Are you a US physician or medical school graduate thinking of moving to Canada to practise medicine? You’re not alone. More and more American doctors are exploring opportunities to practise in Canada.
In fact, over the six-month period between November 2024 and April 2025, the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) saw a 718% increase in US medical graduates verifying their credentials compared to the previous year.
Plus, with much of Canada experiencing physician shortages, the timing couldn’t be better. While there currently is no national plan or policy to address the shortage, many provinces and territories are becoming more active in the recruitment of international medical graduates (IMGs) and are even streamlining the licensure process to make the transition smoother.
Here are some important things to consider before you pack your stethoscope and medical bags for Canada:
1. Complete your residency in the US
Even if you want to move to Canada as soon as possible, it’s best to complete your residency in the United States first. While most US medical school residencies are accepted under Canada’s medical regulatory bodies, IMGs are allocated a very small portion of the total residency spots available.
In addition to competing for limited Canadian residencies, American doctors seeking a residency spot will need to complete the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) examination. This test, held twice a year, in 2025 costs $3,320. Residency or citizenship requirements must also be met before US doctors can claim a slot.
If you are US medical school graduate and are considering a residency in Canada, check with the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) for the requirements, which are changing in January 2026.
2. Obtain legal status to live and work in Canada
To practise in Canada, there are three main routes to legal immigration.
(1) The most common is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry). This method is best for physicians who want to permanently relocate to Canada. The scoring system is based on age, education, language proficiency and work experience.
(2) An employer-sponsored work permit is for physicians who already have a job offer from a Canadian hospital or clinic.
(3) Alternative placement programs have some provinces cutting the traditional red tape to fast-track licensure for high-demand specialties or rural placements. For example, Practice Ready Assessment – British Columbia (PRA-BC) is a program that provides qualified internationally trained family physicians with an alternative pathway to licensure. Immigration status in Canada is not required to apply for PRA-BC. Since 2015, PRA-BC has placed 363 family physicians throughout BC.
As of July 7, 2025, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) has eliminated the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 (MCCQE1) and Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) requirement for the assessment class of licensure.
A similar program in Ontario helps general practitioners from outside Canada begin working in that province more quickly. To be eligible, applicants must have a recognized medical degree, have postgraduate training and hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. Successful candidates must complete a three-year return of service as a family physician in a rural high-need community.
3. Verify your medical credentials
While you are waiting to gain Canadian residency, you’ll need to get your US medical credentials approved through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). To do this, create an account on physiciansapply.ca. This secure online portal is where you’ll submit your medical school diploma and other key documents for source verification, which are required for all Canadian licensing pathways.
4. Check requirements in your preferred province or territory
While Canada’s healthcare system provides universal access to essential medical services for all residents, each province and territory regulates medical licensure through its own medical regulatory authority (MRA).
For example, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) have similar general frameworks, but supervision requirements and other licensing pathways may differ.
If you are already certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), you can obtain full independent licensure in almost every province immediately, with no additional examinations or certification required. After five years and three years, respectively, of continuous practice in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, you may apply for a full independent practice licence.
However, once you are licensed in one province, a full licence can often be transferred to other parts of the country with relative ease. Since every province updates its policies at different times, always confirm the latest requirements directly with the respective medical regulator in the province or territory where you intend to practise.
Organizations that support IMGs include Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) and Health Force Ontario (HFO). In Nova Scotia, the Department of Health and Wellness and the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) provide resources that help IMGs transition to life in the Maritimes.
5. Note the differences of practising medicine in Canada
Despite the many similarities of practising medicine in Canada and the United States, there are a few differences. While US patients seeking treatment often go to either a walk-in clinic or directly to a specialist, Canadian family doctors are typically the patient’s first point of contact with the medical system, whether it’s for a minor issue or a specialist referral.
With Canada’s universal healthcare system, also called a single-payer system, doctors bill their services to the provincial health authorities at standardized rates. Thus practitioners earn different salaries depending on their medical specialization, the cost of each procedure and the number of patients they see. Since the single-payer model simplifies billing, Canadian doctors can handle their billing needs with a medical billing software program such as Dr.Bill.
In conclusion
Canada’s world ranking for safety, stability and quality of life make it a premier destination for American doctors seeking a supportive and welcoming environment to work and live. In addition, the gap between doctor salaries in Canada and the US has gradually been narrowing. While the there are generally lower taxes and higher average salaries across medical specialties in the US, Canadian doctors have lower insurance and operational costs.
While the pathway to licensure may take some time and will vary for every US physician, Canada’s continued investments in medical technology, research, education and training help deliver high-quality healthcare and a rewarding medical career for IMGs.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.
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