Canada is currently facing a critical shortage of doctors, prompting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to implement new measures to facilitate obtaining permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry Programs. The demand for doctors in Canada has surged significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the healthcare sector being the sole industry consistently creating new job opportunities.

Recognizing the urgent need to address this shortage, the Canadian Minister of Immigration has announced a series of changes aimed at simplifying the PR application process for doctors. These modifications specifically target physicians who were previously considered self-employed and consequently excluded from eligibility for Canada's Express Entry program. As a result, measures have been put in place to assist doctors who are already in Canada, providing them with an avenue to transition from temporary residents to permanent residents.

In 2022, Canada experienced a significant influx of immigration applications from across the globe, with over 8,600 individuals seeking temporary and permanent residency. Notably, a substantial portion of these applications was from individuals in the healthcare sector. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) responded to this demand by granting work permits to more than 2,500 doctors, 620 nurses, and 550 nurse's assistants.

To facilitate the process of foreign doctors becoming permanent residents in Canada, Sean Fraser, the Immigration Minister, has introduced new regulations. Under these rules, candidates with a minimum of one year of work experience, whether acquired abroad or within Canada, will be eligible to apply through the Express Entry Program. Fraser emphasized that being self-employed should not automatically disqualify candidates from attaining permanent residency.

Previously, the eligibility criteria for doctors seeking entry into Canada through Express Entry posed challenges, as many doctors operate under a "fee-for-service" payment model rather than a traditional employer-employee relationship. Consequently, doctors who were residing in Canada temporarily were classified as self-employed on paper, rendering them ineligible for Express Entry.

Foreign doctors residing in Canada have proven to be invaluable assets to the local community, particularly in addressing the needs of the aging population. With the implementation of these new rules, Canada warmly welcomes doctors who wish to establish their lives and careers in the country.

Upcoming Changes to the Express Entry Program

Significant revisions to the Express Entry Program are on the horizon for 2023. Through the implementation of Bill C-19, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be granted enhanced authority to target candidates for Canadian permanent residency based on factors such as work experience, skill set, language proficiency, and more. This signifies a shift away from solely relying on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores to issue Invitations to Apply (ITA).

The expanded powers vested in the IRCC will enable Canada to invite candidates who possess valuable expertise and can make substantial contributions to the country's economy, rather than simply inundating the labor market with a high volume of applicants.

The Process of Immigrating to Canada as a Doctor in 2023

For those aspiring to practice medicine in Canada in 2023, the following steps outline the procedure for obtaining a medical license:

1. Obtain a medical degree from a recognized university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
2. Apply for a Licentiate of Canada's Medical Council.
3. Successfully complete a one-year postgraduate program in the respective province under medical supervision.
4. Obtain an official certificate from a recognized medical institution, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, and others.
5. Provide a documented immigration history from reputable institutions such as the College of Family Physicians of Canada and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)

Embarking on the journey to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) involves a series of steps. Here is a comprehensive guide on the application process:

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility and Determine Your NOC Code

Begin by assessing your eligibility for Canada PR using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score calculator. You must achieve a minimum score of 67 points to qualify for PR.

Step 2: Obtain Educational Credential Assessments (ECA)

Undergo the process of Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to obtain a certificate that confirms the equivalency of your educational qualifications to those in Canada.

Step 3: Take the Language Proficiency Test

It is essential to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam and achieve a minimum score of 6 bands to meet the language proficiency requirement.

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

Create a profile within the Express Entry system or explore the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if eligible. Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool for consideration.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you meet the CRS score requirements, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This signifies that you must proceed to submit your application, along with the required documents and fees, to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 6: Complete Medical Examination and Obtain Police Clearance Certificate

After submitting your application, undergo a medical examination from an authorized panel physician. Additionally, obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to verify your clean criminal record.

Step 7: Submit Passport for Visa Stamping

The final step involves providing biometrics and submitting your passport for visa stamping. Upon completion, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR).

To navigate the intricacies of applying for Canada PR, consider seeking assistance from Round World Immigration, an esteemed immigration consulting firm. With our strong track record of helping numerous candidates achieve Canada PR, we have earned the reputation as the leading immigration consultant in Delhi. Take the leap and connect with our IRCC-accredited immigration consultants today to realize your dream of migrating to Canada.