IRCC Announces New Express Entry Category and Fast-Track Immigration Measures for Physicians
Overview
Canada has introduced significant new reforms to strengthen the immigration pathways available to foreign-trained doctors. These changes directly support physicians already contributing to Canada's healthcare system and create new opportunities for doctors planning to immigrate from abroad.
1. New Express Entry Category for Physicians (Launching Early 2026)
IRCC will introduce a dedicated Express Entry category for physicians who:
- Have at least one year of Canadian work experience (within the last 3 years)
- Are currently in Canada on valid temporary status
- Are actively treating patients in Canada
This category will be separate from existing Healthcare Category draws and is expected to offer lower CRS score requirements and a more predictable PR pathway.
Eligible NOC Codes for the New Physician Category (In-Canada Applicants)
Based on the announcement and the structure of the healthcare workforce, the following NOC codes are expected to be eligible when IRCC publishes the official list:
Likely Eligible NOC Codes
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31102 | General Practitioners & Family Physicians |
| 31100 | Specialists in Clinical Medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in Laboratory Medicine |
| 31103 | Veterinary Physicians (not likely included but part of NOC 31—await IRCC list) |
These occupations are already in the Express Entry Healthcare Category, and all directly involve treating patients—making them strong candidates for the new physician-focused category.
Note: IRCC will release the final list of eligible occupations closer to the 2026 launch date, and we will update our clients immediately.
2. NOC Codes for Physicians Outside Canada Seeking PR or Work Permits
While the new Physician Category is for in-Canada doctors, physicians outside Canada continue to qualify for PR and work permits through:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- Practice-Ready Assessment pathways
- C10 Significant Benefit Work Permits
- LMIA pathways (rarely used for doctors)
NOC Codes for Doctors Outside Canada
| NOC Code | Occupation Title | Eligible for PNP? | Eligible for Work Permit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31102 | General Practitioners & Family Physicians | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| 31100 | Specialists in Clinical Medicine | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| 31101 | Specialists in Laboratory Medicine | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| 31209 | Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| 31204 | Allied Primary Health Practitioners | ✔ Yes (provincial variations) | ✔ Yes |
| 31300 | Nursing Coordinators & Supervisors | ✔ Yes |
These NOC codes are currently accepted across Ontario, Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic programs, particularly under physician recruitment streams.
3. 5,000 New Permanent Residence Admissions Reserved for Physicians
A major policy change gives provinces 5,000 additional PR admissions spaces, exclusively for nominating physicians.
Impact
- ✓ Provinces can now nominate a significantly higher number of physicians
- ✓ These spaces do not reduce the regular PNP quota
- ✓ Provincial nomination will become the preferred pathway for many doctors
This directly benefits doctors under NOC 31100, 31101, 31102, and related clinical roles.
4. 14-Day Work Permit Processing for Nominated Physicians
Doctors nominated by a province will get work permit approvals in just 14 days.
For Physicians
- ✓ Quick permission to begin or continue practice
- ✓ Minimal disruption to clinical duties
For Employers
- ✓ Faster onboarding
- ✓ Reduced staffing gaps
- ✓ Streamlined recruitment from abroad or inside Canada
What These Changes Mean for Physicians in Canada
If you are already practicing in Canada, you now have a clearer and faster route to permanent residence.
Recommended Actions
- ✓ Maintain detailed records of your Canadian work experience
- ✓ Ensure your licensing status is up to date
- ✓ Prepare your Express Entry profile before early 2026
- ✓ Explore provincial nomination options early
What These Changes Mean for International Physicians Outside Canada
Doctors abroad can still immigrate through:
- PNP nomination with the new 5,000 reserved spots
- Practice-Ready Assessment pathways in AB, BC, SK, MB, NS
- Job-offer supported work permits (C10, LMIA, or PNP-supported)
If you fall under NOC 31100, 31101, 31102, your occupation is in very high national demand.
How M A Immigration Associates Inc. Can Support You
We provide specialized immigration support for physicians and medical employers, including:
- Eligibility analysis for the new 2026 Express Entry Physician Category
- PNP pathways for doctors inside and outside Canada
- 14-day work permit filings
- Licensing and PRA program guidance
- Settlement support for physicians and families
Stay Updated
IRCC will release full program instructions for the new 2026 Physician Category in the coming months. We will update our clients as soon as official NOC codes, CRS requirements, and draw procedures are announced.