Express Entry for Doctors: Your Path to Permanent Residence in Canada
Canada is streamlining the immigration process for international medical doctors to support our healthcare system. If you have experience practicing medicine in Canada, you may now benefit from a new, dedicated Express Entry category designed specifically for physicians.
New Priority Pathway for Physicians
As of 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced category-based selection rounds specifically for medical doctors. This means that if you meet the eligibility criteria, you could be invited to apply for permanent residence even with a lower CRS score than general rounds require.
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the physician-specific category, you must meet two main requirements:
- Canadian Work Experience: You must have accumulated at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time) as a medical doctor in Canada within the last 3 years.
- Express Entry Eligibility: You must be eligible for one of the three federal programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
Eligible Medical Occupations
This streamlined path applies to doctors in the following categories (TEER 1):
• Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)
• Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100)
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)
How the Process Works
Step 1: Create your Profile
We help you enter the Express Entry pool and ensure your profile is optimized for category-based selection.
Step 2: Category Identification
IRCC identifies eligible physicians in the pool based on their specific work experience.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Top-ranking candidates in the physician category receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Step 4: Final Submission
Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your complete application.
Why Work with MM Immigration?
Navigating the transition from a medical license to Permanent Residency involves complex documentation and strict deadlines. We specialize in helping medical professionals:
- Verify your Canadian work experience meets IRCC’s specific physician instructions.
- Navigate the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to maximize your score.
- Manage the Step-by-Step process from profile creation to the final decision.
Ready to secure your future in Canada? Book a Consultation for Physician Immigration
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and it is not intended as legal advice. The information is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and it may not be appropriate for you. Do not rely solely on this blog. Always do your own research and due diligence. Immigration laws and regulations can change over time. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer if you are unsure how to proceed.
Express Entry
Express Entry is the electronic management system for applying for permanent residency. It is not an immigration category but a system to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs. This system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, aligning with Canada’s economic needs.
Applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile and, if eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool will receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they pass the points threshold under a draw. The points threshold is determined according to the latest draw that is held approximately every two weeks.
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker
