Immigrate and Work as a Doctor in Canada In Canada, the demand for doctors has tripled, making it an ideal time to immigrate and work
Immigrate and Work as a Doctor in Canada
In Canada, the demand for doctors has tripled, making it an ideal time to immigrate and work as a doctor in Canada. The healthcare sector is the only part of the Canadian labor market where new employment opportunities are created daily. More doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are needed now more than ever. If you’re a doctor looking to relocate to Canada, this is the perfect time.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work as a doctor in Canada, this is your chance to find out.
Canadian Immigration Options for Doctors
There are over 80 immigration schemes in Canada. However, if you want to immigrate and work as a doctor in Canada, you must apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), managed under the Express Entry system.
Healthcare Professionals in Canada
One in every four healthcare professionals in Canada is an immigrant. For example, 23% of registered nurses and 36% of physicians in Canada are immigrants.
Other healthcare occupations in Canada also have a high percentage of immigrants:
- 54% of dental technologists
- 39% of dentists
- 37% of pharmacists
- 35% of nurse aides
Licensing Requirements for Foreign-Trained Healthcare Professionals
To work as a doctor in Canada, foreign-trained healthcare professionals must obtain a license. The following occupations are regulated:
- Specialist physicians
- General practitioners
- Dentists
- Veterinarians
- Optometrists
- Chiropractors
- Allied primary health practitioners
For more information on the licensing process, visit the Medical Council of Canada.
Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) Programs
Provinces in Canada use Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) programs to help internationally trained physicians obtain licensure. Some of the PRA programs include:
- Alberta Clinical and Surgical Assistant Program
- Alberta International Medical Graduate Program
- Collège des médecins du Québec – Practice-ready assessment
Canadian Provincial Nomination Programs for Foreign Doctors
Canadian provinces like British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan have dedicated streams for healthcare professionals. Typically, a job offer from a Canadian employer or work experience as a healthcare professional is required for a provincial nomination.
To explore these options further, consider the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP), Nova Scotia Nominee Program, and Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
Steps to Immigrate and Work as a Doctor in Canada 2024
- Check whether Canada recognizes your medical degree: Use the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS) to begin your search.
- Open a physiciansapply.ca account: This account will manage credential verification and exam registration.
- Submit your medical diploma for source verification: Create an Express Entry profile during this stage.
- Take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I.
- Take the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination.
- Take the MCCQE Part II.
- Obtain Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC): Although the LMCC does not authorize practice, it aids in registration with Canadian Medical Regulatory Authorities.
- Participate in a PRA program: For doctors with postgraduate clinical training abroad seeking a provisional license.
- Submit an application to the Registrar of the Canadian Medical Regulatory Authority (MRA): Licensing from the MRA is necessary to start practicing.
Provinces with High Demand for Medical Professionals
Certain provinces, like British Columbia and Saskatchewan, have specific immigration streams for healthcare professionals under their provincial nomination programs. If you wish to immigrate and work as a doctor in Canada, targeting these provinces might increase your chances. Check out the BC PNP or SINP for more details.
