British Columbia, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, is any outdoor adventurer’s dream. In this province spotlight, we review medical registration/licensure, finding a job, and immigration. For general information on practicing medicine in Canada, please read Practicing in Canada: A General Fact Sheet.
Many U.S.-trained physicians are surprised to learn that practicing medicine in British Columbia, Canada is often possible without repeating residency or taking additional board exams. In recent years, British Columbia has introduced streamlined pathways for U.S.-trained physicians, particularly those who are board certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This guide explains the licensing process, how to find physician jobs in BC, and what to expect when relocating.
Registration/Medical Licensure
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) oversees medical registration/licensure and the process and requirements are specific to each specialty.
*** Latest News (as of 6/27/2025)*** BC Has come out with a FAST-Track program for US-trained docs. More details regarding qualifications to come July 7th, 2025 here’s what they’ve shared in the meantime:
“The CPSBC has communicated that the proposed bylaw amendments plan to be implemented following July 7th, 2025. Until then, the information about the USA certified pathway is still valid until July 7th, 2025.
The CPSBC is communicating that physicians who meet the criteria below can be directed to apply via physiciansapply.ca after July 7th, 2025 if they meet the below criteria:
The following is required to be eligible for the full specialty class of licensure:
- completed ACGME-accredited training, and
- obtained certification with an ABMS member board
The following is required to be eligible for the full family class of licensure:
- completed family medicine training accredited by either the ACGME or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and
- obtained certification with either the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP) or the American Board of Family Medicine.
Recently, they created a registration pathway called the “USA Certified” pathway” which allows registrants to practice within the limits and conditions granted by the Registration Committee. A registrant in this class is responsible and accountable for their medical practice.
(stay tuned, more to come…)
To be eligible for this pathway, you must have
- Trained in the United States
- Hold American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) certification in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Psychiatry
Here’s a more detailed look at the requirements:
- have a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
- meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements
- have Canadian citizenship, be a permanent resident status, or be legally able to live and work in British Columbia
- hold ABMS certification in emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or psychiatry
- have successfully completed medical licensing examinations in the United States of America, acceptable to the Registration Committee or be a licentiate of the MCC
- must not be otherwise eligible for registration in the full – specialty or provisional – specialty class as determined by the Registration Committee
You can find all the details here. You can request an application form by emailing registration@cpsbc.ca. For help in navigating the registration/relocation process, check out the resources at PhysiciansJobsBC.
Finding a Job
There are a couple of ways to find a position in British Columbia.
- Browse the Hippocratic Adventures Job Board for current openings.
- Search the job board at BCHealthCareers or this job board, which provides a comprehensive list of vacancies in the province.
- You can also search Canada-wide job boards like MDwork and drcareers.
- Alternatively, you can utilize an international recruiting agency to connect with job opportunities and help with medical licensure and immigration. Typically, the recruiting agency’s fees are paid by the hospital or clinic.
Many U.S.-trained physicians relocating to Canada choose to work with an international medical recruitment agency or directly with health systems or clinics recruiting physicians internationally. These organizations often help coordinate job placement, licensing support, immigration guidance, and relocation logistics. Importantly, reputable recruiters do not charge physicians fees for their services.
For example:
Head Medical is an international physician recruitment agency that has helped thousands of doctors relocate to destinations including Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Gulf, and the Caribbean. Their team works closely with hospitals and health authorities and can guide physicians through licensing, immigration, and relocation.
Stellar Health is a multi-physician clinic group based in Surrey, British Columbia, providing primary care and internal medicine services to the local community. The clinic hires physicians to practice within its network.
Healthcare Culture
Most BC residents are enrolled in the BC provincial health insurance and the government reimburses with a fee-for-service model. Everyone has access to the same level of care and the process of billing is simpler since it is a single payer.
Immigration
Physicians who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and who do not have family to sponsor them need a job offer in hand to obtain a work permit.
Once you accept a job offer, your health authority must sponsor you through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (most common) or by requesting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document an employer in Canada obtains prior to hiring a foreign worker. An LMIA will show that there was no Canadian worker for the job and hence the need for a foreign worker. With this required documentation, you can apply online or at a Canadian consulate. You and your family will also need a medical examination as part of the application. This process can take about 6 months from the time you accept a job to arriving in BC.
Temporary Work Permit is for physicians who want to fill temporary workforce shortages. This can be done through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Permanent Residence is for physicians who want to move permanently to BC. You can apply for BC- Provincial Nominee Program- Healthcare Professionals Under the Health Authority category of BC PNP, applicants may be eligible for either the Skills Immigration or Express Entry pathway.
Permanent Residency – Family Class is for individuals whose spouse or parent is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Your Canadian spouse or parent they can sponsor you for permanent residency regardless of whether you have a job offer. The sponsoring individual must be able to financially support you and ensure you won’t need social assistance from the government.
Bottom Line
British Columbia has recently made relocating to BC and practicing there much easier for US-trained physicians through their streamlined USA-Certified registration pathway. The ocean, the city or the mountains – which will you choose? In BC, you don’t have to choose, you can have them all!
Many thanks to an Anonymous Physician Member of our community, an OB.GYN, who shared their experiences practicing in British Columbia, Canada.
For more personalized Guidance on moving and practicing in Canada, learn about our one-on-one personalized Guidance service.
Last Updated June 23, 2025. Originally published August 28, 2020
