The information in this section is for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking to begin the process of obtaining a licence to practise medicine in Canada.

An IMG wishing to work in Canada must meet a set of basic requirements in terms of primary medical qualifications, credentials process and Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examinations (MCCEE).

In general, most Provinces and Territories will offer a time-defined provisional, temporary or conditional license for IMGs. You will be granted registration on the Temporary Register and expected to successfully complete the Evaluating Examination of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) either before arrival or within one year of commencement of practice.

Primary Medical Qualification

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) currently regards a medical qualification listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED), part of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research's (FAIMER), as acceptable for the purposes of registration with the MCC.

Your medical school, the name of the medical degree and the year of your graduation must be listed on the FAIMER International Medical Education Directory to be accepted in Canada.

Language Proficiency

Depending on the province/territory, provisional, temporary or conditional licensure may involve proof of language proficiency. This may involve taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

In Québec, this involves taking the French exam of the Office québécois de la langue française.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance is a requirement in Canada. Whilst it shoulders some of the cost, the health care system does not exempt medical professionals from liability and lawsuits.

Professional liability insurance protects you in the event that a patient or client makes claims against you as even an unfounded claim can cost you a great deal of time and money to defend against.

When looking for professional medical liability insurance, it is important to examine prospective providers closely. Different insurers may offer vastly different rates and amounts of coverage. Asking other people who need professional liability coverage which providers they use can help you find a good company.

Immigration & Visas

Once Direct Medics has confirmed a position for you, the prospective employer will contact Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to get a job offer form.

You can apply for your work permit as soon as you receive written evidence of your job offer or contract of employment or as soon as you receive an HRSDC confirmation.

The HRSDC confirmation is typically given for a specific period of time, and the work permit will be issued to coincide with this period. Renewal of a work permit beyond the specified period will therefore likely require a new opinion from HRSDC.

Alternatively you might consider applying to become a resident of Canada as a skilled worker.