How to migrate to Canada as a Doctor?

You can migrate to Canada as a doctor through Canadian immigration pathways such as Express Entry, the Canada PNP, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. Canada is actively seeking qualified medical doctors to work across different provinces. To immigrate to Canada as a doctor, you must have a medical license, a valid degree, pass the Medical Council of Canada exams, and undergo postgraduate training. To legally practice as a foreign-trained doctor in Canada, you must get your credentials verified by Physicians Apply - Medical Council of Canada, to receive a positive ECA report.
 

*Want to work in Canada? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.

 

Best Canadian Immigration Pathways for International Doctors

Some of the main Canadian immigration pathways for international doctors include Express Entry, the Canada PNP, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

Doctors are required to meet the provincial medical licensing requirements to qualify through these pathways.

Given below is a complete overview of the pathways to migrate to Canada as a doctor:
 

Canada Express Entry

The Express Entry program in Canada is one of the best immigration pathways for doctors. International doctors with no prior Canadian work experience can also qualify via the Express Entry program. You can opt for Express Entry if you have work experience as a doctor and qualify for any of the FSWP, FSTP, or CEC pathways. Canada has also recently launched a new dedicated Express Entry stream for doctors, best suited to those with at least 12 months of full-time Canadian experience in the past 3 years. There wll be more frequent category-based Express Entry Draws that will target healthcare occupations, including doctors.

Here’s why you should choose Express Entry to migrate to Canada as a doctor:

• “NO” requirement of a job offer
• Get selected based on your qualifications, skills, education, and medical work experience
• One of the fastest pathways to Canada PR and fast-track hiring options in Canada
   

*Want to apply for Express Entry? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps.
 

Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the best immigration pathways if you have a valid job offer or a support letter. Canadian provinces hold PNP draws to nominate eligible doctors with a support letter or a job offer. The provinces and territories in Canada are allocated up to 5,000 immigration spots exclusively for medical doctors.

Here’s why you should choose Canada PNP to migrate to Canada as a doctor:

• High demand for doctors across different Canadian territories and provinces
• Provinces have up to 5,000 nomination spaces reserved exclusively for doctors
• Offers a faster pathway to PR in Canada
   

*Want to apply for Canada PNP? Let Y-Axis you assist with the steps.
 

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of the best pathways for foreign doctors looking to live and settle in the Atlantic regions of Canada, which include Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Nova Scotia. The AIP program is ideal for doctors who have completed their education or have work experience in Atlantic Canada; they must also have a valid job offer from a designated and verified Canadian employer.  

Here’s why you should choose the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) to migrate to Canada as a doctor:

• Atlantic Canada has a high requirement for skilled medical doctors
• “NO” LMIA required
• Offers community-based settlement support  
   

Also, read…

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: A step by step guide to Canada PR
 

Rural Community Immigration Pilot

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) offers a direct PR pathway for qualified foreign doctors who are employed in the 14 designated rural communities across six Canadian provinces. You must have a valid non-seasonal employment offer from a designated employer, along with at least 1 2mopnths of work experience, English language proficiency (CLB 4–6), and sufficient funds to qualify for the RCIP.

Here’s why you should choose the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) to migrate to Canada as a doctor:

• You can get faster visa approvals
• The competition for the RCIP program is comparatively low, making it easier to get selected
• Get assistance with local integration, accommodation assistance, and work-life balance
   

*Want to apply for Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program? Talk to experts at Y-Axis to help you with the steps.
 

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) is a great option for French-speaking doctors to obtain PR in Canada by working in designated Francophone minority communities or areas outside Quebec. To qualify for the FCIP, you must be proficient in the French language, have relevant education or work experience, and have a valid job offer from a designated employer in any of the participating communities.

Here’s why you should choose the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) to migrate to Canada as a doctor:

• Offers a direct PR pathway
• Low CRS score requirements
• Actively recruiting skilled healthcare professionals, especially doctors
• No need for LMIA
   

Also, read…

Canada Announces 5,000 Extra PR Spots for French-Speaking Applicants - Apply Early!
 

How to immigrate to Canada as a Doctor?

To move to Canada as a doctor from India, you must complete the medical licensing process, after which you can apply for an immigration pathway that best suits your profile.

Here is a step-by-step process to migrate to Canada as a doctor:

Step 1: Obtain a recognized medical degree (MBBS/MD) from any of the universities that are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Step 2: Get your medical credentials verified by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

Step 3: Clear the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE Part I).

Step 4: Complete the required postgraduate program (residency) in Canada.

Step 5: Get a national certificate from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), depending on your speciality.

