Medical Residency Programs For International Students In Canada

Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina

Every year thousands of international students who graduate from Canadian post-secondary institutions remain in the country by applying for a permit to study through their province’s education authority. In this article, I will teach you how to find the education authority, select a program and application pathway within it. I’ll also cover the top medical residency programs in Canada for international students wishing to stay in Canada after their training is done.

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Medical Residency in Canada Salary

You are probably wondering what medical residency programs for international students in Canada you should apply to. We have the answer: all of them!

The Canadian healthcare system is one of the most respected in the world and Canadians are known for their excellent care. There are many opportunities for international students who wish to pursue a career in medicine, including both undergraduate and graduate study options.

Residency programs accepting foreign applicants are getting harder and harder to find each year. There are only a handful of medical residency programs that actively recruit international applicants .

British Columbia Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Alberta Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Saskatchewan Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Manitoba Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Ontario Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Quebec Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

New Brunswick Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Nova Scotia Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Prince Edward Island Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income

Newfoundland and Labrador Residents — Annual Salary and Monthly Income — currently under negotiation

Medical Residency Programs For International Students In Canada

If you’re looking for a medical residency program in Canada, there are a few things you should know.

Canada is a great place to study medicine because it has a high-quality education system, and the country is known for being welcoming and friendly. If you want to study medicine in Canada, consider these tips:

1. The first thing you need to do is apply for a visa. This can take time, so make sure you get started early! The best way to do this is by contacting the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. They can help with everything from lodging applications to making sure you have all the proper documents before you arrive in Canada.
2. Once you have been accepted into an accredited program at an accredited university or college, you’ll need to find housing near the school so that commuting isn’t too difficult or expensive each day. There are usually several options available on campus (or nearby) such as dorms or apartments available for rent; however some landlords require proof of income before signing leases which can make finding an affordable place difficult if not impossible without help from family members who live close enough by so they can help pay rent until finding employment as well as other expenses such as utilities/utilities bills along with transportation costs associated with.

The first step in becoming a doctor is obtaining an undergraduate degree in science or health-related field. You can choose from over 100 programs across Canada that offer this type of education and prepare students for medical school. Many institutions offer baccalaureate degrees that include a specialization in health sciences, while others will offer more general studies with an emphasis on math and science subjects.

After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to apply to a medical school program through one of two application processes: either through the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) or through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). Both organizations provide information on how to apply, but they also differ slightly depending on where they’re located (NCA is American-based). It’s important to note that not all Canadian schools participate with these organizations—some may still require.

International medical students have a lot to consider when choosing their residency program. They have to think about the location, the reputation of the program, and the level of experience they can gain. Many students choose Canada because there are many options for residency programs in Canada. Some of these programs are offered at hospitals where international students will be able to learn from some of the best doctors in Canada and abroad.

There are several types of residencies available for international students:

General Surgery Residency Program

Emergency Medicine Residency Program

Internal Medicine Residency Program

Medical residency in USA

When you’re starting a new job, it’s always good to know what you should expect. When you start a residency, there are a few things to keep in mind:

First, this is not a typical job—it’s more like an apprenticeship. You will be working alongside experienced doctors and learning from them by watching them work and practicing yourself. This means that your hours will be long and unpredictable at times, but it also means that the job can be very rewarding.

Second, your salary will be lower than most other jobs in the same field. That’s because the money you make goes toward paying back the costs of getting your medical degree in the first place (which is why we recommend getting into medical school as early as possible). But don’t worry—your salary will increase over time once you’ve proven yourself worthy of being paid more!

Thirdly, there are many different specializations within each type of medicine (such as pediatrics or surgery). You’ll have to choose one specialization when applying for residency positions so make sure that one appeals to you before applying!

1. MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You’ll need to meet a handful of eligibility requirements no matter which residency program you hope to attend. The basics include having Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, successfully completing exam requirements, and demonstrating language proficiency. You’ll meet the language requirements if you attended a medical school where the language used for instruction was English or French. If you attended a program that was taught in another language, you’ll need to complete an assessment.

Students need to complete the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 and the National Assessment Collaboration Examination (NAC) before applying to residency programs through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). This process was streamlined in 2018, and IMGs are no longer required to complete the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE).

Dr. Ivan Kamikovski, a St. George’s University grad and orthopaedic surgery resident at the University of Ottawa, says strong exam scores have traditionally been very important for those who want to pursue family medicine. He clearly knows a thing or two about how to get a residency in Canada.

2. ADDRESS PROVINCE SPECIFICS

You really need to pay attention to the details when you start deciding where you want to attend residency, because different provinces have their own eligibility criteria. You may have to take additional steps to verify your medical degree, complete additional examinations, or enter into a service agreement that commits you to practicing in a particular area for a specific amount of time.

