Canada Introduces Fast-Track Work Permit for Foreign Doctors. Canada has opened a new fast-track immigration route for foreign doctors as the country faces a growing shortage of healthcare professionals. The move is designed to bring qualified physicians into hospitals and clinics faster, strengthening a system already under pressure.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, joined by Parliamentary Secretary to the Health Minister Maggie Chi, said the policy is meant to address immediate workforce gaps across provinces. The announcement reflects Canada’s ongoing struggle to fill medical positions, especially in rural and high-demand areas.
Work Permits in Just 14 Days
According to the report, doctors who meet the new criteria can now receive their work permits in as little as 14 days. This is one of the quickest processing timelines ever offered to foreign-trained medical professionals.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian healthcare employer.
- Receive a provincial or territorial nomination, confirming the region’s need for their services.
Once these requirements are met, the work permit application is placed on an accelerated track, allowing doctors to travel to Canada and begin practicing much sooner than before.
Work While Permanent Residency Is Processed
One of the biggest advantages of the new pathway is that doctors don’t have to wait for permanent residency approval. The fast-track permit allows them to:
- Start or continue working in Canada immediately
- Gain relevant Canadian experience
- Strengthen their long-term residency profile
This approach supports both doctors already serving in Canada and new physicians eager to join the system.
5,000 Extra Residency Slots for Doctors
To further reinforce the initiative, the federal government has reserved 5,000 additional permanent residency spots under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specifically for licensed doctors.
These slots will help provinces retain foreign-trained physicians who have proven their skills and are ready to practice independently.
Officials say the goal is clear: reduce staffing shortages, support public healthcare facilities, and retain qualified medical professionals who are already contributing to the system.
New Express Entry Category Coming in 2026
The government also confirmed its plan to introduce a dedicated Express Entry stream in early 2026, targeting doctors with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience. This new category will reward practice-ready physicians who have been helping fill critical gaps in hospitals and clinics.
With this change, Canada aims to create a long-term, stable pathway for physicians who want to build their careers and lives in the country.
Why This Matters?
Canada has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios among developed nations, and provinces have been warning of worsening shortages for years. The fast-track permit is seen as an immediate solution that balances urgent staffing needs with long-term immigration planning.
