There are many different pathways to practice in Canada for physicians trained abroad. The pathways depend on your country of training, specialty, and the province in which you want to work and live. In some cases, you may be eligible for more than one pathway.
Be aware that pathway information often changes. Please check the links provided for the most up to date information.
The following table indicates the fees required for many of the key elements in the pathways. This list is not exhaustive and is based on publicly-available information only. Figures were updated in December 2023 but are subject to change. Always check with the relevant governing body for the latest information.
Points to consider:
- You will need to prove that you have recency of practice. Ideally, you will have no gap in clinical practice while you go through the process. If you are currently outside Canada, it is recommended to keep working and to learn which parts of your chosen pathway can be completed from your home country.
- Immigration language requirements and regulatory body language requirements are different. Review the language requirements for immigration pathways here. You will need to prove language ability to the regulator in your province of choice.
- The Medical Council of Canada’s Qualifying Exam 1 can be taken from outside Canada. It is needed to receive the LMCC designation before you can practice independently. However, be aware that you can only receive ONE passing score for this exam and a high score is required to be a competitive candidate for some of these pathways.
- In 2022, there were 178 Practice-Ready Assessment enrolments for family medicine and 93 for other specialties.
- In 2022, 1322 of IMGs applied for a residency and 410 (31%) successfully matched.