CELPIP Accepted for Doctors in Canada (2026 Update)

Big News for CELPIP & Healthcare Professionals

For international medical professionals planning to build a career in Canada, CELPIP just became more powerful and relevant than ever before. In December 2025, CELPIP — already recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — was officially confirmed as an accepted English language test by Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada. This means that your CELPIP score can now support both immigration applications and professional licensing in the Canadian medical sector — a major advantage for doctors from India, the Middle East, UK, Africa, and beyond.

At the same time, the Canadian government announced policy updates to boost the supply of doctors across the country, including new immigration pathways that make CELPIP even more strategically important.

According to an official announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Government of Canada has introduced targeted immigration measures to increase the supply of physicians and surgeons across the country. These measures include new Express Entry category-based selection for doctors, additional permanent residence spaces for provincially nominated physicians, and faster work permit processing for eligible medical professionals. This policy shift highlights Canada’s long-term reliance on internationally trained doctors and reinforces the importance of meeting English language requirements through approved tests such as CELPIP.

What It Means That CELPIP is Now Accepted by Medical Colleges

Previously, CELPIP was widely used for Canadian immigration and citizenship, including Express Entry programs. Now, its acceptance by the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada elevates its role for medical professionals.

How CELPIP Helps Physicians

Medical Licensing Eligibility: Physicians and surgeons can use their CELPIP results as proof of English proficiency when applying to provincial medical licensing bodies that require language evidence.

Dual-Use Score: One CELPIP test can support both licensure requirements and immigration pathways, saving time and cost.

Test Design: CELPIP’s focus on everyday Canadian English makes it particularly relevant for professionals who need to communicate clearly with patients, colleagues, and regulatory bodies.

This official acceptance adds credibility and practical value to the CELPIP test — especially for international doctors whose language scores must satisfy both IRCC and medical regulators

Canada’s 2026 Doctor Immigration Measures: Why CELPIP Matters More

While CELPIP acceptance is an independent milestone, it comes at a time when Canada is urgently reforming immigration pathways for international doctors. These changes make strong English proficiency even more crucial for healthcare professionals planning to settle in Canada.

New Express Entry Category for Doctors

Starting in early 2026, IRCC will launch a dedicated category under the Express Entry system for international doctors with recent Canadian work experience. Eligible candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the last three years in a qualifying medical occupation.

The new category is intended to help doctors already working in Canada on temporary status transition faster to permanent residence (PR). Invitations under this stream are expected to begin in early 2026.

Reserved PR Spaces and Fast Work Permits

In addition to the new category:

5,000 federal admission spaces have been reserved for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with valid job offers — on top of regular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations.

Doctors nominated under this initiative will receive expedited work permit processing (in about 14 days) — allowing them to start or continue practicing while awaiting PR.

These changes make Canadian language tests like CELPIP even more essential for doctors aiming to qualify for these pathways.

Why CELPIP is a Smart Choice for International Doctors

Here’s why CELPIP can be the best English test choice for doctors planning to immigrate to Canada and seek licensure:

1. Broad Acceptance

CELPIP is accepted by:

• IRCC for Express Entry and other immigration programs
• The Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada
• Provincial and territorial licensing bodies (subject to specific requirements)

2. Efficient and Canada-Focused

CELPIP’s test format reflects Canadian English, with scenarios that mirror real-life professional communication — an advantage when proving language proficiency for both immigration and registration.

3. Single Test, Multiple Uses

You can use your CELPIP score for:

• Immigration programs (e.g., Express Entry, PNP)
• Professional licensure evidence
• Work permits and PR applications

This reduces the need for multiple tests and simplifies your preparation strategy.

For doctors in India, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, or Europe considering careers in Canada, here’s how this matters:

• Taking CELPIP now gives you both immigration eligibility and professional language proof in one test.
• Strong CELPIP scores can improve your Express Entry profile and PR chances.
• As medical licensing authorities now accept CELPIP, your path from qualification to settlement and practice becomes smoother.

The CELPIP acceptance by Canadian medical colleges marks a major milestone for international healthcare professionals. Coupled with Canada’s new immigration pathways — especially the dedicated physician category and reserved PR spots — CELPIP is positioned as a key test for doctors aiming for Canadian licensure and settlement.

If you’re planning to take CELPIP with goals of practicing medicine, studying, or immigrating in 2026, this is one of the strongest strategic moments to prepare and score high.

IELTS vs CELPIP for Doctors in Canada

Both IELTS and CELPIP are accepted for Canadian immigration, but CELPIP offers a clear advantage for doctors planning to work and settle in Canada. CELPIP is fully computer-based, designed around Canadian English, and is now accepted not only by IRCC but also by Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada for language proficiency requirements. While IELTS remains a global test, CELPIP’s Canada-focused format and dual acceptance for immigration and medical licensing make it a more streamlined and practical option for international doctors targeting long-term practice in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CELPIP accepted for doctors in Canada?

Yes. CELPIP is accepted by Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada as proof of English language proficiency, subject to individual provincial requirements. It is also accepted by IRCC for immigration programs.

Can international doctors use CELPIP for Canadian medical licensing?

Yes. International physicians and surgeons can use CELPIP scores when applying for medical licensure with Canadian regulatory bodies that require English proficiency evidence. Always confirm minimum score requirements with the specific provincial college.

Is CELPIP valid for Express Entry healthcare programs?

Yes. CELPIP is fully accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, including healthcare-related pathways such as the upcoming doctor-focused Express Entry category (2026) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

What CELPIP score do doctors need in Canada?

Score requirements vary by province and program. For immigration, Express Entry generally requires CLB 7 or higher, while medical licensing bodies may set specific minimum scores per skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

Is CELPIP better than IELTS for doctors immigrating to Canada?

CELPIP can be a better option for many doctors because it is:

• Canada-focused
• Fully computer-based

Accepted for both immigration and medical licensing
However, the better test depends on provincial licensing rules and individual preference.

Can one CELPIP test be used for both immigration and medical licensing?

Yes. One valid CELPIP score can be used for Canadian immigration (IRCC) and medical regulatory requirements, making it a cost-effective and time-saving option for doctors.

Does CELPIP help with Canada’s new 2026 doctor immigration pathways?

Absolutely. Strong CELPIP scores support eligibility for:

• Express Entry (including the new doctor category)
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Fast-track work permits for nominated physicians

Is CELPIP accepted for Indian doctors applying to Canada?

Yes. CELPIP is widely used by Indian doctors and international medical graduates (IMGs) applying for Canadian immigration and professional licensing.