Immigrate to Canada as Doctors – Full Guide

 As per Proof Point, Canada needs doctors and fast. Data shows that about 44,000 will be short in Canada by 2028. To match the same, Canada has to train about 33,000 doctors before the shortage begins. Due to the same, Canada appreciates doctors immigrating to their nation. With Canada’s Express Entry Program, Indian doctors can immigrate to this lovely country and get their Canada job work permit.

An individual can use express entry for Canadian immigration for moving to the country as a doctor. However, they will have to fulfil multiple criteria. For instance, physicians coming into Canada from outside are called the IMGs or International Medical Graduates. They are individuals who have graduated from a Medical School not accredited in Canada or the USA.

How Good is Canada for Doctors Applying for a PR?

• 6 million Canadians do not have access to family doctors, which will surely increase if proper measures are not taken. 
• The government is welcoming immigrants for the well-being of their nation to counter the shortage of doctors in Canada.
• The employment of physicians and surgeons will rise by 13%. 
• With the right visa category and your province’s medical license, you can easily practice as a doctor in Canada.

Accreditation Process:

The individuals need to go through a process of accreditation to immigrate to Canada. Canada’s Medical Regulation authorities scrutinize the IMGs and physicians before granting them approval to practice in Canada. The following categories will require accreditation:

• Dentists
• Optometrists
• Occupational therapists
• Allied primary health practitioners
• Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• Chiropractors
• Veterinarians
• Physiotherapists

The individuals applying for a visa need to understand the various categories and apply accordingly. The approved candidates will receive an express entry visa based on the application process. Also, the IMGs and physicians need to keep the following in mind while applying for accreditation.

• The process has numerous stages and may seem complex. It is advisable to partner with experienced visa consultants to streamline the process.
• The method may be different for different provinces and territories.
• A significant commitment on both the financial and personal front is required to complete the accreditation process.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Depending on the province and territory, the accreditation process involves the following:

• Examinations that include eligibility, selection of program, qualifying exam, certification
• Proficiency tests for language (TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language and TSE – Test of Spoken English)
• Credentials
• PG assessment
• Return of service agreements, etc.

STEP 1: Recognised Medical Degree:

An individual must first check if Canada recognises their medical degree. They must log on to the World Directory of Medical Schools and find their college. If against their college, a Canada sponsor note is present; it translates that Canada recognises that medical school.

STEP 2: Open Account:

The second step is to open an online physiciansapply.ca account. This step is mandatory and is used throughout the immigration verification process for securing an express entry visa. A fee of $290 is applicable while applying.

STEP 3: Submit Credentials to the Medical Council of Canada:

The credentials related to medical education must be submitted to the Medical Council of Canada (MCR). It also includes a request for the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. A fee of $170 is applicable per medical credential for the source verification and $108 for the ECA report.

STEP 4: Register for Express Entry Canada Immigration:

The next step is to start the express entry Canada immigration process and include the ECA report number.

STEP 5: Medical Council of Canada the Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I:

After starting the immigration process and submitting the ECA, the candidate must appear for the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam, Part 1. It is a one-day test and is computer-based. It assesses the doctor’s medical knowledge as per Canada’s metrics. In addition, candidates can give the exam in about 80 countries and 500 test centres around the globe. An exam fee of $1305 is applicable to take the MCCQE Part 1 exam.

STEP 6: Immigration:

The individual must have immigrated to Canada by this stage through express immigration. However, they cannot practice if the accreditation process is not complete.

STEP 7: National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination:

This exam is a must only if the IMGs wish to take up a residency position in Canada. The exam can be attended in Canada and is for one day. It assesses the applicant for their knowledge, skill, attitude, and other requisites to pass the postgraduate training in Canada. The fee for the exam is $2,830.

STEP 8: Medical Council of Canada the Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part II:

The MCCQE part II is a two-day exam. It assesses the candidate’s core competencies, including applying medical knowledge, showcasing clinical skills, developing clinical plans (both investigational and therapeutic), and demonstrating professional behaviour. These checks ensure that the candidate’s expertise meets Canada’s medical standards to the level of an independent practitioner. This exam must be taken in Canada only, and the fee for the same is $2,780.

STEP 9: Licentiate of The Medical Council Of Canada:

After successful completion of the MCCQE exams, parts I and II, an individual is awarded the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). It is to be kept in mind that MCC is not license to practice in Canada yet. This license is to be used to apply for permissions from Canada Medical Regulatory Authority.

