Pathway to Medical Licensure in Canada for International Medical Graduates

The process for becoming a licensed physician in Canada for international medical graduates, whether students, graduates from international medical schools listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, or internationally trained physicians, can differ significantly depending on individual circumstances.

Each province and territory in Canada has its own medical regulatory authority (MRA) that sets the requirements and standards for medical licensure. As such, it is crucial for candidates to thoroughly review and understand the licensure requirements specific to the MRA of the jurisdiction where they wish to practice.

This information on this page provides an overview of key steps for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice in Canada, though it is not a comprehensive resource. It serves as a guide to help understand some of the processes involved in practicing medicine in Canada and the role the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) may play. Candidates must review the specific requirements set by the Medical Regulatory Authority (MRA) in the province or territory where they wish to practice.

Beginning Your Journey Toward Obtaining Licensure in Canada

IMGs might need to undertake all or some of the following steps as they start their path to licensure in Canada.

1. Complete Language Test

   All practicing physicians in Canada must be able to communicate effectively with their patients in either English or French. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs) whose medical degree was obtained in a country where neither English nor French is the primary language, proving proficiency in one of Canada's official languages is a key requirement for licensure set by Medical Regulatory Authorities (MRAs).

   There are several language test options available, and your choice may depend on your objectives, skill level, or immigration timeline. Some candidates choose to take a language test before attempting the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to enhance their chances of success.

   Be sure to consult the MRA in the province or territory where you plan to practice, as well as Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, to confirm the accepted language tests and their recency requirements.

2. Create a physiciansapply.ca Account

   Creating a physiciansapply.ca account grants you access to essential services, including the source verification of your medical credentials, as well as the application process for the MCC exams, which may be required on your journey to licensure.

   This secure online account requires a one-time setup fee and provides access to valuable services, including:

   • Storage of your medical credentials in a centralized electronic repository
   • Secure document sharing with Canadian Medical Regulatory Authorities (MRAs) and other organizations registered with the MCC
   • Access to MCC support for guidance through these services

   Through your physiciansapply.ca account, you can also manage credential source verification, apply for exams, and request the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), along with other paid services.

3. Verify Your Medical Credentials

   Source verification is the process through which the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) contacts the institution that issued your credential (the source) to confirm its authenticity, accuracy, and validity. This process is carried out in partnership with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), a member of Intealth. Candidates aiming to practice in Ontario should reach out to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario for source verification.There are several reasons for having your international medical credentials verified. It might be a requirement for licensure by a medical regulatory authority (MRA) or another organization, or necessary to access additional MCC services and exams.

4. Pass the MCCQE Part 1

   The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I is a comprehensive test that evaluates a candidate's critical medical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills at a level expected of a medical student nearing the end of their medical degree in Canada.

   Graduates who complete the MCCQE Part I typically proceed to supervised practice. The MCCQE Part I serves as the national standard for medical schools across Canada, complementing formal accreditation processes for undergraduate and postgraduate education, and is administered at the conclusion of medical school.

   You must pass the MCCQE Part I and meet the eligibility criteria for the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). Canadian medical regulatory authorities may require the LMCC for you to apply for a medical license in their province or territory.

5. Pass the NAC Exam

   The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination is a standardized national test designed to evaluate your readiness for entry into a Canadian residency program. It was created to minimize duplication among provincial international medical graduate (IMG) assessment programs and provide standardized results to residency program directors nationwide.

   The exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for admission to postgraduate training or residency in Canada. IMGs must complete the NAC Examination to apply to Canadian residency programs through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).

Selecting The Best Pathway For You

IMGs have multiple options for acceptable postgraduate training required for licensure in Canada. Depending on the pathway you select, the MCC may be involved in additional assessments and your application for medical registration with an MRA. Other alternatives not listed here might also be available to you.

Licensing, Certification & Registration

The requirements for medical registration are determined by each MRA and vary between provincial and territorial jurisdictions. To be granted full licensure to practice medicine in a particular province or territory, most MRAs require completion of some or all of the following steps.