Step 6: Apply for a medical license from any of the territorial or provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Step 7: Choose the Canadian immigration pathway that best matches your requirements (Canada PNP, Express Entry, RCIP, FCIP, AIP)

Step 8: Gather the required documents for the program before applying for the immigration pathway.

Step 9: Once you receive your medical license and legal status in Canada, you can start working as a doctor.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canadian immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!

 

FAQs

How to migrate to Canada as a doctor?

You can migrate to Canada as a doctor through immigration pathways such as Express Entry with healthcare-specific draws, the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. Doctors need to secure a medical license, an approved degree, and pass the Medical Council of Canada exams. Additionally, provincial registration and, potentially, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through bodies like Physicians Apply are required for doctors migrating to Canada.

What documents do I need to migrate to Canada as a doctor?

Foreign doctors migrating to Canada need to have their credentials verified through physiciansapply.ca and provide proof of passing the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I, along with provincial licensure. The documents needed to migrate to Canada as a doctor are as follows:

• Medical Degree/Diploma from the institutes listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
• Postgraduate Training/Internship Certificates.
• Proof of passing the MCCQE Part I.
• Valid medical licensure.
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS for English and TEF for French.
• Educational Credential Assessment via physiciansapply.ca.
• Work experience letter.
• Valid passport.

Do I need a job offer to migrate to Canada as a doctor?

A job offer is not mandatory to migrate to Canada as a doctor through immigration pathways like Express Entry and its category-based draws. Foreign doctors can apply for permanent residence in the country through Express Entry after gaining 6 months of work experience. Many provincial nominee programs (PNPs), such as the Ontario PNP, have specific non-job streams for doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals.

What are the immigration pathways to migrate to Canada as a doctor?

The immigration pathways to migrate to Canada as a doctor include the Express Entry system through healthcare-specific draws, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. Doctors need to secure a job offer in Canada to target fast-tracked immigration pathways that offer a 14-day processing time for a work permit.

What is the average salary of doctors in Canada?

The average salary of doctors in Canada ranges between CAD $200,000 to over $300,000 annually for experienced physicians. The annual wage of foreign doctors in Canada may vary significantly depending on specialisation, experience, and province of practice. Certain specialisations, such as surgery and cardiology, are in high demand in Canada and offer a higher salary package than other specialised doctors.

What are the costs involved in migrating to Canada as a doctor?

The relocation costs for Canada immigration for foreign doctors include licensing, credential assessment, and visa fees. This brings the total migration cost for doctors to Canada to around CAD 20,000–40,000 (INR 15–25 lakhs), including the cost of residency and a license. Other mandatory medical tests, document verification, and language tests may further increase the relocation cost for doctors migrating to Canada.

What medical exams must doctors pass to work in Canada?

Doctors migrating to Canada need to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I, along with the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination, which is essential for assessing clinical skills. Additionally, you need to secure provincial licensing through a Medical Regulatory Authority and certifications from the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for specialty practice.

What is the best immigration pathway for doctors migrating to Canada?

The best immigration pathway for doctors migrating to Canada includes a dedicated Express Entry category for physicians who require at least 1 year of Canadian work experience. The provincial nominee program (PNP) offers an expedited migration route with a 14-day processing time for work permits.

How do I verify a doctor's license in Canada?

To verify a doctor's license in Canada, you need to visit the physiciansapply.ca. For international credential verification, foreign doctors need to reach out to the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) in collaboration with the ECFMG via this website to submit documents, such as medical diplomas/certificates, for authentication. To verify your doctor's license in Canada, you first need to create an account and submit the required documents and transcripts for a Source Verification Request (SVR).

Can I apply for permanent residency in Canada as a doctor?

Yes, doctors can apply for permanent residency in Canada (PR) through pathways like the dedicated Express Entry stream for healthcare professionals, with at least 1 year of Canadian work experience, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The steps to apply for Canada permanent residence are as follows:

1. Create an account on physiciansapply.ca to submit medical credentials (diploma, certification, work experience letter, etc.) for source verification.
2. Pass the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCQE) Part I.
3. Apply for medical registration with the provincial or territorial medical regulatory authority (MRA) of the region where you want to live and work in Canada.
4. Secure a full-time job offer from a Canadian healthcare authority.
5. Check eligibility and select a suitable PR pathway for doctors migrating to Canada based on qualification.
6. Upon receiving a nomination/Invitation to Apply (ITA), submit a complete visa application at IRCC with relevant documents.
7. Upon visa approval, migrate to Canada to work as a registered doctor.