reserve 5,000 new admission spaces specifically for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who have job offers in Canada. These spaces are in addition to the usual allocation under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Key points about these spaces:
- They are in addition to the regular PNP allocation.
- Provinces and territories can use them to nominate doctors who meet their local labour-market and licensing needs.
- Nominated doctors will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing, allowing them to work while their permanent residence application is finalized.
If you’re a physician exploring opportunities in Canada, this makes provincial pathways—such as provincial nomination streams for health-care professionals—more important than ever.
Who Could Benefit from This Announcement?
Doctors already in Canada on temporary work permits who are already working in a Canadian health-care setting with valid licensing and work authorization will be able to pursue the new Express Entry category. Doctors abroad with job offers in Canada —and meet provincial licensing requirements—may be able to benefit from the additional 5,000 PNP nomination spaces and faster work permit processing. As well, international medical graduates from Canadian educational institutes with Canadian training or experience who have completed residency, fellowship, or other training in Canada, or who have recent Canadian work experience, may find they are strong candidates under the new measures that are part of the Express Entry category for international doctors.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help
If you are a physician considering your Canadian immigration options, working with our immigration law firm can help you with this process.
// CONTACT US
If you are a physician in Canada or an international doctor, we welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our Toronto immigration lawyers, by reaching out to our general line 416 548 7100 or via email info@gaimmlaw.com. Our immigration lawyers are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or US immigration queries either virtually or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.
