Canada’s healthcare system relies heavily on the expertise of physicians and surgeons. With a growing shortage of skilled doctors across various medical fields, the demand for internationally trained medical professionals is at an all-time high.
If you’ve recently completed your medical education abroad or bring years of experience as a practicing physician, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for your career. This guide outlines the immigration pathways available to doctors, the licensing requirements in different provinces, and the most in-demand roles for physicians and surgeons across the country.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- Why Canada is an attractive destination for doctors
- Acceptance of foreign-trained doctors in Canada
- Immigration programs for internationally trained medical graduates
- Steps to obtaining medical licensure in Canada
- High-demand medical professions across the country
- Earning potential for doctors in Canada
- Tips for finding work as an international medical graduate
- Is relocating to Canada the right choice for internationally educated doctors?
Why Consider Moving to Canada as a Doctor?
For internationally trained doctors, Canada offers a wealth of opportunities, thanks to its growing need for medical professionals. Here are some key reasons why relocating to Canada could be a rewarding decision:
1. Critical Shortage of Skilled Physicians and Surgeons
Canada is grappling with a significant shortage of trained doctors across various specialties. Projections indicate that between 2022 and 2031, up to 40% of new medical job openings may remain unfilled, even with an influx of new graduates and internationally trained doctors joining the workforce.
2. High Demand Across All Provinces
The employment outlook for doctors in Canada over the next decade is rated as good or very good in every province. This translates to abundant opportunities for foreign-trained physicians. Medical roles, including surgeons and specialist physicians, frequently appear on in-demand occupation lists at both federal and provincial levels, with governments actively encouraging internationally trained doctors to settle and work in Canada.
3. Lucrative Earnings and Practice Opportunities
Doctors in Canada benefit from competitive salaries and the potential to run successful private practices. Many physicians operate on a pay-for-service model, where the provincial healthcare system compensates them directly for the services provided to patients.
- Median income for family physicians: $216,833 annually
- Median income for specialist doctors and surgeons: $273,510 annually
Whether employed in a healthcare facility or managing a private practice, doctors in Canada enjoy excellent earning potential and job security.
Does Canada Recognize Foreign-Trained Doctors?
Internationally trained doctors play a vital role in maintaining the efficiency of Canada’s healthcare system. Physicians who completed their medical education abroad can pursue various immigration pathways and build rewarding careers in Canada.
However, practicing medicine in Canada requires obtaining the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). This process typically involves passing a medical knowledge exam and registering with the provincial or territorial college of physicians and surgeons where you intend to work.
To address the doctor shortage, both federal and provincial governments are introducing initiatives to simplify the integration of international medical graduates (IMGs) into the healthcare system. For instance, in mid-2021, the Medical Council of Canada eliminated the MCCQE II exam. Now, IMGs only need to pass a single exam, the MCCQE I, to qualify for the LMCC, making the licensing process more accessible.
Immigration Pathways for International Medical Graduates in Canada
Canada offers various immigration programs for skilled professionals, including foreign-trained doctors, to address critical skill shortages. If you have the qualifications and expertise needed in the medical field, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) through these programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
The Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is a popular pathway for skilled professionals to obtain PR in Canada.
- Eligibility: Applicants are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and additional qualifications.
- Boosting CRS Score: Extra points are awarded for having:
- A Canadian job offer from a healthcare institution
- A provincial nomination (see Provincial Nominee Programs)
- Canadian work experience or education
- Job Offers and Licensing: To secure a Canadian job offer, completing your medical licensing process is essential.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Most provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut) operate PNPs to nominate skilled workers with in-demand expertise for PR.
- Express Entry Linked Streams: Some PNPs align with Express Entry and use CRS scores to invite candidates.
- Occupation-Specific Streams: Other PNPs prioritize candidates in high-demand occupations, such as physicians and surgeons, based on their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
- Licensing and Job Offers: Certain PNP streams require candidates to have Canadian work experience or a job offer. Employers may need to secure a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove the necessity of hiring a foreign-trained doctor. A completed Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) is mandatory for this step.
PNP Streams to Watch
To enhance your chances of immigration as a doctor, monitor PNP streams and draws targeting healthcare professionals. See the section on in-demand medical jobs for relevant NOC codes that align with your specialization.
