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Can a Doctor from Pakistan Immigrate to Canada?

Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for doctors from Pakistan looking to move to Canada.

27
Active Jobs
20
Employers
Moderate
Demand Level
No
IEC Eligible
Visa RequiredRegulated Profession

Processing Times from Pakistan

Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Pakistan. Times may vary.

Application TypeProcessing Time
Study Permits5 weeks
Visitor Visa58 days
Work Permits9 weeks
Super Visa101 days
Family Sponsorship - Dependent ChildNo processing time available
Family Sponsorship - Adopted ChildNot enough data
Government-Assisted RefugeesNot enough data

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration Pathways for Pakistan Citizens

Express Entry

Permanent Residence

Citizens of Pakistan can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.

Employer-Sponsored LMIA

Temporary Work

A Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Pakistan through the LMIA process for a work permit.

Key Requirements for Pakistan Citizens

Work Experience

You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a doctor or in a closely related role.

Language Tests

You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.

Education & Credential Assessment

Medical credentials from Pakistan must be verified by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). International medical graduates must pass the MCCQE Part I and Part II and complete a Canadian residency program.

Licensing and Registration

Medicine is regulated in all provinces. You must be licensed by the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons to practise.

Job Offer

While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 27 active doctor openings on Job Bank.

Proof of Funds

You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.

Family SizeMinimum Funds (CAD)
1 (Single)$15,263
2 (Couple)$19,001
3$23,360
4$28,362
5$32,168
6$36,280
7$40,392
Each additional member+$4,112

Recent Express Entry Draws

Doctor may qualify for Healthcare category-based Express Entry draws with lower CRS cutoffs.

DrawDateCategoryCRS CutoffITAs
#4532026-10-28Transport477150
#4522026-10-27French4075,000
#4512026-10-26PNP761792
#4502026-10-16French4355,000
#4492026-10-15CEC5192,500

Eligible Programs for Doctors

Top Provinces Hiring Doctors

Current Doctor Openings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Doctor from Pakistan immigrate to Canada?
Yes, Doctors from Pakistan can immigrate to Canada. Programs include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and employer-sponsored LMIA work permits. There are currently 27 active job openings.
How long does it take to get a Canadian work permit from Pakistan?
Processing times from Pakistan vary by application type. Study Permits: 5 weeks. Visitor Visa: 58 days. Work Permits: 9 weeks. Source: IRCC. Times are estimates and can change.
Does a Doctor from Pakistan need a visa to enter Canada?
Pakistan citizens require visa to enter Canada. Work permits are separate from entry visas.
Is Doctor a regulated profession in Canada?
Yes, doctor is a regulated profession in Canada. You will need to have your credentials assessed and obtain provincial licensing before you can practise. This typically involves a credential assessment, qualifying examinations, and registration with the provincial regulatory body.

Other Countries

Other Occupations from Pakistan