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.

Table of Contents: 

I. Introduction: What is the PSTQ?

II. How is the PSTQ Different from Other Immigration Programs?

III. Who is Eligible to Apply for the PSTQ?

IV. What is the Process for Applying for the PSTQ?

IV. An Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the PSTQ

I.   Introduction: What is the PSTQ?

As of November 2025, Québec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program, known in French as the PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) is the only pathway for skilled workers to settle in the Canadian province of Québec.

The provincial government division responsible for immigration, called the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration du Québec (MIFI), released its immigration plan for 2026-2029 on November 6, 2025. The plan represents a shift in policy, as the province aims to welcome immigrants who are fluent in French and who have some experience studying or working in the province, with the goal of promoting greater integration. According to the new plan, the government will allow a total of 45,000 immigrants per year starting in 2026. Of these, 64% are expected to be economic immigrants.

If you’re interested in economic immigration to Québec, the process can seem complicated at first. We hope this article clarifies things! Our team of experts at Patrice Brunet Avocats can provide more in-depth support, helping you determine whether you meet the PSTQ criteria, guiding you through the steps to follow, and optimizing your chances of success.   

II.  How is the PSTQ Different from Other Immigration Programs?

The PSTQ had been suspended since October 2024 and was reopened in June 2025, replacing a previous program called the PRTQ (Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés). Another provincial program which offered a fast track for temporary workers and students for settling in Québec, the PEQ (Programme de l’expérience québécoise), officially ended on November 19, 2025. This means that as of this date, the PSTQ is the only pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Québec permanently.

The new system prioritizes those who have sufficient proficiency in French, work in a field considered in high demand, have experience working or studying in Québec, and/or are willing to settle outside the Montréal area, where labour needs are greater. This means that under the revised criteria, those already living in the province have a higher chance of attaining permanent residency.

There are other avenues for immigrating to other provinces of Canada, such as the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry). A skilled worker who is specifically interested in coming to Québec must be accepted through the PSTQ before they can apply to become a permanent resident of Canada. This is because the Government of Québec (provincial government) has an agreement with the Government of Canada (federal government) that allows the province to select immigrants based on its unique needs.

III. Who is Eligible to Apply for the PSTQ?

According to the government’s guidance, you can apply for the PSTQ if you are “18 years old and over, intend to reside and work in Québec in a job that you are capable of doing, intend to work for a company over which you have no control, and intend to work in a sector that is not one of the ineligible employment sectors listed in the General Requirements section.” Your candidacy will be evaluated according to these factors.

The new criteria are comprised of three categories:

1) Human capital (up to 520 possible points)

This category considers your age, level of spoken and written French (evaluated according to government criteria), level of schooling completed, and work experience outside Québec. If you are already working or studying in Québec, or have worked or studied here previously, more points will be allocated to your file – particularly if that experience took place outside the Montreal area.  

2) Labour market needs and government priorities (up to 700 possible points)

Each application is evaluated according to the government’s analysis of the province’s needs. The program is comprised of four streams, each representing a different type of work: specialized skills, intermediate and manual skills, regulated professions, and exceptional talents. The more experience you have in a field considered in high demand, the more points will be allocated to your score. Similarly, the higher the level of education you have reached at a Québec institution, the more points are allocated.

3) Adaptation factors (up to 180 possible points)

This category considers any schooling you have completed for which you have not received a diploma, as well as whether you have family in Québec. It also considers factors pertaining to your spouse, if applicable. It includes their age, level of spoken and written French, level of schooling completed, duration of Québec work experience, and whether they hold a diploma from a Québec school.

You can consult the complete list of criteria in the Gazette officielle du Québec (in French).

IV. What is the Process for Applying for the PSTQ?

Your application for PSTQ must be submitted online through an expression of interest. You can request a paper, braille, or large print application if you need accommodation due to a disability.  

First, you’ll need to create an account on the Arrima platform. Then, you must complete an expression of interest, also known as a declaration of interest. You will be asked to provide information about your situation, status, education, work experience, and intentions, as well as on your spouse and children, if applicable. Note that Arrima can only be accessed in French. Help capsules are available, but these are also in French only. 

Patrice Brunet Avocats can assist you in completing your expression of interest through our portal.

Once you submit the expression of interest, the MIFI will analyze and rank your profile according to the new criteria. Depending on your initial score and the needs of the labour market, the MIFI may send you an invitation to submit a formal application for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Once you receive a CSQ, you can proceed with an application for permanent residency in Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Note that your expression of interest is valid for 12 months. If you don’t hear back in time, you’ll need to submit a new expression of interest.

If you are already in Québec at the time of your application, don’t forget to make sure your status remains valid throughout the process!

V. An Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the PSTQ

Every immigration situation is different. The changes to Québec’s immigration priorities and system can seem complicated, but diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the revised system can maximize your chances of acceptance as an immigrant to the province. An expert can assess your eligibility, provide practical advice, answer your questions, and help you prepare your documentation. 

Our team at Patrice Brunet Avocats is here to help. We can evaluate all the options with you, applying flexibility and creativity to determine the best immigration solution for you and your family.

II. The Direct Answer: Voting Rights Are for Citizens

To directly address the question posed in the introduction: No, Permanent Residents of Canada do not have the right to vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections.

While Permanent Residents enjoy many of the same rights and freedoms as Canadian citizens, the privilege and responsibility of voting in Canadian elections is specifically reserved for those who hold Canadian citizenship. This right is a cornerstone of Canadian democracy, granted exclusively to its citizens as a fundamental aspect of their civic participation in the governance of the country at all levels.

III. Who Can Vote in Canada?

If Permanent Residents cannot vote, then who can? In Canada, to be eligible to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections across Canada, an individual must meet the following core requirements:

• Be a Canadian citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old on Election Day.  
• Be ordinarily resident in the riding (electoral district) where they wish to vote (though specific residency rules can vary slightly by jurisdiction and election type).

Meeting these criteria allows eligible individuals to participate in electing their representatives and shaping the direction of their communities, provinces, and the country. 

Voting is a fundamental act of democratic participation, allowing citizens to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and the future of Canada.

IV. Significant Rights Enjoyed by Permanent Residents

While voting is a right exclusive to Canadian citizens, it’s important to recognize the substantial rights and privileges that Permanent Residents do possess. Achieving Permanent Resident status is a monumental step that opens the door to a fulfilling life in Canada, offering far more than just permission to reside.

As a Permanent Resident, you have the right to:

• Live, Work, and Study Anywhere in Canada: One of the most significant benefits is the freedom to choose where you want to settle, pursue employment opportunities, or undertake education in any province or territory across the country.
• Access Social Benefits: Permanent Residents are entitled to receive most social benefits available to Canadian citizens, including essential healthcare coverage, access to social services, and other programs designed to support residents.
• Protection Under Canadian Law: Permanent Residents are protected by Canadian laws and benefit from the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Apply for Canadian Citizenship: Permanent Resident status is the crucial pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen, offering the possibility of eventually gaining additional rights, including the right to vote and hold a Canadian passport.

These rights underscore that Permanent Residency is a stable and comprehensive status, providing a strong foundation for individuals and families building their future in Canada.

V. The Path to Voting Rights: Becoming a Canadian Citizen

For Permanent Residents who wish to participate fully in Canada’s democratic process by casting a ballot in elections, the definitive pathway is through obtaining Canadian citizenship.

Becoming a Canadian citizen is the final step in the immigration journey for many, solidifying their connection to the country and granting the full spectrum of rights and responsibilities. While the process involves specific criteria set out by the Canadian government, the general requirements typically include:

• Meeting a physical presence requirement, demonstrating that you have lived in Canada for a certain amount of time leading up to your application.
• Demonstrating adequate knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages, English or French.
• Passing a citizenship test that assesses your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Meeting income tax filing obligations.

Successfully navigating the citizenship application process allows Permanent Residents to transition to full membership in the Canadian civic community, including gaining the right to vote.

