TEMPORARY PUBLIC POLICY: FAVOURING PHYSICIANS

Temporary public policy to facilitate the issuance of permanent resident visas for physicians providing publicly funded medical services in Canada

The inability of many physicians to qualify under the CEC or FSWC to enter the Express Entry pool has been a longstanding issue This could lead to retention challenges and obstacles in meeting regional health care needs.

In recognition of the unique circumstance faced by physicians who are considered self-employed, including those who receive payment under a fee-for-service model or other contractual service arrangements, this public policy provides exemptions for foreign national physicians whose medical services are reimbursed through public funds.

With these exemptions, qualifying physicians will have a greater likelihood of meeting the eligibility requirements of the FSWC and CEC, and entering the Express Entry pool. Additionally, with relevant and complementary changes to the Express Entry Ministerial Instructions, foreign national physicians will have an increased chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Express Entry Ministerial Instructions, foreign national physicians will have an increased chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other legislative and regulatory obligations and admissibility and selection requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy. 

This temporary public policy will come into effect on April 25, 2023 and remains in effect until it is revoked by the Minister. The public policy may be revoked at any time, without prior notice.

Source:IRCC