Canada is a country of great opportunities for professionals, especially for individuals of healthcare backgrounds. Canada’s healthcare system is facing a shortage of trained doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. As a result, the demand for foreign-trained doctors has increased significantly.  

Whether you are an experienced doctor or have recently completed your medical studies, moving to Canada can open up a world of possibilities and help you advance in your career.  

If you are interested in moving to Canada as a doctor, continue reading the blog until the end and discover everything there is to know about how to move to Canada as a doctor. You can find out the reasons, available pathways, eligibility criteria, and how to get a license to work in Canada easily.  

Why choose Canada to migrate as a doctor? 

Settling in Canada can be an appealing growth opportunity for foreign-trained doctors due to various reasons. The following are some of the notable bases to move to Canada as a doctor. 

  • Scarcity of experienced physicians and surgeons 

In Canada, there is a great shortage of skilled doctors in different specializations. As per the reports, it is estimated that between 2022 and 2031, approx. 40 % of job vacancies in medical fields may remain unfilled, even after the immigration of foreign skilled doctors and the entering of newly graduated doctors, physicians, and surgeons into the workforce.  

  • Increased demand for doctors in all provinces 

In all Canadian provinces, there are ample job opportunities in different medical occupations, from surgeons and specialist physicians to nurses. As a result, federal as well as provincial governments are making efforts to promote and attract international doctors to move, settle and work in Canada. 

  • High salary packages 

In Canada, doctors in hospitals and healthcare centers earn handsome salaries. If they work privately, they are paid by the provincial healthcare system under the pay-for-service model. This means that for providing medical services, doctors are not paid by the patients but by the government. The average income of a general physician in Canada is $216,833 annually, whereas the income of specialist doctors and surgeons is $273,510 annually. 

Immigration pathways for foreign medical graduates 

Eligible Skilled individuals who are able to fill the skill gaps in the Canadian workforce, including the medical field, may apply for Canadian permanent residency. There are various immigration pathways that you can choose to move to Canada as a doctor.  

1. Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the Express Entry program that permits skilled international professionals to move and work in Canada as a PR. Under this program, eligible applicants receive an invitation to apply based on their CRS score.  

Candidates’ CRS score is assessed by taking into account different factors such as age, education, experience, language abilities, and more. So, you can check your eligibility for the FSWP and move to Canada as a doctor.  

2. Provincial Nominee Program 

PNP or Provincial Nominee Program is another pathway that you can use for immigrating to Canada as a doctor. Except for Quebec and Nunavut, all Canadian provinces and territories have their own immigration pathway, the PNP. This allows them to nominate candidates with skills in high demand or workers in specific occupations who can help address the labor gaps and enhance economic growth. Some PNP might require Canadian work experience.  

How to get a license in Canada as a Doctor  

In order to work in Canada as a physician or surgeon, you must first get a license from the provincial or territorial regulator. You can also start the licensing process even before you enter Canada. 

This is how internationally trained doctors can apply for license registration. 

1. Get an LMCC 

LMCC, the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, is a qualification in medicine that is issued by the Medical Council of Canada. Medical graduates who satisfy the eligibility criteria receive an LMCC and are enrolled in the Canadian Medical Register.  

The eligibility criteria for LMCC 

In order to obtain the LMCC, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

  • Medical degree: The candidate must be graduated from a proper medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Then, he must get his medical credentials to prove that they are valid and comparable to a Canadian medical credential.  
  • Qualify for the Exam: The applicants must pass the MCCQE Part 1 examination. This exam is conducted online in more than 80 countries, and you can attempt it even before arriving in Canada.  
  • Work experience: The applicants must have at least one-year work experience or acceptable postgraduate medical training in your country.  
  • Application Fees: The applicant is required to pay the LMCC application fees. 

Note that LMCC is not a license to practice medicine in Canada, but this is crucial to be eligible for provincial registration. 

2. Get a license to practice Medicine in Canada 

Once you are enlisted in the Canadian medical register, you need to apply to your Canadian provincial regulator for a license to practice medicine in Canada. Note that the process of licensing for physicians and surgeons differs by province/territory. Also, different provinces also provide several types of licenses, such as licenses for independent practice or licenses for clinical ownership.  

Depending on the province, you may be able to apply for the licensing process even before your move to Canada. Here’s an overview of how to apply for a medical license to practice in Canada. 

The following are the eligibility criteria for a license to practice medicine in Canada: 

  • You must have a valid medical degree and an LMCC. 
  • You must have Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, or an applicable valid work permit.  
  • You must prove your language ability, either in English or French, as needed by your regulator. 
  • Sometimes, you may also need to provide certificates of professional conduct or references as well as professional liability insurance before you begin practicing in Canada.  

How much do Canadian doctors earn? 

In Canada, the average salary of healthcare professionals depends on various factors such as years of work experience, the province they are working in and where they are employed, in a hospital or healthcare center or are self-employed, practicing privately. 

As per the Canadian Job Bank, the average yearly income of general practitioners and family physicians is $216,833. However, the senior physicians may earn up to $450,000. 

In addition, a surgeon and specialists in Canada may earn up to $ 273 in clinical and laboratory medicine, and their annual salary may reach up to $550,000.  

How to find a job in Canada as an international doctor? 

In Canada, a foreign doctor may practice in Canada at a hospital, a clinic, or a healthcare center or practice privately if they are permitted to practice medicine in any Canadian province or territory. Note that for working privately, you’d need to follow additional steps such as finding a location, getting an independent practice license, submitting an application to CAPM- Canadian Medical Protective Association, and more.  

This is why the majority of international doctors work in Government-managed hospitals and healthcare centers.  

In order to search for jobs in the medical fields in Canada, you can explore the dedicated platforms like the following: 

  • MD Work 
  • MD Search 
  • Dr. Career 
  • Locums 
  • CASPR Public Job Board 

Prepare yourself for the Job. 

  • Tailor your resume: The resume formats may vary from country to country, and your home-country resume may not fit the Canadian market needs. Thus ensure to design your resume as per Canadian style and ensure it reflects your eligibility for the job role. Ensure to add your medical education, your postgraduate credentials and certifications, your past work experience, research papers (if any), and your achievements. 
  • Connect with your medical professionals: Try to get in touch with already-established doctors in Canada. This will help you learn more about the medical profession and help you discover jobs in Canada easily. 
  • Get ready for the job interview: Lastly, prepare yourself for the interviews. Many healthcare organizations conduct multiple interview rounds to select the most suitable candidate. Practice some frequently asked questions in the interview and lower your hesitation. You must have the talent to convince them that you are the best fit for the job role and are passionate about your profession. Reflect that you really need the Job and will not leave anyone disappointed.  

Move to Canada as a doctor and make your dream come true! 

Moving to Canada as a doctor and getting a job there is not as difficult as it appears. Canada’s welcoming nature and high demand for professionals in the market have opened up the possibilities for foreign doctors to migrate to Canada and get a job easily. Also, the availability of various pathways has facilitated Canadian immigration for skilled professionals. Here, we’ve discussed everything there is to know about moving to Canada as a doctor. Hope this has assisted you in understanding the process and taking a step closer to your dream country.