Canada has introduced a major update that will benefit many international doctors already contributing to the healthcare system. On December 8, 2025, Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced a brand-new Express Entry category for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, creating a streamlined and dedicated pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).

This new category is expected to launch its first rounds of invitations in early 2026, giving qualified physicians a significant advantage—especially because category-based draws often require lower CRS scores compared to general rounds.

⭐ Who Is Eligible for the New Physicians Category?

To qualify, candidates must have:

• 12 months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian work experience

• Experience gained within the last 3 years

• Work experience in one of the 3 eligible physician occupations (does NOT need to be your primary NOC)

• Full compliance with any additional criteria issued during each round of invitations

This category specifically targets physicians who already hold Canadian experience and whose contributions are crucial to the healthcare system.

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✔️ Eligible Occupations Under the New Physicians Category

Only three medical NOC codes are part of this special stream:

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1️⃣ General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)

Eligible titles include: Family Physician, General Practitioner (GP), General Practice Resident, Medical Doctor.

Typical duties include:

• Diagnosing and treating patients

• Prescribing treatments

• Conducting routine procedures and minor surgery

• Delivering babies and providing maternal care

• Coordinating primary care and home-care services

• Offering counselling and preventive healthcare guidance

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2️⃣ Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)

Eligible titles include:
Cardiac Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Plastic Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon, Urologist and more.

Typical duties include:

• Assessing conditions requiring surgery

• Performing or supervising surgical procedures

• Consulting with multidisciplinary teams

• Providing pre- and post-operative care

• Managing surgical units

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3️⃣ Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100)

Eligible titles include:
Pediatrician, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Psychiatrist, Internist, Hematologist, Radiologist, Neurologist, Oncologist, Pathologist, and several others.

Typical duties may include:

• Diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions

• Ordering or interpreting diagnostic tests

• Prescribing medications and therapies

• Coordinating inpatient and outpatient care

• Performing autopsies (for laboratory/pathology roles)

• Conducting clinical research

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How to Check If Your Experience Matches the Correct NOC

To find the right NOC code:

1. Visit ESDC’s official NOC database

2. Search by job title or NOC code

3. Ensure:

   • Your work matches the lead statement

   • You perform most of the main duties listed

This ensures your experience aligns correctly with IRCC standards and avoids refusal during PR processing.

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How Is This Different from the Existing Healthcare & Social Services Category?

The new category is exclusive to physicians, designed to prioritize doctors who are already serving Canadians within the healthcare system.

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⭐ Why This Category Is a Game-Changer for International Doctors

• Lower CRS requirements expected

• Direct competition only among physicians, not thousands of other healthcare workers

• Fewer eligible NOCs = higher chance of getting an ITA

• Canadian experience already aligns most candidates with CEC criteria

This is one of Canada’s most targeted PR pathways ever created for medical professionals.

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How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

At ICC Immigration, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals—especially those working in healthcare—toward the best pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency.

Our experienced team can assist you with:

⭐ Permanent Residency Applications

From Express Entry to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), we ensure your PR application is accurate, complete, and strategically positioned for success.

⭐ Work Permits & Study Permits

If you need to extend your stay or transition to another status, we help you secure the right permit to maintain legal status while preparing for PR.

⭐ Family Sponsorship

If your spouse, partner, or child needs PR status, we simplify the process and help reunite your family in Canada.

⭐ Expert Legal Advice

Canadian immigration rules can be overwhelming. Our regulated consultants offer professional guidance to ensure compliance and strengthen your PR eligibility.

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🌟 Take Control of Your Future — Not Through Asylum, but Through Real, Reliable PR Pathways

Instead of relying on the uncertainty and risk of asylum claims, physicians should consider stable pathways such as this new category, Express Entry, and PNPs.

ICC Immigration helps you navigate every step—so you can focus on your career, your family, and your future in Canada.