STEP 10: Practise-Ready Assessment (PRA) Program:

The IMGs who have completed their post-graduation abroad and are seeking a provincial license to practice can apply for the PRA programs like:

• IMG-BC Program
• Alberta Clinical and Surgical Assistant Program
• HealthForceOntario Access Centre
• Collège des Médecins du Québec – Practice-ready assessment
• Alberta International Medical Graduate Program

STEP 11: Application to The Registrar of The Canadian Medical Regulatory Authority (MRA):

Each province in Canada has its own MRA. The foreign doctor must approach the respective MRA with LMCC and apply for a medical license in the Canadian region. Post receiving this license from MRA, the foreign doctor can practice in Canada.

Though the process seems time-consuming and complex, it is not so. It is always recommended to take the help of immigration consultancies while applying for doctor positions or other jobs in Canada or elsewhere. They provide clarity on all aspects, including express entry for Canadian immigration.

Work Experience and Related Documents Required for Doctors to Immigrate to Canada

It is easy to immigrate to Canada. Still, you need the right work experience and documents to make things fall into place. You need the following documents to prove your work experience while immigrating to Canada:

1. Hours Worked Report
2. Experience Certificate
3. National Occupational Classification (NOC)
4. Pay Slips
5. Letterhead of your Company

What is the Minimum Salary in Canada for Medical Professionals?

The pay range of medical professionals depends on various factors, one being the province. Each province in Canada has a different pay range which is given below.

On an average, the pay range of a doctor in Canada is $387,756. The pay range also varies as per the department you enter, neurology or dermatology and so on. 

What are the Costs Associated?

While immigrating to Canada as a doctor, there are certain things which need to be done that have costs as well. These are described below. 

What are the Requirements for Doctors to Work in Canada?

The requirements differ as per the province you opt for. Due to the same, it is necessary to check the requirements of the province you are moving into. 

As per the province, licences may or may not be required. The requirements are listed below

1. a series of examinations (eligibility, program selection, qualifying, certification)
2. language proficiency tests
3. credentialing
4. postgraduate training or assessment
5. return-of-service agreements (practising in an under-serviced community for an agreed-upon period of time)

How to Obtain a License to Practice Medicine in Canada?

You can obtain a license to practice medicine in Canada by following some steps. The steps are explained below.

Step 1: Confirm Your Medical Degree is from a Recognized School

The first step is to confirm that your medical degree is from a recognized school. Visit the International Medical Foundation Directory (IMED) on the FAIMER website. The medical school, name of the medical degree and year of graduation must be listed on FAIMER International Education Directory to be accepted in Canada.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Medical Examinations

You have to give the MCCEE or Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination through the Medical Council of Canada Self Administered Evaluating Examination (SAE-EE). International Medical Graduates can test their skills by taking the SAE-EE and see their performance compared to others.

Step 3: Submit Your Portfolio

The MCC’s Physician Credentials Repository helps to establish an electronic portfolio of credentials before arriving in Canada. Not only this, you can request the Repository to share the portfolio with provincial or territorial authorities.

Step 4: Fees Should be Checked When Applying

After obtaining the MCCEE, you need to apply to the Medical Council of Canada. Before applying, please ensure that you check the fees. If you have already obtained the American or Canadian specialty certification, ensure to raise a request for exemption on the MCCEE.

3 Most Popular Visa Programs in Canada for Doctors

The right visa program will help to make your immigration to Canada a seamless process. It is a point-based program. Below are three visa programs you should go ahead with if you are a doctor.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Visa Program

The FSW Program allows individuals with no experience and connections in Canada to apply for a PR. The criteria for the program are explained below:

• 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled (NOC Skill Level 0, A or B) work experience within the previous 10 years
• Level 7 on an approved English or French language test.
• Enough finances to move at ease.
• Intend to live outside Quebec. 

A minimum of 67 points are required out of 100 to get a PR under this program.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs

PNP program is for workers with the skills, education and work experience to immigrate to Canada. There are 80 provincial immigration streams, of which 2 are specific for medical professionals:

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

3. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

This program helps to hire skilled workers and get a PR in 1 of the 4 Atlantic provinces of Canada- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. Even if you have low work experience, you can still apply for a PR under this program. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)