Maple News reports that Canada continues to prioritize immigration pathways for specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine amid persistent healthcare labour shortages. As one of the most in-demand medical occupations, professionals under National Occupation Classification (NOC) 31100 are now directly targeted through Express Entry draws and multiple provincial nominee streams in 2025.
With an aging population and rising complexity in medical diagnostics, Canada anticipates 29,800 job openings for specialist physicians between 2022 and 2031, while only 24,000 qualified candidates are expected to fill them. This shortfall has led Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to focus on these essential healthcare roles in its immigration strategies.
NOC 31100 includes various medical specialists such as cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and diagnostic radiologists. These professionals often work in hospitals or laboratories and play a crucial role in Canada’s healthcare delivery system. According to Job Bank Canada, the median salary for these roles is $273,510 annually, with earnings ranging from $100,694 to over $550,000, depending on the area of specialization and location.
Since May 2023, Canada has introduced occupation-specific draws within the Express Entry system. To be eligible in 2025, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in NOC 31100 within the last three years and meet the overall requirements under any Express Entry-managed program: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).
In addition to Express Entry, several provinces welcome medical specialists through dedicated Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). British Columbia, for instance, proactively invites qualified specialists with job offers under its Healthcare Professional category. Ontario occasionally targets healthcare roles through its Human Capital Priorities stream, while Alberta lists physicians among its occupational priorities under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
To begin the immigration process, candidates should: 1) confirm their work experience aligns with NOC 31100; 2) initiate the process of credential recognition with the Medical Council of Canada and provincial licensing authorities; 3) create an Express Entry profile; 4) prepare essential documentation including language test results and evidence of medical education and employment history.
Once invited through a draw or nominated by a province, applicants must submit their permanent residence (PR) application within 60 days. The Federal government aims to process these applications within six months.
Canadian medical licensure is not required to apply for Express Entry, but it is mandatory for clinical practice after landing. Provinces have different licensing bodies and requirements that must be finalized prior to beginning work.
Medical specialists without a job offer may still successfully immigrate under occupation-specific Express Entry invitations. However, securing employment with a healthcare institution can enhance provincial nomination chances and provide a smoother transition to professional practice in Canada.
With strong job growth projections, attractive salaries, and federal and provincial support, Canada remains a promising destination for clinical and laboratory medicine specialists seeking long-term settlement and career advancement.