Not a Canadian but want to practice medicine in Canada? St. George’s University School of Medicine (SOM) has a strong track record of helping students towards their goal of successful medical careers in Canada and the United States.
Canada depends on internationally-trained doctors and nurses to address healthcare shortages. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), about one-third of physicians in Canada are internationally trained, with an even higher proportion in family medicine. This highlights their crucial role in addressing the nation’s healthcare needs.
We will outline some important considerations for practicing medicine in Canada if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
A Quick Note
It is important to understand that the pathway to licensure in Canada varies depending on your circumstances. Key factors that can affect your path include:
- Your level of experience
- Your specialty or subspecialty
- Location
- Target province or territory
Be prepared to meet province-specific requirements, such as additional exams or assessments, before practicing.
Remember to do your own research to fully understand the process or other options to become a practicing physician in Canada. If you are unsure which pathway is best for your specific situation, it may be helpful to reach out to both the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and the relevant provincial medical licensing authority. These institutions can give you tailored advice based on your credentials, specialty, and goals, ensuring that you are on the right track.
Completing postgraduate training in the US
If your ultimate career goal is to practice medicine in Canada, completing your postgraduate training in the US can offer a more streamlined path due to the similarities in training programs between the two countries. In fact, to address the growing shortage of doctors across Canada, many provinces have taken measures to adjust their policies to attract qualified, internationally-educated physicians practicing in the United States and other approved jurisdictions.
Confirm eligibility to qualify for medical practice in Canada
Eligibility requirements for candidates include:
- A medical degree from a World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) recognized institution,
- US postgraduate training in a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME),
- And, optionally, US board certification to strengthen your application.
Review the established criteria of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
Before you can practice medicine as an internationally-trained doctor in Canada, you will need to have your qualifications officially recognized by the MCC, a national organization that sets standards for physicians.
The MCC grants a qualification, known as the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), to graduates who have completed the following:
- Achieved a passing score on the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1.
- Passed the clinical assessment administered through the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) exam, and
- Have at least 12 months of acceptable postgraduate training.
The LMCC is not a license to practice, but it is recognized by provincial licensing bodies. Some provinces, such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, may waive certain exams for international medical graduates (IMGs) with board certification (i.e., MCCQE and NAC exams). However, this is not a blanket rule and varies by province. If you plan to specialize, you will need to pass the relevant Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons exams for your specific specialty. These exams assess your ability to work as a specialist in your field.
Helpful Resources
The MCC provides an overview of the criteria needed for licensure. It can be helpful to think of these conditions as the Canadian equivalent to the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) and US medical residency training. These standards are in place to ensure that internationally-trained doctors have gained the required knowledge, hands-on skills, and clinical aptitude.
The MCC also offers a credential verification service through PhysiciansApply.ca. This platform helps medical students and graduates apply for the necessary Canadian qualifying exams, facilitate medical registration, share credentials with medical regulatory authorities, and more.
Once you have been granted the LMCC qualification, you can move onto the next phase of Canadian medical licensure for foreign-trained physicians.
Apply for licensure in a Canadian province
Canada has 13 provinces and three territories, each with its own medical licensing authority and specific requirements. Keep in mind that there may be additional province-specific requirements, such as exams or assessments.
While Canadian provinces may have their own requirements, many recognize US training and board certification as equivalent to Canadian training. A few medical regulatory authorities with this policy include:
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO),
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), and
- The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Some provinces may require a Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA). PRA programs are designed to offer clinical field assessments for internationally trained MDs who have completed medical residency training abroad. The process ensures that internationally educated physicians possess the appropriate clinical skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care in Canada.
Do you see yourself practicing in Canada?
Students who are committed to becoming a doctor in Canada should begin carefully researching medical schools.
Whether you are exploring medical school or currently a med student, be sure to review Journey to Become an MD, an outline for your path to becoming a doctor. Check out Medical residency: A comprehensive look for a breakdown of the Match process and additional resources.
This article has been updated from March 2021 to include facts and figures accurate as of March 2025.
