December 14, 2025
New Express Entry Category for Physicians: Streamlined Pathway to Canada PR
Canada has introduced a new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience, offering an expedited route to permanent residence (PR) for qualified medical professionals. This new pathway is expected to make it easier for eligible doctors to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA), with potentially lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) thresholds compared to other streams.
At Career Wings Immigration Services Ltd., Calgary Alberta, we help medical professionals understand this new opportunity and maximize their chances of success.
Who Is Eligible for the New Physicians Category?
To qualify for this dedicated Express Entry stream, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Occupation: Work experience must be in one of the eligible physician roles (see full list below).
- Work Experience Duration: Minimum 12 months of continuous full-time work (or equivalent part-time).
- Work Experience Location: Must be gained in Canada.
- Timeframe: Experience should be within the last three years.
- Other Requirements: Candidates must meet all criteria specified in the ministerial instructions for the respective draw.
Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be eligible under IRCC’s Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category.
Eligible Occupations Under the New Physicians Category
The new category currently includes three key physician occupations:
1. General Practitioners and Family Physicians
NOC Code: 31102
Eligible Job Titles: Family physician, general practice resident, general practitioner (GP), medical doctor.
Key Duties:
- Prescribing and administering medications and treatments
- Performing or assisting in routine surgeries
- Providing emergency and acute care
- Vaccinations and preventive care
- Delivering babies and managing pre- and post-natal care
- Advising patients on health promotion and lifestyle
- Coordinating primary care and supervising home care services
2. Specialists in Surgery
NOC Code: 31101
Eligible Job Titles: Cardiac surgeon, general surgeon, neurosurgeon, obstetrician-gynecologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, pediatric surgeon, plastic surgeon, thoracic surgeon, urologist, vascular surgeon.
Key Duties:
- Assessing and performing surgical procedures
- Consulting with other physicians on surgical care
- Providing specialized care based on surgical expertise (e.g., obstetrics, ophthalmology, orthopedics)
3. Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine
NOC Code: 31100
Eligible Job Titles: Anatomical pathologist, anesthetist, cardiologist, dermatologist, diagnostic radiologist, emergency physician, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, general pathologist, geriatrician, hematologist, medical biochemist, medical microbiologist, nephrologist, neurologist, oncologist, pediatrician, physiatrist, pneumologist, psychiatrist, radiation oncologist, respirologist, rheumatologist, and more.
Key Duties:
- Diagnosing and treating internal organ, mental health, or other clinical conditions
- Administering anesthesia and performing procedures
- Coordinating hospital care and patient follow-ups
- Using lab techniques and medical imaging for diagnosis
- Prescribing treatments and referring for specialist care or surgery
How to Match Your Work Experience with NOC Codes
To confirm eligibility:
- Visit Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) NOC website.
- Search by job title or NOC code.
- Compare your experience with the main duties and criteria listed for that occupation.
Your work experience must broadly conform to the NOC description and cover most of the main duties to qualify.
Difference Between the New Physicians Category and Existing Healthcare Streams
| Criteria | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | Healthcare & Social Services Occupations |
| Required Work Experience | 12 months continuous, in Canada | 6 months, Canada or abroad |
| Eligible Occupations | 3 key physician roles | 37 healthcare & social service roles |
| Work Experience Location | Must be in Canada | Canada or international experience allowed |
Why This New Category Matters
- Streamlined pathway for physicians with Canadian experience
- Lower CRS thresholds may improve chances of receiving ITA
- Early 2026 draws expected; candidates can create or update Express Entry profiles now
- Provides a focused approach for Canada’s healthcare labour market needs
How Career Wings Immigration Can Help
Navigating Express Entry and physician-specific immigration pathways can be complex. Career Wings Immigration offers:
- ✅ Comprehensive eligibility assessments for physicians
- ✅ Step-by-step guidance to create or update Express Entry profiles
- ✅ NOC matching and documentation review
- ✅ Strategic advice to maximize CRS scores and selection chances
- ✅ End-to-end support for all Canadian PR programs, including healthcare streams
Don’t risk delays or missed opportunities — let our experts guide you to a successful Canada PR application.
FAQs – Physicians Category for Express Entry
1. When will the first draws occur?
The first draws under this new category are expected in early 2026. Candidates can create or update their profiles immediately.
2. Can international work experience qualify?
No. Work experience must be gained in Canada for this specific category.
3. What if my occupation is not listed among the three physician roles?
You may still qualify under the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations category, which includes 37 eligible occupations.
4. How long must I have worked in Canada?
A minimum of 12 months of continuous full-time work (or part-time equivalent) within the last three years.
5. How do I find the correct NOC code?
Use the ESDC NOC website to search by job title or code and compare your duties with the NOC description.
6. Can part-time experience count?
Yes, if it is equivalent to 12 months full-time work.
7. Do I need an immigration consultant for this process?
Professional guidance increases your chances of selection, ensures your profile is error-free, and helps you avoid common pitfalls.
Take Action Today: Secure Your Canada PR as a Physician
The new Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your Canada PR.
✅ Create or update your Express Entry profile
✅ Align your experience with NOC requirements
✅ Maximize your CRS score with expert guidance
Contact Career Wings Immigration Services Ltd., Calgary Alberta now to start your journey:
- Phone/WhatsApp: +1-778-881-6000
- Email: info@careerwingsimmigration.com
- Website: www.careerwingsimmigration.com
- Instagram: @careerwngsimmigration
Don’t wait — the first draws are around the corner. Secure your Canada PR with expert support today!