Canada Launches Fast-Track Work Permit for Foreign Doctors 14-Day Processing
Canada has announced a major immigration reform aimed at solving its long-standing healthcare workforce crisis. Under a newly launched Fast-Track Work Permit, eligible foreign doctors will now be able to receive Canadian work permits in as little as 14 days, allowing them to start working almost immediately.
The move is being widely welcomed by healthcare professionals and provincial governments, as Canada continues to struggle with doctor shortages, long patient wait times, and overburdened hospitals. The initiative was reported by pave.com.pk and confirmed by Canadian authorities as part of a broader plan to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Canada’s Growing Healthcare Crisis
Canada has been facing severe shortages of doctors and medical professionals for several years. According to official data, millions of Canadians do not have access to a regular family physician, while emergency rooms across the country remain understaffed.
Rural and remote areas are particularly affected, where residents often wait months for basic medical appointments. Healthcare workers are also experiencing high levels of burnout, leading many professionals to leave the system entirely.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Canadian government has turned to immigration as a key solution to fill immediate staffing gaps.
Announcement by Canadian Officials
The fast-track work permit initiative was announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, alongside Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.
During the announcement, officials stated that Canada can no longer afford lengthy immigration delays for essential healthcare workers. They emphasised that skilled foreign doctors are already willing to work in Canada, but bureaucratic processes often prevent them from doing so quickly.
The new policy is designed to remove those delays and bring qualified doctors into the healthcare system without unnecessary waiting periods.
How the Fast-Track Work Permit Works
Under the new framework, foreign doctors will qualify for accelerated work permit processing if they meet specific criteria.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian healthcare employer
- Receive a provincial or territorial nomination
- Meet licensing or practice requirements set by provincial medical authorities
Once these conditions are met, work permit applications can be processed within 14 days, significantly faster than traditional timelines.
This allows doctors to begin working while their permanent residency (PR) applications are still being reviewed.
Working While PR Is Under Review
One of the most important aspects of the new policy is that doctors will not have to wait for permanent residency approval before starting work.
Previously, many foreign doctors faced long gaps between receiving job offers and being legally allowed to work. This led to frustration for both employers and medical professionals.
With the fast-track permit, doctors can:
- Start or continue working in hospitals and clinics
- Gain Canadian work experience
- Support healthcare services immediately
This approach ensures that Canada benefits from skilled professionals without delay.
5,000 Additional PR Slots for Doctors
To support the fast-track system, the Canadian government has also allocated 5,000 additional permanent residency slots specifically for licensed doctors.
These slots will be offered through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), giving provinces more flexibility to retain doctors who are already working in their healthcare systems.
Provincial governments have welcomed the move, stating that it will help them plan long-term staffing needs and reduce dependency on temporary solutions.
Focus on Retaining Practice-Ready Doctors
Officials clarified that the policy is not only about attracting new doctors from abroad, but also about retaining those who are already contributing to Canadian healthcare.
Many foreign-trained doctors are currently working in Canada on temporary permits. Due to slow immigration pathways, some are forced to leave despite being fully integrated into hospitals and clinics.
The new system aims to ensure that practice-ready doctors are given clear and stable pathways to permanent settlement.
Express Entry Category for Doctors in 2026
In another significant development, the Canadian government announced plans to introduce a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors in early 2026.
This new category will target physicians who:
- Have at least one year of recent Canadian work experience
- Are licensed or eligible to practice in Canada
- Are already contributing to healthcare services
The Express Entry category is expected to further simplify and speed up the transition from temporary work permits to permanent residency.
Benefits for Foreign Doctors
The fast-track work permit offers several key benefits for foreign doctors, including:
- Extremely fast processing times
- Immediate access to Canadian work experience
- Clear pathways to permanent residency
- Long-term job security
- Opportunities to settle with family
For doctors from countries such as Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and other nations with strong medical training systems, the policy opens new doors to international careers.
Benefits for Canada’s Healthcare System
From Canada’s perspective, the initiative is expected to:
- Reduce patient wait times
- Improve hospital staffing levels
- Support rural and underserved communities
- Reduce burnout among existing healthcare workers
- Strengthen public healthcare services
Experts believe that quicker integration of foreign doctors will help stabilise the system in both the short and long term.
Provincial Role in the New System
Provinces and territories will play a key role in the success of the fast-track program. Each province will:
- Identify healthcare shortages
- Nominate eligible foreign doctors
- Coordinate with federal authorities
This decentralised approach allows provinces to address their specific healthcare needs more effectively.
Challenges Still Remain
While the policy has been praised, experts note that challenges remain. These include:
- Licensing requirements for foreign-trained doctors
- Recognition of international medical qualifications
- Language and regulatory assessments
However, officials stated that efforts are underway to improve credential recognition and reduce unnecessary barriers.
Conclusion – Canada Launches Fast-Track Work Permit for Foreign Doctors
Canada’s decision to launch a fast-track work permit for foreign doctors marks a major shift in both immigration and healthcare policy. By allowing eligible doctors to begin working within just 14 days, the government is taking decisive action to address critical staff shortages.
Combined with additional PR slots and a future Express Entry category, the initiative offers a comprehensive solution aimed at strengthening Canada’s healthcare system while providing foreign doctors with meaningful opportunities.
For skilled medical professionals worldwide, Canada is sending a clear message: your expertise is needed, and you are welcome.
