Canada continues to welcome internationally trained physicians to strengthen its healthcare system. Many regions across the country face physician shortages, especially in rural and growing communities. Because of this demand, immigration pathways have become more accessible for qualified doctors who want to live and practice in Canada. This guide explains how doctors can immigrate to Canada in 2026, what requirements must be met, and how immigration programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs can help. It also explains the new immigration updates for physicians and how MAK Immigration assists doctors throughout the process.
Why Canada Needs Internationally Trained Doctors
Canada’s healthcare system is expanding as the population grows and ages. Many provinces continue to report shortages of family physicians and medical specialists. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations are actively seeking internationally trained doctors to help meet the demand. Several immigration pathways have been designed to attract skilled medical professionals. Physicians with clinical experience, strong education credentials, and language ability often find opportunities through federal and provincial immigration programs. By working with MAK Immigration, doctors receive guidance on selecting the most suitable immigration pathway and understanding the steps required to enter Canada’s healthcare workforce.
How Internationally Trained Doctors Can Immigrate to Canada
Internationally trained doctors can immigrate through several programs designed for skilled workers and healthcare professionals.
Common immigration pathways include:
Express Entry System: This is the primary federal immigration system for skilled workers. Doctors may qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Candidates create an online profile and receive a score based on education, language ability, work experience, and other factors.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Each province operates immigration streams that target healthcare workers. Provinces nominate doctors who are willing to work in specific locations or healthcare facilities. Physician-Specific Programs: Some provinces have dedicated programs designed for physicians working in public healthcare systems or rural communities.
Temporary Work Permits: Doctors may initially enter Canada on a work permit while completing licensing requirements. Through MAK Immigration, physicians receive structured guidance to determine which pathway best aligns with their education and experience.
Requirements to Work as a Doctor in Canada
Immigrating to Canada as a doctor involves both immigration requirements and medical licensing requirements.
Key steps include:
Educational Credential Verification: International medical degrees must be verified through the Medical Council of Canada. Medical Council Exams: Many doctors must complete the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE).
Residency or Practice Eligibility: Some physicians may need residency training in Canada depending on their specialization and province. Language Requirements: English or French language proficiency is required for immigration programs. Provincial Licensing: Each province has its own medical regulatory authority that approves doctors to practice. Although immigration and licensing are separate processes, they often occur at the same time.
Starting Immigration Before Getting a Canadian Medical License
Many doctors begin the immigration process before completing licensing steps. Canadian immigration programs generally assess education, work experience, and language ability rather than a full Canadian medical license.
This means physicians can:
- Submit an Express Entry profile
- Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs
- Receive invitations for permanent residence
Licensing requirements can be completed after arriving in Canada or during the immigration process. MAK Immigration helps physicians prepare immigration applications while planning the licensing process at the same time.
New Express Entry Category for Physicians
In December 2025, Canada introduced a new category-based selection system within Express Entry that focuses on healthcare occupations, including physicians.
This category targets candidates who have:
- Medical work experience
- Healthcare qualifications
- Experience in clinical practice
Once operational, category-based draws will invite physicians who meet eligibility requirements. These draws allow Canada to prioritize healthcare professionals needed across the country. Doctors with at least one year of Canadian experience may become eligible for these draws once the program becomes active.
The 14-Day Work Permit for Doctors
Canada has introduced a fast-track work permit option for certain physicians.
This work permit allows eligible doctors to receive approval in approximately 14 days, helping them begin working sooner in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
Doctors may qualify if they:
- Have a job offer from a Canadian healthcare employer
- Meet licensing or practice requirements in the province
- Submit a complete work permit application
This pathway is designed to reduce delays and help communities access medical services faster.
Express Entry vs Provincial Nominee Program for Doctors
Doctors often choose between Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs depending on their profile.
Express Entry
- Federal immigration system
- Points-based ranking system
- Permanent residence invitation based on score
Provincial Nominee Program
- Provincial governments select candidates
- Focus on specific healthcare needs
- Nomination provides additional immigration points
For many physicians, a provincial nomination increases their chances of receiving permanent residence through Express Entry. Through MAK Immigration, doctors receive help understanding which pathway aligns with their credentials and immigration goals.
Demand for International Doctors in Canada
Canada continues to experience strong demand for physicians. Shortages exist in several medical specialties and in many rural areas.
Provinces that frequently recruit internationally trained doctors include:
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Healthcare authorities are expanding recruitment efforts to bring experienced doctors from different countries into the Canadian healthcare system.
Processing Time for Doctors Immigrating to Canada
The timeline for immigration depends on several factors, including the chosen immigration pathway and document preparation.
Typical timeframes include:
Express Entry Processing: Permanent residence applications are often processed within 6–8 months after receiving an invitation. Provincial Nominee Programs. Processing may take 6–12 months depending on the province. Work Permits: Fast-track work permits for doctors may take about 14 days once eligibility conditions are met. Preparation of documentation, credential verification, and exam scheduling may add additional time.
Cost of Immigrating to Canada as a Doctor
The cost of immigrating to Canada varies depending on exams, credential verification, and immigration application fees.
Common expenses include:
- Educational credential verification
- Medical licensing exams
- Language tests
- Immigration application fees
- Work permit or permanent residence processing fees
Additional expenses may include travel, relocation, and settlement costs. MAK Immigration provides clear guidance so physicians understand each stage of the process and prepare financially for their move to Canada.
Can Doctors Bring Their Families to Canada?
Doctors immigrating to Canada may include family members in their immigration application.
Eligible family members usually include:
- Spouse or partner
- Dependent children
Family members may receive permanent residence together with the principal applicant. Spouses may also apply for open work permits, allowing them to work in Canada. Children can access education and healthcare services once the family settles in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can internationally trained doctors move to Canada without a job offer?
A: Yes, many doctors immigrate through Express Entry without a job offer. However, having a job offer or provincial nomination can improve the chances of receiving an invitation.
Q: Do doctors need Canadian residency training to work in Canada?
A: Some provinces require residency training depending on the physician’s specialty and previous experience.
Q: Is the licensing process separate from immigration?
A: Yes. Immigration programs assess eligibility for permanent residence, while provincial medical authorities grant permission to practice medicine.
Q: Which provinces recruit international doctors the most?
A: Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia frequently recruit internationally trained physicians.
Q: Can doctors start working immediately after arriving in Canada?
A: Doctors must meet provincial licensing requirements before practicing medicine.
