Can American Doctors Work in Canada? Truth Revealed!

If you’re a U.S.-trained physician considering a move to Canada, you may be wondering: Can American doctors work in Canada? The answer is yes! However, the process varies by province, specialty, and licensing requirements. 

This guide covers everything you need to know, from licensing pathways and job opportunities to salary expectations and immigration procedures.

Pathway for U.S.-Trained Physicians in Canada

Canada’s medical licensure requirements are province-specific, meaning each region has its own rules for licensing foreign-trained doctors. However, three provinces—Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia—have made it significantly easier for U.S.-trained physicians to practice without requiring additional exams or training.

Province-Specific Licensing Requirements

1. Ontario

• U.S. board-certified or board-eligible physicians can obtain a restricted license without repeating exams or additional training.
• As of April 2023, supervision is no longer required for U.S. board-certified physicians in Ontario.
• The restricted license can be renewed indefinitely.

2. Nova Scotia

• In March 2023, the province announced that U.S. board-certified physicians can now apply for full licensure without taking additional exams.

3. British Columbia

• Introduced the “USA Certified” pathway, which streamlines licensing for physicians with American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) certification in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Psychiatry.

4. Other Provinces

• Some provinces require that the total length of postgraduate training match Canadian standards. For example:
  • Internal Medicine: 4 years in Canada vs. 3 years in the U.S.
  • Emergency Medicine: 5 years in Canada vs. 4 years in the U.S.
• U.S. doctors may fulfill this requirement through fellowships or additional training.
• Family Medicine physicians with American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) certification can take advantage of reciprocity agreements with Canada.
• Some provinces require U.S.-trained doctors to work under clinical supervision for 12-18 months, with a mentor reviewing cases and providing guidance.

How to Find a Job as a U.S. Doctor in Canada

Finding a medical job in Canada requires research, networking, and persistence. Here’s how to get started:

1. Explore Canadian Job Boards

• National job boards: MDwork.com, DrCareers.ca
• Province-specific job boards: Health Force Ontario, Health Match BC

2. Contact Hospitals and Clinics Directly

• Research hospitals and clinics in your preferred province and reach out via email or phone.
• Ask if they have open positions in your specialty and if they can provide the necessary supervision (if required).

3. Work with a Medical Recruitment Agency

• Agencies like Head Medical specialize in placing international doctors in Canada and can help with licensing, job placement, and immigration paperwork.

4. Target High-Demand Specialties

• Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and Rural Medicine are in high demand in Canada. Physicians in these fields may find securing employment and obtaining licensure easier.

Immigration Options for U.S. Doctors Moving to Canada

There are two primary ways for U.S. physicians to immigrate to Canada:

1. Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (Best for Most Physicians)

• Requires a valid job offer & provincial medical license
  Earns points based on education, work experience, and language skills
  Leads to permanent residency (PR)

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – For High-Demand Specialties

• Some provinces fast-track PR for doctors (e.g., Nova Scotia, British Columbia)
  May be a better option if you don’t meet Express Entry points requirements

Take Note: You must take an English or French language test (IELTS or CELPIP) for immigration.

Immigration Process for U.S. Physicians Moving to Canada

1. Choose a Province

• Since the licensing process is province-specific, decide where you want to practice before applying for jobs.

2. Apply for Medical Licensure

• Register at PhysiciansApply.ca to submit credentials for provincial licensure.

3. Apply for a Work Visa or Permanent Residency

• U.S. doctors qualify for Canada’s Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.
• Steps include:
  1. Taking an English or French language test (IELTS or TEF).
  2. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
  3. Applying for Permanent Residency (PR).

Is Supervision Required for U.S. Doctors in Canada?

It depends on the province. Some provinces, like Ontario and Nova Scotia, no longer require supervision for U.S. board-certified doctors.

For those who do need clinical supervision (12-18 months), here’s what to expect:

• A full-licensed physician will review a few patient cases each month.
• The goal is to help you adapt to the Canadian healthcare system.
• At the end of supervision, a competency assessment ($10,000-$15,000 CAD) may be required.

Good news: Many U.S. doctors report that supervision is not burdensome and helps ease the transition.

Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Canada Worth It?

Practicing medicine in Canada as a U.S. doctor is absolutely possible, and the process is becoming easier in several provinces. If you want to relocate, follow these steps:

1. Choose a province with favorable licensing conditions.
2. Apply for licensure and a job simultaneously.
3. Start the immigration process early (6+ months in advance).

With competitive salaries, universal healthcare, and a high quality of life, Canada is an attractive destination for U.S.-trained physicians. If you’re ready to take the leap, start your journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions