Canada is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for healthcare professionals. With a high standard of living, a strong public healthcare system, and a growing demand for medical practitioners, Canada welcomes doctors from across the globe to settle and work permanently.
If you are a licensed medical doctor aiming to move to Canada, this comprehensive guide explains the eligibility, immigration routes, required documents, and licensing process for physicians in 2025.
High Demand for Doctors in Canada
Canada’s healthcare system is currently facing a shortage of qualified physicians. According to recent government data, over 6 million Canadians lack a family doctor, and the demand is especially high in rural and northern regions.
To address this, the federal and provincial governments have introduced various immigration pathways designed specifically for healthcare professionals.
In 2025, doctors remain one of the most in-demand occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC 31102) for General Practitioners and NOC 31100 for Specialist Physicians.
Which Doctors Are Eligible to Immigrate to Canada?
Doctors and specialists under the TEER Level 1 category are eligible to apply through skilled worker immigration routes.
Some of the eligible healthcare occupations include:
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
| Specialist physicians (clinical and laboratory medicine) | 31100 | 1 |
| Surgeons | 31101 | 1 |
| Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
What Is the Average Salary of Doctors in Canada?
Doctor salaries in Canada depend on the province, experience, and medical speciality. On average:
- Family Physicians: CAD $200,000 – $280,000 per year
- Specialists: CAD $300,000 – $450,000 per year
- Rural Physicians: Up to CAD $500,000 annually due to bonuses and relocation incentives
Canada also offers free healthcare, education benefits for dependents, and permanent residence to eligible applicants.
What Are the Immigration Programmes Available for Doctors?
Express Entry for Doctors
The Express Entry system is the most popular immigration pathway for doctors. It manages applications under:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Since 2023, IRCC has conducted healthcare-specific Express Entry draws, increasing selection chances for doctors even with lower CRS scores.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province has its own PNP stream targeting healthcare professionals.
Common options include:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Physician Stream (in collaboration with Saskatchewan Health Authority)
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – Physician Stream
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Healthcare Pathway
These programmes allow provinces to nominate doctors directly for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP allows healthcare workers to immigrate to Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island) through employer sponsorship.
Applicants with a job offer from a designated healthcare employer can apply for permanent residency without an LMIA.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The RNIP helps smaller Canadian communities attract foreign doctors to fill medical vacancies. In exchange, candidates receive priority processing and PR eligibility.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Doctors who are already working or training in Canada can apply through CEC for permanent residency. It’s an ideal pathway for medical graduates completing their postgraduate residency in Canada.
What Are the Requirements for Doctors to Immigrate to Canada?
Doctors applying for permanent residence must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a recognised medical degree (verified through the World Directory of Medical Schools).
- Have at least one year of continuous, paid work experience.
- Provide proof of language proficiency in English or French.
- Show proof of settlement funds, unless already employed in Canada.
- Pass medical licensing exams (MCCQE Part I).
- Obtain a provincial medical licence before practising.
What Is the Licensing Process for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)?
Immigration and medical licensing are separate processes. To practise medicine in Canada, you must complete the following steps:
- Create an account on.
- Submit your medical degree and transcripts for source verification.
- Pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I.
- Complete postgraduate training or a Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programme.
- Obtain a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
- Apply for provincial registration with the relevant Medical Regulatory Authority (e.g., CPSO, CPSBC, CPSA).
Do Doctors Need a Job Offer to Immigrate to Canada?
A job offer is not required for Express Entry applications but can significantly increase CRS points.
However, certain programmes such as AIP, RNIP, and PNP Physician Streams require a valid job offer from a designated healthcare employer.
What Is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Doctors?
Doctors must obtain their ECA from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) through physiciansapply.ca.
This assessment verifies that your foreign medical education is equivalent to a Canadian qualification and is mandatory for Express Entry.
What Are the Language Requirements for Medical Professionals?
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
Accepted English Tests
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP-G
Accepted French Tests
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Minimum requirement: CLB 7 or above in all language abilities.
What Documents Are Required for Immigration?
The required documents for Canada immigration as a doctor include:
- Valid passport
- ECA report from the MCC
- IELTS/CELPIP or TEF results
- Medical degree and transcripts
- Proof of work experience
- Proof of settlement funds
- Police clearance certificate
- Job offer (if applicable)
- Provincial nomination (if applicable)
How to Apply for Canada Immigration as a Doctor – Step by Step
- Check eligibility through IRCC’s website.
- Verify your medical degree in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Create a physiciansapply.ca account for credential verification.
- Complete your ECA and language test.
- Submit an Express Entry profile under FSW or CEC.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
- Submit PR documents and pay fees.
- Undergo a medical exam and security check.
- Receive Permanent Residence (PR) confirmation.
- Start licensing and registration in your chosen province.
Book Your Canada Immigration Consultation Today
How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to Canada as a Doctor?
| Item | Approximate Cost (CAD) |
| Educational Credential Assessment (MCC) | $215 |
| MCCQE Part I Examination | $1,420 |
| Express Entry Application Fee | $1,365 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 |
| IELTS Exam | $320 – $350 |
| Medical Exam | $100 – $300 |
Total estimated cost: CAD $3,000 – $4,000
How Long Does the Process Take?
Express Entry processing for healthcare professionals typically takes 6 to 8 months from profile submission to PR approval, provided all documents are complete and verified.
Which Provinces Are Best for Doctors in 2025?
| Province | Key Advantage |
| Ontario | Strongest demand for family doctors and specialists |
| Nova Scotia | Dedicated Physician Stream and relocation incentives |
| Saskatchewan | Practice-Ready Assessment for IMGs |
| British Columbia | High quality of life and competitive salaries |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Employer-supported AIP healthcare opportunities |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can Pakistani or Indian doctors apply directly for Canadian immigration?
Yes. Doctors from Pakistan, India, the UK, or any other country can apply through Express Entry or PNP if their degree is recognised by the Medical Council of Canada.
Q2: Is the MCCQE Part II still required?
No. The MCCQE Part II was discontinued in 2021. The LMCC is now awarded based on verified clinical experience and MCCQE Part I results.
Q3: Can my spouse and children accompany me?
Yes. Dependants can move with you. Spouses may obtain open work permits, and children can study in Canada.
Q4: Can I apply without Canadian work experience?
Yes. Many doctors immigrate through the Federal Skilled Worker Program without prior work in Canada.
Q5: Which immigration programme is fastest for doctors?
The Express Entry healthcare draw and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) currently offer the fastest processing times for doctors in 2025.
