Canada continues to face a critical shortage of family doctors, with projections indicating a need for 19,500 more family physicians by 2031. This demand presents a strong opportunity for internationally-trained doctors to gain permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
On This Page, You Will Find:
- How family doctors can qualify for Express Entry
- NOC 31102 job outlook and salary ranges in Canada
- Provincial Nominee Program pathways for physicians
- Why Canada needs more family doctors
- How targeted draws make immigration easier in 2025
According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), there will be approximately 48,900 job openings for family doctors between 2022 and 2031, but only 29,400 qualified candidates available to fill those roles. This gap reflects a growing need for healthcare workers in Canada’s aging population.
Express Entry Now Targets Family Doctors
In May 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new occupation-targeted category under Express Entry, allowing the government to select candidates based on specific professions rather than just program eligibility. Family physicians – classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 31102 – are now among the 82 targeted jobs.
To qualify for these targeted draws, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years, either in Canada or abroad. This experience may have been obtained while working in Canada with a temporary work permit or as an international student with legal authorization to work.
Occupation-targeted draws are available through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs, as well as through aligned PNP streams.
Job Market for Family Physicians in Canada
Canada-wide, the demand for family doctors remains very high. In October 2023, over 500 family physician job postings appeared on job search platforms such as Indeed.ca. Job Bank, the government’s labour market portal, forecasts very good employment prospects in every province except Alberta, where demand is still considered good.
Salary and NOC Code for Family Physicians
Family physicians in Canada fall under NOC 31102. According to Job Bank, their median salary is $216,833 per year, though this can range from $76,759 to $451,997, depending on location, experience, and practice setting. Urban centres and northern or remote communities may offer additional financial incentives to attract talent.
Why the Demand Is Rising
Canada’s aging population is driving demand for more primary care. As patients live longer and require more frequent and complex care, the burden on existing physicians grows. The Canadian Occupational Projection System notes that the employment growth rate for this profession will significantly outpace the national average for all occupations in the coming decade.
Provincial Pathways Also Offer Opportunities
In addition to federal Express Entry draws, many provinces actively recruit family physicians through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan regularly issue targeted invitations to family doctors, especially for positions in rural or underserved areas.
These programs typically require a valid job offer and may require licensure or registration with a provincial medical college before applying.
Policy Backing and System Transparency
Under new amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, IRCC must consult with provinces, employers, unions, and settlement organizations before launching any new occupation-targeted categories. It must also provide an annual report to Parliament explaining the rationale behind these selection choices.
This change, combined with labour market input from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), ensures that immigration selection remains aligned with real economic needs.
FAQ
What is the NOC code for family doctors in Canada?
Family physicians are classified under NOC 31102 in Canada’s National Occupational Classification system. This code covers general practitioners and family medicine specialists.
What is the average salary for a family doctor in Canada?
The median salary is around $216,833 annually. However, salaries vary widely from $76,759 up to $451,997, depending on the location and experience of the physician.
Can foreign-trained doctors apply for Express Entry?
Yes. Internationally-trained family doctors with at least six months of relevant work experience in the last three years may qualify for occupation-targeted Express Entry draws.
Do family doctors need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?
Not necessarily. A valid job offer can increase points and help with certain PNPs, but it’s not mandatory for Express Entry eligibility if other criteria are met.
Are family doctors in demand in all provinces?
Yes. Every province in Canada has a high demand for family doctors, with Job Bank forecasting very good job prospects in all except Alberta, where demand is still good.
