Licensing: MDs – Canada

Citizenship:

• Canadian MDs

• MDs from the US or Mexico

• MDs from Outside North America

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• Canadian Provincial/Territorial MD Licensing Bodies

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Canadian Medical Doctors

Doctors must be licensed in the province in which they would like to work. Individual provinces are responsible for issuing their own license to practice and general information is provided below for your convenience. Applicants are encouraged to contact the licensing body in the province in which they wish to work to confirm the specific requirements for that province.

Please note, if you currently hold a license to practice in another Canadian Province, licensure by endorsement is often possible. Again, please contact the appropriate provincial licensing body for specific details.

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Medical Doctors from the US or Mexico

Like Canadian MDs, US and Mexican MDs will need to obtain a provincial licence before being allowed to practice in Canada.

Note that some provinces have special programs for doctors willing to go to areas of need, and exact requirements, and what may be temporarily or permanently waived, varies according to province, so the licensing body in the province(s) of interest must be contacted individually.

In general, however, the procedure to obtain a provincial license includes completing a two-part exam administered by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), called the MCC Qualifying Exam Parts I and II (MCCQE I and MCCQE II) must be passed. The MCCQE I is computer-based, and offered during two periods: in spring (usually during a two-week period) and in the fall (usually during a one-week period). The MCCQE II assesses competence (knowledge, skills, and attitude) through candidates being presented with "problems in Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Psychiatry and Surgery, as well as in allied disciplines considered essential for competence in general medical and health care as defined by the objectives developed by the MCC." For more information, you should contact the MCC directly.

Note for MDs who were not educated in the Canada or the USA: to be eligible for the MCC examinations, individuals must have completed all of the requirements for the final medical diploma in a university outside of Canada or the United States which is listed in either the International Medical Education Directory or the World Health Organization's World Directory of Medical Schools, and must have a valid pass standing on the MCC Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) before being allowed to write the qualifying exams. Exception: An international medical graduate who is a specialist certified by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties may request an exemption from the MCCEE.

Specialty Practice: For detailed information about specialty certification, see The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Generally, however, if one hasn't completed specialty training in Canada, the requirements for specialty certification include completing the following steps:

• specialty certification in country of origin,

• hold a current license to practice in Canada,

• have successfully completed a Medical Council of Canada examination,

• complete a minimum three month clinical assessment period,

• pass the Royal College certification examination and

• complete a five year cycle of professional development after taking the certification examination.

Visa information: Medical Doctors are covered under NAFTA for the purposes of teaching and/or research only. If you are a citizen of the USA or Mexico, you are eligible for a visa. Permanent Residents of the USA or Mexico are not eligible under NAFTA.

You can obtain an Employment Authorization (NAFTA Professional Status) from any Canadian port of entry, US-Canadian border crossing, or Canadian Consulate (or in Canada, if you are already in the country as a visitor). No sponsorship is required. Job Offer Validation is not required. However, you will still need to provide proof of an offer of employment from your employer in Canada. You must also meet the minimum education, experience, and licensing requirements set for your profession.

Your documentation* you present must indicate:

• the professional level activity you will carry out

• your job title

• summary of your job duties

• starting date and expected length of temporary stay

• arrangement for remuneration.

*This documentation can include: a signed contract between you and an employer; a letter from your prospective employer confirming that employment has been offered and accepted; a letter from your current employer stating that you are entering another NAFTA member country to render services pursuant to a signed contract between your employer and an enterprise in that country.

The duration of the Employment Authorization is set for an initial period of one year. An unlimited number of one-year extensions may be subsequently obtained so long as you can show that the employment remains temporary, and that you continue to be qualified to work in your profession.

If you do not fall under the category of teaching and/or research, you are likely to require a work visa, and usually sponsorship is required. Please contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for more information.

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Medical Doctors from Outside North America

Like Canadian MDs, internationally trained MDs will need to obtain a provincial licence before being allowed to practice in Canada.

• specialty certification in country of origin,

• hold a current license to practice in Canada,

• have successfully completed a Medical Council of Canada examination,

• complete a minimum three month clinical assessment period,

• pass the Royal College certification examination and

• complete a five year cycle of professional development after taking the certification examination.

Visa information: You are required to have a Canadian Employment Authorization before being allowed entry and employment in Canada. Sponsorship is often required. Please contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate to inquire about obtaining an Employment Authorization.

You can also find more information at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

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The Medical Council of Canada and Canadian Provincial and Territorial Medical Boards

MCC, A, B, M, N, O, P, Q, S, Y