The Niagara Physician Recruitment Program can provide physicians with resources:
Licensing Support
Step 1: to practice medicine in any of Canada’s 13 provinces/territories physicians will be required to apply for medical registration through the Medical Council of Canada. You can complete your source verification through physiciansapply.ca
Step 2: to obtain a license with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, applicants will need to ensure that they meet the requirements outlined by the CPSO.
Step 3: Some international physicians may opt to write MCCQE Part 1 to receive their independent license to practice family medicine. In March 2023, the CPSO created an amendment to its Pathway 4 to Licensure for US and UK Board Certified Physicians. You can now apply directly to the CPSO for licensure to practice family medicine without supervision or MCCQE exams.
Immigration Support
Work Permit through a C10 Significant Benefit to Canada Application
Once you have decided on a practice location, the hiring organization can complete a C10 application through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/exemption-codes/canadian-interests-significant-benefit-general-guidelines-r205-c10.html
- This process does not require advertising or long wait times. Once you hit submit, a code is generated to add to a letter of support outlining why the physician is of significant benefit. Community recruiters have this letter prepared to speed this process.
- Bring this letter, your CPSO paperwork and your immigration physical forms to the IRCC office at an International Airport. *It is no longer permitted to apply for work permits at a land border*
Work Permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment
Once you have decided on a practice location the community physician recruiter can assist with obtaining your work permit through an either a Labour Market Impact Assessment or a C10 Significant Benefit to Canada pathway through the International Mobility Program.
- LMIA – A sponsoring or ‘hiring’ organization can apply for either a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), which will allow you to work under a closed work permit linked to hiring clinic. Community recruiters can complete this as an unpaid 3rd party. Within 15-30 days, a decision letter will be issued by Service Canada to the hiring organization.
If you’re applying for an employer-specific work permit you will need to bring the following documentation to a point of entry Immigration office. ie. immigration office at an international airport.
- your job offer letter.
- a copy of the LMIA with LMIA number
- proof that you meet the qualifications and experience for the job (CPSO and MCC letters)
- medical certificate
Permanent Residency
Most physicians will want to create either an express entry profile and wait to be invited to apply for permanent residency or submit an expression of interest for the provincial nominee program. Once you have created an IRCC profile through Express Entry, you may receive a nomination by the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program which will add 600 points to your profile. More information can be found below.
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program Application
Ontario Health also offers support and resources provincially. Click here for more information.
Contact Jill Croteau, Physician Recruiter for additional information or you can register with Ontario Health, Health Force Access Centre to work with an Immigration and Licensing Advisor.
