Table of Contents:
I. Canada is Preparing to Welcome More Doctors
II. How Does the Express Entry System Work?
III. Which Province or Territory Should I Choose?
IV. How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help?
I. Canada is Preparing to Welcome More Doctors
Canada needs more doctors.
This is why the government is simplifying the path to permanent residency for physicians from other countries. In December 2025, Canada announced that it will open up 5,000 spaces for permanent residency for medical doctors who are already working in the country and have a job offer in hand. These spaces are in addition to existing immigration quotas.
A skilled immigration lawyer can help you navigate the changes to Canada’s immigration system and optimize your chances of settling here.
Canada’s Changing Demographics
Canada’s population is growing steadily (over 41 million as of January 2026) as well as aging (nearly one fifth of Canada’s population is aged 65 or older). While life expectancy is increasing, an older population also means there are many more patients who require more complex care than before. The physician population is also aging, and doctors approaching retirement age will need to be replaced. These demographic trends translate into a need for more qualified health care professionals than ever, particularly physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, and allied health professionals. The new permanent residency stream is also open to specialists in surgical, clinical, and laboratory medicine.
II. How Does the Express Entry System Work?
Express Entry is a points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to evaluate skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
Under Canada’s new system, if you are a qualified doctor, your work permit will be processed in just 14 days, allowing you to enter the Express Entry stream much more quickly and continue working while you go through the process.
Express Entry requires several elements, explained below.
These elements can be tracked using physiciansapply.ca, a portal service provided by the Medical Council of Canada. It is an online repository for all documents related to the process of becoming licensed to practice medicine in Canada. There is a one-time set-up fee to set up an account and use the portal.
Language Requirements
Every physician serving patients in Canada must be able to communicate fluently in at least one of Canada’s two official languages (English and French). The government requires that immigrants complete language testing to certify that you are fluent in at least one of these, even if English or French is your first language.
You will need to schedule your test with a government-approved agency and cover the cost. The test must be completed within two years of your application. If your test results are older than two years, you’ll have to take the test again. You can consult the government’s guidance on language testing here.
Credential Assessment
As a newcomer, before working as a doctor in Canada, you need to have your credentials assessed by the regulatory body for your profession or specialty in your province or territory of choice. This is known as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and it confirms that your medical degree is comparable to a degree earned in Canada. The government’s goal is for every professional working in the country to meet Canada’s high standards for education, skills, and practical experience.
As with language testing, ECAs must be performed by a designated company approved by the government, and the cost is covered by the applicant. Numerous companies perform ECA services, and availability and time frames may vary.
Once you have confirmed, via an ECA report, that your medical degree is comparable to a Canadian degree, you will still need to meet other requirements before you can practice medicine in Canada.
Becoming Licensed to Practice Medicine in Canada
In addition to having your credentials assessed, you will also need to obtain your license to practice medicine through the same provincial or territorial regulatory authority. Licensing requirements vary across jurisdictions. Since the process can take some time, we recommend starting it as early as possible.
Comprehensive Ranking System
Applications for Express Entry are screened and ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The government has created this online tool that can help calculate your potential score based on your (and your partner’s, if they are applying alongside you) age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. You will also be asked about professional certifications you hold, and whether you already have a job offer. Finally, you will be asked whether you or your partner have a sibling who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
III. Which Province or Territory Should I Choose?
Canada’s ten provinces and three territories offer a truly diverse range of cultures, climates, resources, facilities, and services. These differences are worth exploring when deciding where to live and work – particularly for physicians, who primarily need to consider the opportunities available in their specialty or area of interest.
Each province and territory manages its own health care system, with variations in resources and pay structures.
Varying Medical Resources by Region
While general practitioners are in demand in many parts of Canada, resource distribution can be a factor for specialists – for example, a hospital centre may wish to hire a surgeon but does not have enough OR (operating room) time, clinic space, or access to equipment to bring in another physician. Such resource limitations can impact where you choose to practice.
Urban vs Remote Settings
Canada is a huge country with a unique geography. A large majority of our population lives in urban areas, within an hour’s drive from the US border. Recruiting physicians and other professionals to work in more remote and other underserved locations is an ongoing challenge.
Income Variations Across Provinces
In general, physicians’ earnings from public health insurance plans can vary significantly across regions. For example, Alberta has the highest paid physicians in Canada. In some provinces, like Quebec, family physicians’ income is 11% lower than the national average but specialists’ income is 2% higher. It is important to look at how physicians in the same specialty are paid from one province or territory to another. Provinces and territories also differ in their approach to health care privatization, which can affect a physician’s possible income. Finally, operating (overhead) costs (equipment, staff, and other expenses) can vary. For more information on how physicians are compensated in each province and territory, consult this article from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
It can be helpful to read local news sources in the cities where you are considering settling. If possible, speak to physicians working in those jurisdictions about their experiences. Specialist associations may also have useful information available on their websites.
Lifestyle Considerations
Consider the milieu that suits your lifestyle – would you rather spend your weekends skiing, or going to museums? Do you have family or friends already living in Canada? The cost of living tends to be lower in more rural areas, but there may be fewer services or cultural offerings available. Consulting your personal network, or tourist information for the area you are considering, could influence your decision-making.
IV. How Can an Immigration Lawyer Make the Immigration Process Go Smoothly?
Canada is a safe, prosperous, and diverse country and a great place to raise a family. Many physicians and other professionals appreciate the stability and quality of life that Canada offers.
Whether you are a family physician or a specialist, or a professional working in a different field altogether, our team at Patrice Brunet Avocats is well equipped to help you assess your options. We’ll work with you to identify all possible pathways, then use our deep expertise to optimize your chances of a successful outcome.