LMIA FinderCan a Doctor from Philippines Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for doctors from Philippines looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Philippines
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Philippines. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 24 days |
| Study Permits | 6 weeks |
| Work Permits | 9 weeks |
| Super Visa | 109 days |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | 11 months |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | 17 months |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Philippines Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Philippines can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Philippines through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Philippines 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 Philippines 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 25 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 Size | Minimum 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.
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Doctors
Express Entry (FSW)
Medium MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
High MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Top Provinces Hiring Doctors
Current Doctor Openings
Family Doctor
$251,496.00 to $253,000.00 annually (to be negotiated)Mehrvir Medical Inc · Brampton, Ontario
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (dvm)
$140,000.00 to $160,000.00 annually (to be negotiated)Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services · Parksville, British Columbia
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (dvm)
$50.00 to $75.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Clinique Vétérinaire De Lille Inc · Montréal, Quebec
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (dvm)
$50.00 to $75.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Clinique Vétérinaire Saint Jean Baptiste Inc. · Pointe-Aux-Trembles, Quebec
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (dvm)
$50.00 to $75.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Clinique Vétérinaire Rivière Des Prairies Inc. · Montréal, Quebec
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