Nigerian doctors considering relocation may soon find new opportunities as Canada has announced plans to introduce a Canada express entry for doctors starting in 2026.
The new pathway, unveiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is aimed at tackling the country’s ongoing shortage of physicians while strengthening its healthcare system. The initiative is part of broader reforms to attract and retain highly skilled professionals already contributing to patient care in Canada.
Under the proposed arrangement, a dedicated Express Entry category will be created for foreign-trained doctors who have gained at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience within the last three years. The pathway is designed mainly for physicians currently in Canada on temporary permits and actively working in healthcare settings.
According to IRCC, invitations to apply under the Canada express entry for doctors will begin in early 2026, offering qualified physicians a clearer and faster route to permanent residence.
In addition, the Canadian government will set aside 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors who already have job offers. These slots will operate separately from existing Provincial Nominee Program quotas. Successful applicants will also enjoy accelerated work permit processing of up to 14 days while their permanent residence applications are being reviewed.
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Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, said the policy aligns with the government’s plan to attract global talent and keep doctors already working within the system.
Similarly, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, stressed that increasing the number of qualified physicians is critical to improving access to healthcare nationwide. She noted that collaboration with provinces and territories would help address workforce gaps and ensure timely care for Canadians.
For Nigerian doctors exploring overseas opportunities, the planned Canada express entry for doctors represents another structured pathway into one of the world’s most in-demand healthcare systems.