By leveraging these pathways and meeting the licensing requirements, you can pursue a rewarding career and secure permanent residency in Canada.
| Province | PNP streams for doctors |
| British Columbia | B.C. Skills Immigration – Health Authority: For doctors registered with the provincial authority or with a full-time job offer from a public health authority. B.C. Skills Immigration – Skilled Worker: For candidates with a permanent job offer in B.C. in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job. This stream also has an Express Entry option. |
| Alberta | Alberta Express Entry: For qualified candidates from the Express Entry pool. |
| Ontario | Express Entry Human Capital Priorities: For skilled workers with Express Entry profiles and the required work experience, education, and language skills. Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker: For bilingual skilled workers with Express Entry profiles, required work experience, and qualifications. |
| Manitoba | Skilled Workers in Manitoba: For skilled workers with a full-time job in Manitoba, who’ve been working with that employer for at least six months. Skilled Workers Overseas: For experienced foreign workers with skills needed in the local labour market and an established connection to the province. |
| Nova Scotia | Physician stream: Dedicated stream for general practitioners, family physicians, or specialist physicians (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102) who have an approved offer from the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Nova Scotia Express Entry Labour Market Priorities: For foreign workers in the Express Entry system who meet Nova Scotia’s labour market needs. Skilled Worker Stream: For foreign skilled workers and recent graduates with work experience and a full-time job offer in Nova Scotia. |
| New Brunswick | Human Capital Priorities stream: For skilled workers with relevant work experience, education and language proficiency in French or English. French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream: For French-speaking skilled workers with relevant work experience, education, and language proficiency in both French and English. |
| Saskatchewan | International Skilled Worker – Employment Offer: For highly skilled foreign workers with a job offer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation from a Saskatchewan employer. Saskatchewan Experience Health Professionals: For skilled physicians and health professionals who’ve been working full-time in Saskatchewan for at least six months on a valid work permit. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Priority Skills NL: For individuals with work experience in in-demand occupations, and have a high level of education and language ability. Several medical specialists are on the priority occupations list. NL Express Entry Skilled Worker: For qualified candidates with a high-skilled job or job offer from an NL employer. Skilled Worker: For skilled foreign workers with a full-time job offer or ongoing employment in NL. |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI PNP Express Entry: For qualified candidates in the Express Entry system. Skilled Worker Outside PEI: For qualified applicants with a job offer from a PEI employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. |
| Northwest Territories | Northwest Territories – Express Entry: For qualified candidates with an Express Entry profile. Skilled Worker: For qualified individuals with the training, qualifications, and experience to bridge labour market shortages. |
| Yukon | Yukon Express Entry (YEE): For Express Entry applicants who have a full-time and year-round job offer from an eligible Yukon employer. Skilled Worker: For applicants with a full-time job offer from an eligible Yukon employer in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. |
Step 1: Obtain a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)
The LMCC is a medical qualification issued by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) to graduates who meet specific eligibility criteria. While the LMCC itself is not a license to practice medicine, it is a critical step toward provincial registration. Once you receive the LMCC, you will be added to the Canadian Medical Register.
Eligibility Requirements for LMCC:
- Medical Education:
- Graduate from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Have your medical credentials, including postgraduate training documents, verified by the MCC through their credentialing service.
- Qualifying Examination:
- Pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I, a one-day test assessing your medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills.
- The exam is available online in over 80 countries, allowing you to complete it before moving to Canada.
- Postgraduate Training:
- Complete at least 12 months of acceptable postgraduate medical training in your home country.
- Application Fee:
- Pay the applicable fees for your LMCC application.
Step 2: Submit Your LMCC Application
- Visit physiciansapply.ca and create an account.
- Navigate to Other Service Requests and select Apply for LMCC.
- Follow the instructions to complete your application and upload the required documentation.
Processing Timeline:
- The MCC typically reviews your information within 3–4 weeks to confirm eligibility.
- Once approved, it takes an additional 6–8 weeks to receive your LMCC documentation and Certificate of Registration.
Next Steps After LMCC
With your LMCC in hand, you can proceed to register with the provincial or territorial college of physicians and surgeons where you plan to practice. Each province has its own specific licensing requirements, so be sure to familiarize yourself with their guidelines to finalize your eligibility for practicing medicine in Canada.
Obtaining Licensure from Your Provincial College of Physicians
Once you’ve secured a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), the next step is to apply for a license to practice through the regulatory authority in your chosen province or territory. The licensing process varies across provinces and territories, and the type of license you can obtain depends on your qualifications and intended role.
| Province/Territory | Medical regulatory bodies |
| Alberta | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta |
| British Columbia | College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia |
| Manitoba | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba |
| New Brunswick | College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland & Labrador |
| Nova Scotia | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia |
| Ontario | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario |
| Prince Edward Island | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island |
| Quebec | Collège des médecins du Québec |
| Saskatchewan | College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan |
| Northwest Territories | Health and Social Services |
| Yukon | Yukon Medical Council |
| Nunavut | Department of Health and Social Services |
Eligibility Requirements for a Medical License in Canada
To qualify for a license to practice medicine in Canada, you must typically meet the following criteria:
1. Medical Qualifications and Certification
- Hold a valid medical degree from an accredited institution.
