Japa: Canada to open express entry for foreign doctors in 2026

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The Government of Canada is taking steps to address critical health workforce shortages by creating a streamlined path to permanent residence for international doctors already working in the country.

According to a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and cited by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Diab and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, announced that a new express entry category will be introduced for international doctors who have at least one year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years.

“Invitations to apply are expected to be issued in early 2026.

“These measures will help bring in and retain practice-ready doctors so Canadians can access the care they need,