Loading...
NOC 31100TEER 0Healthcare
Physician (General Practitioner) Immigration to Canada
Complete pathway guide for physician (general practitioner)s moving to Canada. Explore Express Entry, provincial programs, requirements, and job prospects.
NOC Code
31100
TEER Category
TEER 0
Median Salary
$260,000
Very High Demand
Overview
Physician (General Practitioner) Pathway to Canada
Canada faces severe physician shortages, particularly in rural and remote areas. Family physicians are the most needed, with some communities offering signing bonuses up to $100,000.
As of 2026, IRCC launched dedicated Express Entry draws for international doctors with Canadian work experience, creating a streamlined pathway for physicians already practicing in Canada.
Licensing is rigorous and time-consuming. The process involves MCC exams, residency matching (if required), and provincial registration. Many physicians work as medical residents or in supervised practice while completing licensing.
Expert Immigration Support
Get personalized guidance from RCIC-licensed consultants specializing in healthcare worker immigration.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreLearn About Express EntryRCIC License: R515110
Immigration Pathways
Eligible Programs for Physician (General Practitioner)s
Multiple pathways available depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Express Entry - Healthcare Category
New 2026 category for doctors with 1+ year Canadian experience. Requires eligible NOC code and recent work authorization.
Provincial Nominee Program
All provinces have physician streams. Many require job offer but offer fast processing and settlement support.
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
Rural communities provide practice opportunities, housing, and immigration support. Often fastest route to licensure and PR.
Requirements
What You Need to Qualify
Key requirements for physician (general practitioner) immigration to Canada.
Education
Medical degree from WHO-recognized institution. Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) or equivalent.
Experience
Minimum 1 year post-residency experience. 2+ years preferred for PNP applications.
Language
CLB 9 minimum (IELTS 7.0 overall) required for medical licensing. Higher scores needed for residency matching.
Licensing
MCC Qualifying Exams Part I & II. Provincial registration. Some IMG physicians need Canadian residency (2-5 years).
Express Entry
Express Entry for Physician (General Practitioner)s
New healthcare category for international doctors (2026) requires 1 year Canadian work experience. Physicians working under supervised practice or in assessment programs may qualify.
Category-Based Draws
Physician (General Practitioner)s are eligible for category-based Express Entry draws, which typically have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws. This significantly improves your chances of receiving an ITA.
Typical CRS Range
400-470
Processing Time
6 months
Top Provinces Hiring
Ontario
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Employment Outlook
Job Market & Settlement
What to expect when you arrive in Canada as a physician (general practitioner).
Time to Employment
12-24 months
Average time to secure first job in Canada
Top Cities for Physician (General Practitioner)s:
TorontoVancouverCalgaryWinnipegHalifax
Job Search Tips
Consider practice-ready assessment programs (Ontario PRA, BC IMG program). Rural areas offer fastest licensing and settlement incentives. Join provincial IMG associations. Many physicians start with locum work.
Top Employer Types
Provincial health authorities
Community health centers
Family health teams
Rural hospitals
Walk-in clinics
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about physician (general practitioner) immigration to Canada
Do I need to redo residency in Canada?
It depends. Practice-ready physicians from certain countries may qualify for expedited assessment programs (Ontario PRA, BC IMG). Others may need 1-2 years of supervised practice or full Canadian residency (2-5 years). Each province has different requirements.
How long does medical licensing take in Canada?
MCC exams: 6-12 months. Provincial registration: 3-6 months after exams. Assessment programs: 6-12 months. Total: 18-36 months from arrival to independent practice. Rural programs are typically faster.
Can I work as a doctor while completing licensing?
Yes, many provinces offer supervised practice licenses or assessment positions. These allow you to work clinically under supervision while completing licensing requirements. Salaries are lower ($80-120K) but provide income and experience.
Which medical specialties are most in demand?
Family medicine (highest demand), psychiatry, emergency medicine, anesthesia, and internal medicine. Rural areas need all specialties. Some provinces fast-track specific specialties based on local needs.
What is the cost of medical licensing in Canada?
MCC exams: $3,500-5,000. Source verification: $1,000-2,000. Provincial registration: $2,000-4,000. Assessment programs: $10,000-30,000. Total: $15,000-40,000. Some provinces offer loans and grants.
Ready to Immigrate as a Physician (General Practitioner)?
Our RCIC-licensed consultants specialize in healthcare worker immigration. Book a consultation to discuss your pathway to Canadian permanent residence.