VI. Conclusion: Understanding Your Status and Your Path Forward

In summary, while becoming a Permanent Resident is a transformative step that offers the ability to live, work, and thrive in Canada with significant rights and freedoms, it is important to remember that voting in Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal elections is a right held exclusively by Canadian citizens.

Permanent Resident status is nonetheless a vital and respected status, granting you a secure place in Canada and serving as the essential pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen. It signifies your commitment to the country and provides a strong foundation for future integration and participation, including the eventual possibility of gaining voting rights through naturalization.

Navigating your immigration status, understanding your rights, and pursuing the path to citizenship can sometimes be complex. If you are a Permanent Resident with questions about your status, the rights you hold, or the process of applying for Canadian citizenship, seeking professional legal advice is a wise decision.

The team at Patrice Brunet Avocats is experienced in Canadian immigration law and is dedicated to providing clear, reliable guidance to individuals at every stage of their journey. We can help you understand your current status, explore your options for citizenship, and support you through the application process.

Don’t leave your future to chance. For personalized legal assistance and expert advice on your Permanent Resident status or the path to Canadian citizenship, contact Patrice Brunet Avocats today.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer at Patrice Brunet Avocats.

Photo by Jason Hafso on Unsplash

II. Defining “Landed Immigrant”: A Term from the Past

To understand the current terminology, it’s helpful to look back. The term “landed immigrant” was the official designation used for many years under Canada’s earlier immigration legislation.

Historically, a landed immigrant was an individual who had successfully applied and been approved to immigrate to Canada, and who had officially “landed” or entered the country with the status of permanent residence. This term specifically referred to someone who was not born in Canada and was not yet a Canadian citizen, but had been granted the legal right to live in the country indefinitely. It was the standard and recognized term for permanent residents for a significant period of Canadian history, reflecting the legal framework and language of the time. It’s from an era where foreigners would walk off the ship and “land” in Canada, where they would get status, with much less paperwork than today!

III. The Official Shift: From “Landed Immigrant” to “Permanent Resident”

Canada’s immigration laws have evolved over time to better reflect the status of those making Canada their home permanently. The most significant change in terminology occurred with the introduction of new legislation.

The term “Permanent Resident” officially replaced “landed immigrant” with the coming into force of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) in June 2002. This new Act modernized Canada’s approach to immigration and refugee protection, and part of that modernization included updating the language used to describe different immigration statuses.

Therefore, while “landed immigrant” is a term from Canada’s past, it is essential to understand that “Permanent Resident” is the correct and legally recognized term used by the Canadian government today to describe someone who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently but is not a citizen.

IV. Understanding Permanent Resident Status Today

So, what does it mean to hold Permanent Resident status in Canada in the present day?

In simple terms, a Permanent Resident is an individual who is not a Canadian citizen but has been legally granted permission to live and reside in Canada on a permanent basis.

This status is highly significant. It provides individuals with the right to live, work, or study anywhere in the country and grants access to most social benefits, including healthcare. Essentially, becoming a Permanent Resident is the crucial step towards making Canada your long-term home, offering stability and a pathway to potentially becoming a Canadian citizen in the future.

V. Navigating Your Status with Expert Guidance

Understanding your immigration status, whether you are a newcomer or have been in Canada for some time, is fundamental to your life and future in the country. While the term “landed immigrant” may still be heard, knowing that “Permanent Resident” is the current legal standard and understanding what that status truly entails is crucial for navigating your rights and responsibilities in Canada.

The process of immigrating and obtaining or maintaining Permanent Resident status can involve complex legal requirements and procedures. Having knowledgeable support is invaluable.

If you have questions about your own status, the requirements for becoming a Permanent Resident, or any other aspect of Canadian immigration law, the experienced team at Patrice Brunet Avocats is here to help. 

Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice to ensure you understand your status and successfully navigate your immigration journey. With a deep understanding of Canadian immigration regulations, we can provide the clarity and professional guidance you need.

Contact Patrice Brunet Avocats today for dedicated support.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer at Patrice Brunet Avocats.

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash