On this page you will find
- Why Canada faces a long-term shortage of family doctors
- How Express Entry targets physicians in 2026
- Salary and job outlook for family doctors
- Provincial Nominee Program options for physicians
- Ontario’s 2026 update for self-employed doctors
Canada’s shortage of family doctors has moved from a long-term concern to a structural crisis. Governments at both the federal and provincial levels are now using immigration policy as one of the main tools to address gaps in primary care, particularly outside major urban centres.
For internationally trained family physicians, this creates real and expanding pathways to permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada programs and Provincial Nominee Programs. While licensing remains complex, immigration selection itself has become more favourable than at any point in the past decade.
Why Canada Needs More Family Doctors
Canada is projected to need nearly 20,000 additional family physicians by 2031, driven by population growth, physician retirements, and an aging population with increasing healthcare needs.
According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System, there will be tens of thousands of job openings for family doctors between 2022 and 2031, far exceeding the number of domestically trained physicians entering the workforce. This gap has pushed governments to treat family medicine as a priority occupation in immigration selection.
Express Entry Now Actively Targets Family Doctors
Since the introduction of occupation-targeted Express Entry draws, family doctors have benefited directly from category-based selection.
Family physicians fall under National Occupational Classification code 31102, which is included in healthcare-targeted Express Entry categories. These draws allow IRCC to invite candidates based on occupation rather than relying solely on overall Comprehensive Ranking System scores.
To qualify for occupation-targeted draws, candidates must have:
- At least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years
- Experience gained in Canada or abroad
- Experience that aligns with the targeted occupation
These draws apply across the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and aligned Provincial Nominee Program streams.
A New Express Entry Category for Physicians With Canadian Experience
IRCC has introduced a new Express Entry category specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience, giving provinces and territories a more direct way to retain doctors already working in the health system.
The category applies to the following occupations:
- General practitioners and family physicians – NOC 31102
- Specialists in surgery – NOC 31101
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine – NOC 31100
To qualify, candidates must have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time, continuous work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, within the past three years, in Canada, and in one eligible physician occupation.
The category is designed to prioritise doctors who have already navigated Canadian licensing, workplace standards, and patient care environments. By targeting physicians with domestic experience, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada aims to improve retention and help provinces convert experienced temporary physicians into permanent residents more efficiently.
For internationally trained doctors already practising in Canada on work permits or provisional licences, this category significantly improves long-term immigration prospects and reduces reliance on broader Express Entry competition.
Job Market and Salary Outlook for Family Doctors
Demand for family physicians remains strong across Canada. Government labour market forecasts rate employment prospects as very good in nearly every province, with particular pressure in rural, northern, and underserved communities.
Family doctors under NOC 31102 earn a median annual salary of approximately $216,000, with wide variation based on location, billing model, and scope of practice. In some regions, earnings can exceed $400,000 annually, especially where recruitment incentives apply.
Provincial Nominee Programs Expand Physician Pathways
Beyond Express Entry, provinces continue to use their nominee programs to attract family doctors.
Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and several Atlantic provinces regularly nominate physicians, often through employer-supported or community-linked pathways. These streams usually require provincial licensure or eligibility for licensure before nomination.
Ontario’s 2026 Update for Self-Employed Physicians
Ontario introduced a targeted but technical update at the start of 2026 that affects how some internationally trained physicians can qualify for nomination.
As of January 1, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program expanded eligibility for self-employed physicians applying under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
Physicians under NOC codes 31100, 31101, and 31102 are now eligible to apply as self-employed if they:
- Are members in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- Hold a provisional certificate of registration
- Have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing number
The change aligns with amendments to Ontario’s Medicine Act that took effect in 2026 and is designed to remove barriers for internationally educated physicians who practise as independent contractors rather than traditional employees.
At the same time, Ontario removed postgraduate licences from the list of eligible registrations, since holders of those licences cannot obtain an OHIP billing number. Postgraduate licence-holders may still qualify if they have a formal job offer with an Ontario employer.
While this update does not transform doctor immigration on its own, it closes a technical gap that previously excluded some otherwise eligible physicians.
Licensing Still Matters – But Immigration Is the Easier Part
It is important to distinguish between immigration selection and medical licensing.
Immigration programs increasingly recognise the need for family doctors and prioritise them accordingly. Licensing, however, remains governed by provincial medical colleges and can involve assessments, examinations, supervised practice, or provisional registration.
In many cases, immigration pathways run in parallel with licensing, rather than waiting for full certification before selection.
What Family Doctors Should Do in 2026
Internationally trained family doctors considering Canada should:
- Confirm their NOC classification and work history alignment
- Monitor healthcare-targeted Express Entry draws
- Engage early with provincial medical regulators
- Explore Provincial Nominee Programs alongside federal options
- Prepare immigration applications with strong, well-documented evidence
Canada’s immigration system is now structured to select family doctors. The remaining challenge is navigating licensure efficiently once selected.
FAQ
What is the NOC code for family doctors in Canada?
Family doctors and general practitioners are classified under NOC 31102. This occupation is included in healthcare-targeted Express Entry categories, making it a priority for immigration selection.
Can foreign-trained doctors apply through Express Entry?
Yes. Internationally trained family doctors with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years may qualify for occupation-targeted Express Entry draws, even if the experience was gained outside Canada.
Do family doctors need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?
A job offer is not required for occupation-targeted Express Entry draws. However, many Provincial Nominee Programs require either a job offer or evidence of intent to practise in the province.
How does Ontario’s 2026 change affect physicians?
Ontario now allows self-employed physicians with provisional registration and an OHIP billing number to apply under the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. This expands access for some internationally trained doctors.
Is demand for family doctors expected to continue?
Yes. Labour market projections show strong demand for family physicians across Canada for the foreseeable future, driven by retirements, population growth, and increasing healthcare needs.
