Canada Doctor Licensure and Residency Guide
Canada IMG Guide • Licensure + Residency Entry

Canada Pathways for Doctors

A practical roadmap for international medical graduates (IMGs) planning to practise in Canada: physiciansapply.ca setup, source verification, MCC exams, CaRMS residency application, Practice-Ready Assessment, costs, and official links.

Start the roadmap Official links
physiciansapply.ca setup
CAD 335
One-time account fee.
Source verification
CAD 232
Per medical credential.
MCCQE Part I
CAD 1,500
Current application fee.
NAC Examination
CAD 3,320
Current application fee.

Overview

The pathway to practise in Canada varies by province or territory and by the medical regulatory authority (MRA) for that jurisdiction. Most IMGs begin by creating a physiciansapply.ca account, source-verifying credentials, then taking the exams or assessments needed for their intended route.

Canada does not have one single “all-purpose IMG route.” Some applicants pursue residency through CaRMS, while others may qualify for Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) if they already have postgraduate training and independent practice experience.

Provincial rules matter physiciansapply.ca is central MCCQE Part I + NAC for CaRMS IMG route PRA exists in multiple provinces

Best first move

Pick your province first, then check that MRA’s requirements before spending money.

MCC IMG pathway page

Main Canada Pathways

Residency route through CaRMS

For IMGs seeking postgraduate training positions. For the CaRMS R-1 Main Residency Match, IMG applicants generally need both the MCCQE Part I and the NAC Examination.

Licensure pathway by province

Licensure requirements are set by the province or territory where you want to practise, through the local MRA.

Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA)

An accelerated route for internationally trained physicians who already have postgraduate training and independent practice experience. Nine provinces currently run PRA programs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Roadmap

1

Choose your target province

Province-specific rules can change your exam, language, and licensure requirements.

2

Create your physiciansapply.ca account

This is the main portal for credential services, source verification, and several exam and licensure-related actions.

3

Source-verify your credentials

International credentials should be verified early so they can be shared with MRAs and programs when needed.

4

Meet language requirements

English or French proficiency rules are driven by the province and the regulator.

5

Take MCCQE Part I

This is one of the core MCC examinations and part of the LMCC pathway.

6

Take the NAC Examination if applying to residency

This national exam assesses readiness to enter a Canadian residency program.

7

Apply through CaRMS if pursuing residency

Build your CaRMS application, upload documents, and apply strategically to programs that match your eligibility profile.

8

Explore PRA if already experienced

If you already have postgraduate training and independent practice experience, PRA may be a more direct route in some provinces.

Costs

Fees are reviewed periodically. Recheck the MCC and CaRMS fee pages before you pay.
Item Current fee Notes
physiciansapply.ca setup CAD 335 One-time setup fee.
Source verification request CAD 232 Per medical credential.
MCCQE Part I CAD 1,500 Application fee.
NAC Examination CAD 3,320 Application fee.
LMCC application CAD 265 Separate MCC fee.
Application for medical registration CAD 240 MCC application for medical registration fee.
CaRMS match participation CAD 302.89 Includes nine program applications.
CaRMS extra program fee CAD 31.00 Per program beyond the nine included.
CaRMS IMG verification fee CAD 110.25 One-time fee for applicants who did not graduate from a Canadian medical school.

Simple cost estimator

Estimated total: CAD 0

Not included here

  • Provincial application fees
  • Immigration and relocation costs
  • Language tests
  • Document translation or notarization
  • PRA-specific provincial fees if applicable

Certificate Verification

Main rule

Source verification through physiciansapply.ca is one of the first major steps for IMGs in Canada, because verified credentials can then be shared with medical regulatory authorities and other organizations.

Common delay points

  • Slow medical school response
  • Uploading the wrong document type
  • Name mismatch across documents
  • Leaving verification too late for application season
Do credential verification early. It often becomes the hidden bottleneck for exams, CaRMS, or provincial licensing steps.

How Much Mark Is Needed?

MCCQE Part I

Pass

Used as part of licensure and LMCC-related progress.

NAC Examination

Pass / scored assessment

Used to assess readiness for residency and considered by residency program directors.

Residency entry

No single national cutoff

Eligibility is national in some respects, but actual selection depends on province, program, and competitiveness.

Residency and Chances

Basic IMG CaRMS eligibility points

  • Usually Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Recognized international medical degree
  • Passed NAC Examination
  • Passed MCCQE Part I
  • No previous accredited postgraduate training for first iteration, subject to exceptions

What affects your chances most

  • Province-specific eligibility
  • Exam completion on time
  • Strong documentation and references
  • Applying broadly and realistically
  • Whether PRA is a better fit than residency for your profile
In Canada, your chances are driven less by one “magic score” and more by province-specific rules, exam completion, documentation, and fit with the route you choose.

Notes

  • This page is educational and planning-focused, not legal or immigration advice.
  • Canadian IMG routes are highly province-specific.
  • Always verify current requirements directly with the province and the official national body before applying.