Welcoming U.S. doctors to Canadian practice

A shifting political landscape in the United States (U.S.) is leading to a wave of interest from practising physicians to relocate to Canada. This is positive news, and potentially an incredible opportunity for the many patients in Canada who lack adequate access to health care. 

Over the past six months (November 2024 to April 2025), the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) has seen a significant increase in U.S. medical graduates opening a physiciansapply.ca account. This figure has risen by
718% compared to the same period last year. The creation of a physiciansapply.ca account signals an interest in pursuing medical licensure in Canada and provides access to the various services we offer, such as the ability to have international medical credentials verified. 

As part of the MCC’s most recent strategic plan, we are committed to supporting international medical graduates and internationally trained physicians as they navigate to practising as physicians in Canada. In that spirit, we are now sharing centralized information about pathways to Canadian practice for U.S. physicians.  

It is each province and territory that determines the licensure requirements and ultimately grants the license to practise. And many of them are reacting to the increased interest and are adjusting their pathways to practice for incoming physicians from the U.S. 

U.S.-trained physicians with American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) certification can obtain full, independent licensure in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island immediately. Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador offer restricted or provisional licenses, with full licensure application at a later date. In each of these provinces, eligible physicians are not required to take additional examinations or seek certification in Canada.  

Though not required for the above routes, U.S. credentials would also qualify for approved jurisdiction routes to become Canadian certified at both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada (Royal College) and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). 

Of course, medical licensing is only one of two factors for physicians looking to move north. Immigration is the other. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling on the federal government to address immigration barriers and expedite visas for health professionals from the U.S. For now, most physicians apply through the Express Entry route or the Provincial Nominee Program. 

Physicians from the U.S. would be a welcome addition to Canada, with a population in need of greater access to health care. The MCC hopes to play a role in guiding those interested physicians to understand their options and the great opportunities that our country has to offer.