Information for international medical graduates

The information below is geared to international medical graduates (IMGs) looking to begin the process of obtaining a licence to practise medicine in Canada. Individuals are always encouraged to contact the medical regulatory authority in the province or territory in which they would like to practise. They should also contact the international medical graduate program in the province they would like to practise, if such a program exists. We have included links to these organizations on our website.

Most health-care organizations refer to physicians who have received their medical education abroad as IMGs. The Medical Council of Canada defines an IMG as an individual who has graduated from a medical school not accredited in Canada or in the U.S. (by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools or by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in the U.S.). Graduates of a U.S. School of Osteopathic Medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association are considered IMGs.

The term ‘international medical graduate’ can refer to physicians who come from a wide range of backgrounds. For example, an IMG may:

  • have several years of independent practice experience in his/her country
  • have just recently completed medical school
  • have completed a residency training program
  • have gone directly into practice with no requirement for a residency
  • be from a country with a medical education system similar to Canada’s
  • be from a country whose medical education system is very different from Canada’s

Prior to commencing the licensure process in Canada, all IMGs will need to assess their circumstances and consider the following:

  • there is no guarantee of obtaining a licence to practise in Canada
  • the licensure process has many stages and can seem complex to those not familiar with the Canadian approach
  • there are differences in the registration processes between provinces and territories
  • there is a significant financial and personal commitment required to pursue licensure

Depending on the province/territory, licensure may involve:

  • a series of examinations (eligibility, program selection, qualifying, certification)
  • language proficiency tests
  • credentialing
  • postgraduate training/assessment
  • return-of-service agreements (practising in a underserviced community for an agreed upon period of time)

You can also review the process of obtaining a licence for steps you can take before arriving in Canada, and some steps you can take once in Canada.

The Working in Canada website also includes province and territory-specific information that may be of interest.