Express Entry 2026 Category for Medical Doctors 

In February 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new Express Entry category targeting physicians with Canadian work experience. This category reflects Canada's structural need to retain doctors already contributing to the healthcare system. 

Canada continues to face physician shortages across provinces, particularly in rural communities, specialized care, and family medicine. The 2026 update formally prioritizes doctors who have already integrated into the Canadian healthcare workforce. 

This category operates under Express Entry’s category-based selection system, meaning eligible candidates compete within a defined occupational pool rather than only through general CRS draws. 

 

Who Qualifies Under This Category? 

To qualify under the Physicians with Canadian Work Experience category, candidates must: 

Meet Express Entry Base Eligibility 

Applicants must first qualify under one of the three Express Entry programs: 

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 

Most physicians will qualify under CEC or FSWP. 

 

Canadian Work Experience Requirement 

IRCC requires: 

  • A minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) 

  • Within the last 3 years 

  • In a qualifying physician occupation 

  • Experience must have been obtained in Canada 

International experience alone does not satisfy category eligibility. 

 

Eligible NOC Codes (NOC 2021) 

The physician category is expected to include the following NOC codes: 

IRCC confirms that category eligibility depends on the occupation listed in the specific round instructions. Applicants must ensure that: 

  • Their job duties align substantially with the lead statement of the NOC 

  • Their employment was authorized 

  • Work was performed in a regulated capacity 

 

Additional Considerations for Physicians 

Licensing 

While IRCC does not impose licensing requirements as part of Express Entry eligibility, Canadian work experience as a physician typically requires: 

  • Registration with a provincial medical regulatory authority 

  • Supervised practice or independent practice authorization 

Documentation may include: 

  • Employment letters 

  • Licensing confirmation 

  • Proof of clinical hours 

 

Language Requirements 

Physicians must meet language thresholds under their qualifying Express Entry program. 
For example: 

  • CEC requires CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations 

  • FSW requires CLB 7 minimum in all abilities 

 

Strategic Importance 

This category demonstrates Canada's shift toward retention-based immigration policy. 

Instead of focusing solely on recruiting doctors abroad, IRCC now prioritizes those already practicing in Canada. This increases predictability for foreign-trained physicians working in: 

  • Hospitals 

  • Clinics 

  • Specialized medical centers 

  • Rural health programs 

 

How Global Opportunities Can Help 

At Global Opportunities, we: 

  • Confirm correct NOC alignment 

  • Structure Express Entry profiles 

  • Review employment documentation 

  • Prepare complete permanent residence applications 

  • Provide full representation from start to submission 

If you are a physician currently working in Canada and want to transition from temporary status to permanent residence under the 2026 Express Entry category, now is the time to plan strategically. Eligibility depends on correct NOC classification, properly documented Canadian experience, and compliance with Express Entry program requirements. At Global Opportunities, we provide full immigration representation—from eligibility assessment to complete permanent residence submission. Contact us today to schedule your initial immigration assessment and determine whether you qualify under the Physicians category for Express Entry.