- Obtain the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) from the Medical Council of Canada.
2. Legal Authorization to Work in Canada
- Have Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid work permit.
- Doctors may be eligible for a work permit under specific conditions, such as completing their medical education in Canada or if their employer demonstrates that no similarly qualified specialists are available locally.
- Alternatively, possess a certificate of registration for independent practice, academic practice, or postgraduate training.
3. Language Proficiency
- Demonstrate fluency in English or French, as required by the provincial or territorial regulator.
4. Provisional Licensing and Work Experience
- In some provinces, you may need to gain Canadian medical work experience under a provisional license before qualifying for full independent practice.
- The application process for a provisional license is similar to that for a full license and is handled through the provincial or territorial regulator.
5. Additional Requirements
- Provide:
- Certificates of professional conduct or references from previous employers or institutions.
- Proof of professional liability insurance before starting your practice.
- Comply with any other specific requirements set by your regulator.
By meeting these qualifications and following the guidance of your provincial or territorial college of physicians, you can move closer to obtaining a license and beginning your medical career in Canada.
In-Demand Medical Jobs in Canada
Canada is facing a significant shortage of physicians and surgeons, with many provinces and territories actively seeking to fill these gaps in their healthcare systems. This shortage is expected to persist at least until 2031, despite an influx of new medical graduates and foreign-trained doctors moving to the country.
Between 2022 and 2031, approximately 48,900 job openings are anticipated for general practitioners and family physicians, but only 29,400 new job seekers are expected to enter the field. A similar trend is projected for surgeons and specialist physicians, indicating a continued high demand for medical professionals in Canada’s healthcare sector.
This presents a strong opportunity for foreign-trained doctors to find work in Canada, as many regions actively recruit physicians to meet the growing needs of their populations.
According to recent provincial and territorial data, here’s where medical professionals are most in demand in Canada:
| National Occupational Classification (NOC) | Provinces that have high demand |
| NOC 31100: Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine | British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island |
| NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery | British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador |
| NOC 31102: General practitioners and family physicians | British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Canada’s territories |
Doctor Salaries in Canada
Physician salaries in Canada vary depending on factors such as the province, medical specialty, and years of experience. Whether you work in a hospital, healthcare center, or run an independent practice also impacts your earnings.
According to Canada’s Job Bank, the median annual salary for general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102) is $216,833. However, senior physicians in certain regions can earn over $450,000 annually.
For surgeons (NOC 31101) and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100), the median income is $273,510 per year, with the potential to earn as much as $550,000 depending on the location and level of experience.
These salaries reflect the high demand for medical professionals and the potential for lucrative earnings in Canada’s healthcare sector.
Finding Work in Canada as an International Medical Graduate
Once you’re licensed to practice medicine in Canada, you can pursue employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, or even establish your own private practice.
Working in a Hospital or Healthcare Center
Most international medical graduates (IMGs) begin their careers by securing positions at hospitals or health centers. While you can find job listings on popular platforms like LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor, there are also specialized job boards tailored to medical professionals, including:
- MD Work
- MD Search
- Dr. Careers
- CASPR Public Job Board
- Locums
Starting a Private Practice
If you prefer to run your own practice, there are additional steps involved, such as:
- Finding and leasing a practice location
- Obtaining an independent practice license
- Registering with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)
- Setting up billing systems
For tips on establishing a successful practice, consult Dr. Bill’s New Physicians Guide.
Tips for Job Hunting as an IMG
- Identify In-Demand Skills
The skills needed in Canadian healthcare may differ from those in your home country. For example, family physicians may need to emphasize strong communication skills, while surgeons might need to master specific surgical technologies. Review job postings to identify what Canadian employers are seeking and prepare accordingly. - Craft a Canadian-Style Resume
Ensure your resume fits Canadian standards. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so customize your application for each job. Highlight your medical education, post-graduate credentials, professional experience, achievements, and any relevant certifications.
Download Canadian-style resume templates for guidance. - Leverage Your Professional Network
Networking is a powerful tool in Canada’s medical field. Connect with doctors who have already made the transition to Canada or professionals in your province through your provincial college of physicians. Volunteering and attending medical events can also help you build relationships that may lead to job opportunities, especially those not advertised publicly. - Prepare for Interviews
Canadian healthcare organizations typically conduct multiple rounds of interviews. To succeed, practice answering common interview questions and prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the employer. This will not only show your interest but also help you gather useful information about the workplace.
By preparing ahead of time and using available resources, you can increase your chances of landing a rewarding medical job in Canada.
