Canada is throwing open its doors to foreign-trained physicians, unveiling a new express entry pathway that could reshape the future of Nigerian doctors seeking opportunities abroad.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Office announced that beginning in early 2026, international doctors who have worked in Canada for at least one year within the past three years will be eligible to apply for permanent residence under a dedicated category.
The move comes as Canada grapples with persistent physician shortages, a challenge that has strained hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Officials say the initiative is part of a broader plan to stabilise the health system while attracting high-skilled professionals.
“We’re giving these doctors a clear pathway to permanent residence in Canada to fill critical health workforce gaps, while helping support reliable care and a stable health system for Canadians,” the IRCC stated.
Ottawa will also reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.
These reserved slots are separate from existing Provincial Nominee Program allocations. Successful nominees will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing while their permanent residence applications are underway.
Nigeria’s Brain Drain Meets Canada’s Health Needs
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, said the initiative aligns with the government’s mandate to build a strong economy by attracting global talent.
“This dedicated Express Entry category, along with the reserved federal admission spaces for provinces and territories will help bring in and keep practice-ready doctors, so people across Canada can get the care they need,” she explained.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Maggie Chi, added: “Attracting skilled health professionals is essential to addressing Canada’s health workforce shortages. Increasing the number of qualified physicians with the expertise our health care system needs will ensure people across the country receive timely, high-quality care.”
For Nigeria, the announcement may intensify concerns about the ongoing exodus of medical professionals. With thousands of doctors already leaving each year due to poor working conditions, low pay, and inadequate infrastructure,
Canada’s new pathway could accelerate the trend. The irony is striking while Nigeria struggles to retain its brightest medical minds, Canada is offering them a fast-track to stability, recognition, and permanent residence.
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