Physicians are in high demand in Canada. The demand rose specifically during the pandemic. In order to fill these labor gaps, the government of Canada offers numerous provincial & federal immigration programs for physicians who wish to reside in the nation permanently. So, stick to this guide as we will walk you through these programs if you want to move to Canada as a physician. 

Conversion Of Credentials 

In order to practice in Canada, foreign-trained physicians will first require an approved medical degree from a university which is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. 

Further, foreign-trained doctors should have their credentials verified by the Medical Council Of Canada to obtain an Education Credential Assessment report. Once the degree as well as the transcripts are verified, applicants should score the ECA report. 

Once a physician obtains the Canadian PR, they might complete the necessary tests & training to obtain LMCC, i.e., Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. 

On top of this, every territory as well as province also has its own medical regulatory authorities with additional requirements. Moreover, it is also integral to decide which province an applicant intends to settle in before the beginning of the procedure. 

Ways To Move To Canada As A Physician 

There are numerous immigration alternatives for people who intend to move to Canada as a physician. They are: 

  • Express Entry 

Express Entry offers an accelerated pathway to permanent residence for specific eligible skilled workers. Applicants immigrating via this program should have relevant work experience in skill types A, B, or 0. In addition, the NOC code for physicians, as well as specialized physicians, falls under skill type A & qualifies under the Express Entry system via the FSWP, i.e., the Federal Skilled Worker Program. 

Express Entry is a points-based system which invites the highest-ranking applicants to apply for permanent residence. In case a foreign-trained physician does not have sufficient points to qualify for the program, they might choose to immigrate via the PNP, i.e., the Provincial Nominee Program. 

  • Provincial Nominee Program 

Every province, as well as territory, operates its own nominee programs, which enable them to have a say in the process of selecting their immigrants/ newcomers. Most provinces base their nominee programs around labor market needs & target specific professions that are in demand.

Nova Scotia, British Columbia, as well as Saskatchewan, have nominee streams, particularly for physicians with employment offers in the province. Many others offer nominee programs for applicants who work in the province or hold a full-time job offer from an employer in the province. 

Some territories & provinces also offer work permit support letters to nominees, enabling them to apply for work authorization instead of LMIA. As a result, this will remove an extra step for the employer in the process of bringing international physicians to Canada. 

In addition, applicants eligible under the Express Entry aligned stream might obtain an additional 600 points towards their CRS scores upon being nominated, thus enabling them to become permanent residents. 

  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot 

This program is similar to PNP & targets labor shortages in the Atlantic provinces, i.e., Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, & Prince Edward Island. 

There is a significant shortage of physicians in these provinces. As a result, these provinces are eager to extend an invitation to qualified physicians. 

Requirements For Physicians In Canada 

As you move to Canada as a physician, it is vital to fulfill specific requirements. They are: 

  • Requirement 1: Have A Recognised Medical Qualification

It is likely that you already have a medical qualification. However, to move to Canada as a physician, you need to ensure that your education will be recognized there. 

And it is straightforward to check.  

You just have to go to the World Directory of Medical Schools website & try finding your university there. 

  • Requirement 2: Approval From The MCC, i.e., Medical Council Of Canada 

One of the things you must obtain as a physician is the qualification known as a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. 

Here are the requirements to obtain this qualification: 

  • Pass the MCC’s qualifying examination. 
  • Complete a minimum of 12 months of postgraduate training. 

The examinations have two parts, i.e., the first part can be taken at home, while the second part will be taken in Canada. 

Upon passing the examinations, you have to obtain approval from the Medical Regulatory Authorities in the territory/ province where you wish to reside & work. 

  • Other Requirements    

Here are the additional requirements that you have to fulfill: 

  • Proof Of Language Skills 

In many cases, physicians who are immigrating to Canada need to prove that their language skills are good enough. 

And generally, any of the approved programs would qualify for the following: 

  • IELTS & CELPIP for English
  • TEF & TCF for French 

  • Work Experience 

At some point in immigration, physicians need to prove that they have relevant work experience. 

Well, physicians need to prepare the following information: 

  • NOC Titles
  • Work Responsibilities 
  • Current Salary
  • Hours Worked 
  • Letter Of EmploymentFrom Previous Employer
  • Contact Details Of The Employer

Conclusion 

Moving to Canada is simple in theory, but navigating the myriad forms can be complex & challenging. Well, the simplest thing to do is talk to an RCIC.  

These professionals can help you figure out the best immigration programs & pathways so that you can effortlessly move to Canada as a physician & find a job at the same time.  

So, if living & working in Canada sounds like a dream you wish to pursue, then it’s about time you begin with the process. After all, Canada requires more physicians & you could be one of them!