When Canada’s new expedited entry track for foreign doctors opens in 2026, it would be a boon to Nigerian doctors who are looking for better opportunities abroad.
As part of larger measures to stabilize Canada’s health system and attract highly-skilled individuals, the Canadian government has announced this in a statement by its Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Office. The decision is in response to recurrent physician shortages, the statement said.
According to Channels TV, as part of the new policies, Canada would establish a special express admission category for foreign medical professionals who have worked in Canada for at least one year in the last three years and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Temporary medical professionals providing care to patients in Canada are the focus of this category.
“By providing these physicians with a transparent route to permanent residency in Canada, we are addressing urgent shortages in the health workforce and ensuring that Canadians have access to dependable care and a secure healthcare system. The new Express Entry category will begin accepting applications in early 2026, according to IRCC.
The federal government has set aside 5,000 openings for new hires so that states and territories can submit qualified medical professionals.
There is a distinction between the current Provincial Nominee Program allocations and these reserved places. While their applications for permanent residency are being processed, successful nominees will be granted a work permit with expedited processing of just 14 days.
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, chimed in to say that the program will help the country achieve its objectives of luring top talent from around the world and holding on to its current medical professionals.
Canada’s incoming government is charged with bolstering the country’s economy through the recruitment of world-class talent and the resolution of pressing labor shortages. “People across Canada can get the care they need” because of this specialized Express Entry category and the designated federal admission spots for provinces and territories.
Maggie Chi, Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, stressed the importance of a sufficient supply of trained doctors in expanding the country’s access to medical treatment.
“To solve Canada’s health workforce shortfalls, it is vital to attract talented health workers. To guarantee that all citizens receive prompt, high-quality treatment, we must increase the supply of trained doctors who possess the specialized knowledge our healthcare system requires. “Canadians receive the care they need, when they need it, because we are tackling workforce challenges and strengthening the health care system by working closely with provinces and territories,” Chi added.
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