Meeting certain provincial eligibility requirements can be extremely challenging, so you should take that into account when deciding where to apply. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario are typically the friendliest toward IMGs, according to Dr. Alexander Hart, a resident physician in emergency medicine at the University of Toronto and IMG consultant for MD Consultants. “Within those provinces, there are a lot of universities,” he says.

“Within those provinces, there are a lot of universities.”

3. MAKE YOURSELF STAND OUT

Very few people would argue IMGs have it easy when attempting to match for a medical residency in Canada, so anything you can do to boost your visibility would be wise. If possible, take advantage of opportunities near where you would like to practice. “I came to Canada for a period of time to do electives and got letters of reference from here,” Dr. Hart says.

“When I came back to Canada, I would observe some of the orthopaedic surgeons.”

Dr. Kamikovski similarly pursued an elective in Canada, and he also made good use of his breaks during school. “When I came back to Canada, I would observe some of the orthopaedic surgeons,” he says, “Just to kind of get my name in there.”

Building relationships with doctors and residents could be the key to securing a spot in a program later on. “In Canada, they’re more likely to take a person they know than a person who’s just on a list, a piece of paper,” Dr. Kamikovski says.

“In Canada, they’re more likely to take a person they know than a person who’s just on a list, a piece of paper.”

Just remember that pursing an elective in Canada, while helpful, is not a requirement. There’s no guarantee of obtaining one of these positions since they’re offered through a lottery process.

4. THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY SELECTION

Medical students who complete their training in the US are required to obtain a Statement of Need, a form letter required for graduates who want to return to practice in Canada. Those who secure a residency in Canada can bypass this step in the process. But the “List of Needed Specialties” is still useful for seeing which fields offer a greater number of spots — typically primary care specialties. That said, some lucky IMGs have managed to secure competitive specialties.

Dr. Kamikovski decided to go the specialty route. He says there are fewer job opportunities in orthopaedic surgery, so he felt many applicants were choosing family medicine and other primary care positions. Just know instructors and other IMGs think this is a risky move.

It’s also important to note that, at least for most provinces, residency programs evaluate you separately from Canadian medical graduates.

“You’re typically competing only against other IMGs. But the spots are more restricted.”

“You’re typically competing only against other IMGs,” Dr. Hart says. “But the spots are more restricted.” If you attended a quality international program, performed well on your exam, and obtained strong letters of recommendation, you stand a better chance.

5. APPLY TO CANADIAN RESIDENCY PROGRAMS AND ATTEND INTERVIEWS

You’ll apply for residency positions using the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). “It’s one central application system and that sends out your application to multiple schools,” Dr. Kamikovski explains.

“It’s one central application system and that sends out your application to multiple schools.”

Though you can start selecting programs before you’ve gathered all of your materials, it’s important to note that everything must be completed by a specific date in November to be considered on time. The CaRMS has a timeline you may find useful for staying on track.

After programs have a chance to evaluate applications, they’ll begin to host interviews during January and February. As with medical school interviews, preparation is key. Take advantage of any mock interviews your medical school offers and make sure you do your research on individual programs.

6. RANK PROGRAMS, THEN WAIT FOR YOUR RESULTS

The CaRMS uses the same algorithm the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) relies on to match applicants to programs. You can’t outsmart the system, so you will want to create a rank order list based on your true preferences. Your interviews should have provided you with most of the information you need to rank your selections.

If you start second-guessing your choices, you may want to consult with a trusted mentor. It’s also smart to remind yourself of what it is you’re looking for in a Canadian residency program. For example, Dr. Hart says the University of Toronto is a good option for those who are interested in a niche area of medicine. “That’s the kind of thing that Toronto, above all else, really provides,” he explains. Even still, you don’t want to become too aspirational.

“That’s the kind of thing that Toronto, above all else, really provides.”

After you submit your rank order list, you may feel a bit anxious. It’s true that matching is difficult, but it’s not impossible. According to the Canadian Post-MD Education Registry (CAPER), hundreds of IMGs begin Canadian post-graduate medical training every year.

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

What is the ECFMG?

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). It was founded in 1956 to assess whether IMGs are ready to enter ACGME-accredited residency programs in the United States. You must be certified by the ECFMG before you can take the United States Medical Licensing Examination^® (USMLE®) or start a graduate medical education program. Visit www.ecfmg.org(www.ecfmg.org) for more information.

Requirements for ECFMG Certification

International medical graduates must complete all of the requirements to be certified. The ECFMG will then issue a Standard ECFMG Certificate.

1. Application for ECFMG Certification

Submit an application for ECFMG certification before applying to the ECFMG for examination.

Consult the World Directory of Medical Schools(www.wdoms.org) to confirm that students and graduates from your medical school are eligible.

2. Examination Requirements

IMGs must pass Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which are the same examinations taken by U.S. and Canadian graduates. Time limits may apply. Detailed information on the USMLE is available at www.usmle.org(www.usmle.org).

