How a Doctor can Immigrate to Canada? - Complete guide
Guide to Immigrating to Canada as a Medical Doctor
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:
Reasons to move to Canada as a doctor
As an internationally trained doctor, settling in Canada can be an attractive opportunity for various reasons, including:
Shortage of skilled physicians and surgeons
Canada faces a severe shortage of trained doctors across different specializations. Estimates show that, between 2022-2031, up to 40 per cent of new job openings in medicine may remain unfilled, even with newly graduating physicians and surgeons entering the workforce and experienced doctors immigrating to Canada from abroad.
High demand for doctors in almost all provinces
Across all Canadian provinces, the 10-year employment outlook for physicians is projected to be good or very good, which means there will be ample job opportunities available for foreign-trained doctors. Medical occupations ranging from surgeons to specialist physicians feature on the in-demand occupations lists of many provinces and both federal and provincial governments are trying to encourage foreign-born doctors to settle and work in Canada.
Scope to earn high salaries or set up a flourishing practice
Doctors employed by hospitals and healthcare centres earn generous salaries in Canada. Many physicians in Canada are self-employed with private practices, and their income is based on a pay-for-service model. Under the pay-for-service model, the doctor gets paid by the provincial healthcare system (and not by the patient) for providing health services. The median income for family physicians in Canada is $216,833 per year, whereas specialist doctors and surgeons earn a median income of $273,510 per year.
Does Canada accept foreign-trained doctors?
Foreign-born doctors are crucial for keeping Canada’s healthcare system running smoothly. Physicians who’ve completed their medical education outside Canada may be eligible for several immigration programs and can establish lucrative careers here.
However, before you can start practicing medicine in Canada, you must get a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), which usually involves passing a knowledge test, and register with your provincial college of physicians and surgeons.
Due to the shortage of doctors Canada faces, plans are being made at both the federal and provincial levels to make it easier for international medical graduates to settle in Canada permanently. In mid-2021, the Medical Council of Canada removed one hurdle to physician licensing—the MCCQE II test—and since then, foreign-trained doctors only need to pass one exam to get their LMCC.
Canadian immigration programs for international medical graduates
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 (PNP)
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.
Several PNP programs have an Express Entry stream where candidates are selected based on CRS scores, but other PNP streams allow provinces to nominate skilled workers in specific professions or National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes to bridge skill gaps in their labour market. You may have a better chance of receiving a provincial nomination from a province that is looking for qualified physicians or surgeons.
Some PNP programs require Canadian work experience in your primary NOC. Depending on your area of specialization, you may be able to get a job offer from a Canadian healthcare centre or hospital and qualify for an employer-specific work permit. Your prospective employer will need to get a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that there are no other specialized doctors in your field to fill the role. However, you will need to get your Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) first.
Here are some PNP streams and draws you should keep track of as you prepare to immigrate to Canada as a doctor.
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. |
Note : This list is not exhaustive, and depending on your situation, you may qualify for other immigration programs as well.
How to get licensed as a doctor in Canada
Medical occupations are regulated in Canada and you must be licensed by your provincial or territorial regulator before you can work as a physician or surgeon in Canada. You can begin the licensing process online before arriving in Canada.
Here’s an overview of the registration process for foreign-trained doctors in Canada:
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.
Getting licensed by the provincial college of physicians
The next step is to apply to your provincial regulator for a license to practice. The licensing process for physicians and surgeons varies by province/territory. Different provinces also offer different licence types, ranging from licensing for independent practice to licensing for clinical observership.
Depending on the province you’re interested in, you may be able to complete all or part of the licensing process from your home country before moving to Canada. We recommend that you review the registration information provided by your college of physicians and surgeons or contact your regional college of physicians (listed below) for a comprehensive overview of the application process.
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.
In some provinces, you may need to acquire Canadian work experience in medicine on a provisional licence before qualifying for a licence to practise independently. The requirements for a provisional licence are similar, and you must apply through your provincial or territorial regulator. There may also be other requirements you need to meet, including providing certificates of professional conduct or references and having professional liability coverage before you begin practicing.
Note : British Columbia (B.C.), Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia offer Practice-Ready Assessments (PRA) where candidates work under supervision and are evaluated over a period of 12 weeks with an aim of obtaining an independent licence to practise in Canada. This is the final step in an alternative licensing route. You can only begin your PRA after registering with the provincial college.
In-demand jobs in medicine 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 |
Note : This list is based on in-demand jobs data published by various provinces and territories and recent PNP draws. Labour market requirements change over time and provinces may prioritize other NOCs where skill shortages are more acute.
How much money do doctors make 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 :
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.