Canada woos Indian doctors with change in immigration rules

Canada has 3,900 doctors trained in India and it could be even higher at around 8,000-10,000, the Times of India reported, citing International Migration Outlook 2025.

Canada has tweaked its immigration policy for foreign-trained doctors, providing an “express entry” route to permanent residence as the country grapples with shortage of physicians.

The new change in policy targets internationally-trained doctors, who have at least one year of experience in the last three years.

Lena Diab, the immigration and refugees minister, said, “We’ve heard a clear message from patients, provinces and the medical community, we need more hands on the deck.”

The move will allow all foreign-trainer doctors nominated under the program to receive expedited 14-day work permit, allowing them to continue their practice as they wait for permanent residency.

Moreover, the Canadian government has reserved 5,000 admission spots for provinces and territories to nominate doctors with job offers, in addition to the Provincial Nominee Program’s share, a report by CTV News said. Under the new norms, family physicians, general practitioners and medical and surgical specialists will be eligible.

Canada has an acute shortage of physicians and the move is part of its efforts to fill the gaps. On the other hand, India has a large number of medical graduates studying in Indian and abroad and the change provides a win-win scenario for Canada and the students.

Canada has 3,900 doctors trained in India and it could be even higher at around 8,000-10,000, the Times of India reported, citing International Migration Outlook 2025.

Overall, Canada is reported to have over 100,000 physicians with a likely density of 20-25 doctors per 10,000 people.