Canada has long welcomed international medical graduates (IMGs) and internationally trained physicians (ITPs) to help meet the healthcare needs of its growing and diverse population. Even so, the journey from being recruited to becoming a licensed physician practicing in Canada can be complex. 

Initial recruitment and credential assessment

The recruitment process typically begins with employers, such as provincial health authorities, hospitals or private clinics, posting job opportunities specifically targeted at international physicians. PracticeLink.comproudly has a growing number of Canadian employers on its platform, joining an already extensive roster of U.S.-based opportunities.  

Like every healthcare job market, candidates interested in working in Canada need to submit a detailed application, often including a CV, proof of medical education, postgraduate training records and a record of professional practice. Some recruiters may also request a cover letter.

A key first step is credential verification through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Physicians must create a PhysiciansApply.ca account to submit their documents for validation. This process ensures the equivalency of foreign qualifications with Canadian standards and can take several months.

Licensing examinations

Physicians must pass several exams to be eligible for practice. The most common requirements include:

• Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) part I: A computer-based test assessing medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills.
• MCCQE part II: An objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) evaluating patient interaction skills. Due to COVID-related challenges associated with delivering the test, this part was suspended in 2021 but may return in the future.
• National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) examination: Required for physicians aiming to enter residency programs or specific practice-ready assessments.

Depending on the province, IMGs and ITPs may also need to complete provincial registration exams or assessments.

Provincial registration and Practice-Ready Assessment

In Canada each province has its own licensing body (e.g., College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia). After credential verification and exams, physicians must apply for registration with the appropriate college.

Many provinces offer Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programs designed to assess the competence of internationally trained physicians for independent practice. PRA programs typically involve a supervised clinical field assessment period of 12–24 weeks, followed by a rigorous evaluation.

Job offer and work permit application

Upon successful completion of credentialing and assessment, candidates often receive a conditional job offer. This offer is crucial for the next steps:

• Work permit: Physicians must apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In many cases, employers help secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating the need for hiring a foreign physician.
• Permanent residency: Many IMGs and ITPs eventually apply for permanent residency under immigration pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee programs.

Onboarding and settlement

Once licensed and permitted to work, physicians undergo local onboarding, which may include hospital orientations, training on electronic health record (EHR) systems and familiarization with the Canadian healthcare environment. Cultural competence training and mentorship are often provided to help ease the transition.

Additionally, physicians must secure malpractice insurance, often through organizations like the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).

While the recruitment and hiring process for international physicians in Canada is rigorous, it is designed to maintain high healthcare standards. Physicians who prepare thoroughly, remain patient and engage proactively with licensing bodies and recruiters often find Canada offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path in medicine. Visit PracticeLink.com today to see if your career could grow in Canada.