Canada is one of the most popular destinations for doctors who want to live and work in a diverse, multicultural, and welcoming country. Canada offers a high quality of life, a universal healthcare system, and a strong demand for skilled physicians. However, immigrating to Canada as a doctor is not a simple process. It requires meeting various eligibility criteria, obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications, and finding a suitable job opportunity. This article will explain the steps involved in immigrating to Canada as a doctor and provide valuable resources and tips to help you achieve your dream.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
The first step to immigrating to Canada as a doctor is determining eligibility for one of the immigration programs that accept foreign-trained physicians. Several options are available, depending on your qualifications, work experience, language skills, and other factors. Some of the most common immigration programs for doctors are:
Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
This points-based program assesses applicants based on their education, work experience, language proficiency, age, adaptability, and arranged employment in Canada. You must score at least 67 points out of 100 to qualify for this program. You also need to have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in your occupation within the last ten years.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This program allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labor market needs. Each province and territory has its own PNP stream for healthcare professionals, with different eligibility requirements and application processes. You need a valid job offer from an employer in the province or territory that nominates you and meets the minimum criteria for education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Canada Express Entry
This online system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: FSWP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). You must create an online profile and enter your personal information, such as your education, work experience, language skills, etc. You will then receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your profile. You will also need to register with the Job Bank, a database of job opportunities in Canada. Every few weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts draws and invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
This program attracts skilled workers to the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. You need a valid job offer from an employer in one of these provinces and meet the minimum criteria for education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIPP)
This program helps smaller communities in rural and northern regions of Canada attract and retain skilled workers. You need a valid job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities and meet the minimum criteria for education, work experience, language proficiency, and community requirements.
Health Care Workers Permanent Residence Pathway
This special program was launched in September 2021 to recognize the contribution of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows eligible foreign nationals who have worked in Canada as healthcare workers during the pandemic period (March 13, 2020, to August 14, 2021) to apply for permanent residence without needing a job offer or meeting other criteria. You need at least one year of cumulative work experience in an eligible healthcare occupation in Canada during the pandemic and meet the minimum language proficiency level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher.
To determine which immigration program suits you best, use the online tool Come to Canada on the IRCC website.
Step 2: Obtain Your Credentials Assessment
The second step to immigrating to Canada as a doctor is to obtain your credentials assessment from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). This organization evaluates the medical qualifications of international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to practice medicine in Canada.
Should you find this piece engaging, we kindly invite you to explore the wealth of content in our other articles:
You must submit your medical diploma and transcripts to the MCC for verification. You must also take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I (MCCQE Part I), a computer-based test assessing your medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills. You can take this exam in Canada or select locations around the world.
Once you pass the MCCQE Part I and have your credentials verified by the MCC, you will receive the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). This certification confirms that you have met the basic requirements for practicing medicine in Canada. However, this does not mean you can practice medicine in Canada immediately. You must still obtain a license from the provincial or territorial medical regulatory authority where you intend to work.
Step 3: Obtain Your License
The third step to immigrating to Canada as a doctor is to obtain your license from the provincial or territorial medical regulatory authority where you plan to work. Each province and territory has its own licensing requirements and application process for IMGs. You need to contact the relevant authority and follow their instructions. In general, you will need to:
- Provide proof of your identity, citizenship, immigration status, and language proficiency.
- Submit your credentials assessment and LMCC certificate.
- Take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II (MCCQE Part II), a clinical exam assessing your skills and abilities in everyday clinical tasks.
- Complete a postgraduate training program in Canada, which can range from one to five years, depending on your specialty and level of experience.
- Pass the certification exam of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), depending on your specialty.
- Apply for a provisional or full license from the provincial or territorial medical regulatory authority.
You can find more information about the licensing process and requirements for IMGs on the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC) website.
Step 4: Find a Job
The fourth and final step to immigrating to Canada as a doctor is to find a job in your field of expertise. Canada has a high demand for doctors, especially in rural and remote areas, and offers competitive salaries and benefits. However, finding a job as an IMG can be challenging, as you will face competition from Canadian-trained doctors and other IMGs. You must also adapt to the Canadian healthcare system, culture, and expectations.
To increase your chances of finding a job as an IMG in Canada, you can:
- Use online job boards like Job Bank, Indeed, Monster, etc.
- Network with other doctors and health care professionals in Canada through social media, professional associations, events, etc.
- Contact healthcare recruiters and agencies specializing in placing IMGs in Canada, such as CanAm Physician Recruiting, Health Match BC, Health Force Ontario, etc.
- Participate in mentorship programs that connect IMGs with experienced doctors in Canada, such as the Canadian Medical Association’s Practice Ready Assessment Program, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada’s Mentorship Program for International Medical Graduates, etc.
- Seek guidance and support from organizations that help IMGs integrate into the Canadian health care system, such as the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP), the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), the Centre for Education & Training (CET), etc.
The Bottom Line
Immigrating to Canada as a doctor is a rewarding but complex process that requires planning, preparation, and perseverance. You must meet various eligibility criteria, obtain the necessary licenses and certifications, and find a suitable job opportunity. However, if you are passionate about practicing medicine in Canada and contributing to its healthcare system, you will find many resources and opportunities to help you achieve your goal. We hope this article has given you some helpful information and tips on how to immigrate to Canada as a doctor. If you have any questions or comments, please share them below.