• Medical Science Examination
  • Pass Step 1 of the USMLE
  • Pass Step 2, clinical knowledge, of the USMLE
• Clinical Skills Examination
  • Pass Step 2, clinical skills, of the USMLE

To ensure that your results will be available in time for you to participate in the Match, it’s important to take Step 2: Clinical Skills before December 31 of the year prior to the Match in which you’re participating. IMGs should schedule this examination no later than March of the year in which they need to take it.

3. Medical Education Credential Requirements

• Physician’s medical school and graduation year are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
• Awarded credit for at least four credit years of medical school
• Documentation for completion of all credits and receipt of a final medical diploma
• Final medical school transcripts

The Certification Process

The first part of the certification process starts when you apply to ECFMG for a USMLE/ECFMG identification number. Once you obtain this number, you can use it to complete the application for ECFMG certification. Once you submit your application for certification, you may apply for examination.
 
Medical students and graduates can begin the certification process. Because one of the requirements of certification is the verification of your medical school diploma, you cannot complete the process until you have graduated. You can apply for the required examinations as soon as you meet the examination eligibility requirements. All of the required examinations are offered throughout the year.
 
The Federation of State Medical Boards publishes state-specific requirements(www.fsmb.org) for initial medical licensure, including:

• Minimum postgraduate training required
• Number of attempts at licensing examination allowed
• Time limits for completion of licensing examination sequence needed for license eligibility

Applicants can waste time and money applying in states that limit training permits and licensure to fewer international medical schools than the full World Directory of Medical Schools list. Therefore, it is crucial to verify your eligibility within each U.S. state and to each program before you apply.

Applying to U.S. Graduate Medical Education Programs

The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access (FREIDA^® Online)(www.ama-assn.org) is the online directory of graduate medical education programs sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA). The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) also offers a residency directory at www.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search(www.acgme.org). The AAFP offers an online family medicine residency directory that has search functionality beyond those of the other two.

For each medical specialty, there is specific information on individual programs and any general or special requirements for application. Application deadlines may vary among the programs, and you should contact programs directly about their deadlines.

Most programs require applicants to submit their applications using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS^®). The ECFMG coordinates the ERAS application process(www.ecfmg.org) for IMGs. 
 
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP^®) is the mechanism for connecting programs and applicants. The NRMP also coordinates the Match for U.S., Canadian, and IMG students and graduates. If you wish to participate, you must register with the NRMP and submit the needed materials.

Residency Program Requirements

Many residencies list their program requirements for applicants on their websites, such as medical school graduation year, types of visas accepted, or number of allowed attempts on the USMLE. Research residency requirements before applying, and direct the submission of your applications appropriately.

Use the Directory of State Medical and Osteopathic Boards(www.fsmb.org) to access state-specific information for any state in which you are applying to a residency. You may want to know if you can get a license in a specific state during residency. Some states, such as California, have a list of recognized international medical schools that are eligible for licensure in the state. In addition, some states have restrictions on the number of USMLE attempts allowed or the timeframe in which USMLE tests must be taken. 

Because offers made and accepted during Match Week will be binding under the Match Participation Agreement, only applicants eligible to begin training on July 1 in the year of the Match will be allowed to participate. The NRMP will exchange data with the ECFMG to recertify the status of IMGs.

Conditions for Canadian Residency Programs for International Medical Graduates

For candidates outside Canada, credential and identity should be verified through Physician Credential Registry of Canada. All residents should be registered through the Office of Postgraduate Medical Education and pay the administrative and required fees.

Application process

Applicants should submit a letter of application, which includes the application form, CV, and letters of reference. The application package will be forwarded to the appropriate department for review.

UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL APPLICATION

The international medical students’ residency match in Canada allows applicants to have the best medical Canadian education. The international medical graduates residency program of the University of Montreal provides applicants the chance to experience the city. They are offering excellent education in the field of medicine, and they place a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.

Application requirements

• All documents to be submitted should be official and original.
• Submit a letter of recommendation for the fellowship to support the applicant’s application.
• Submit a copy of the birth certificate that contains the applicant’s name, family name, date of birth, place of birth and sex. For applicants who do not have original documents, they need to attach a copy to their application and send the original document as early as possible.
• For French citizens, they need to submit a copy of your French identity card or passport (front and back).
• Original diplomas.

Application process

Before submitting documents, applicants need to attach their identification sheet. The admission and recruitment have to make sure that documents received are filed with the correct application.

Upon arrival at the school, applicants should finalize their file at UdeM’s foreign student office by giving the entry documents before the start of the study. Failure to submit needed documents results in cancellation of the application.

MCGILL UNIVERSITY APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

McGill University is a public research school that was established in 1821.

Eligibility summary

• Requires a permit to study abroad or in Canada.
• Has written MCAT in the last five years with results available before the deadline.
• Adheres to educational and general requirements.
• International candidates selected for admission should have a student authorization by the registration date. Applicants should prove to the Canadian Department of Immigration that they have enough funds to complete their medical program.
• International applicants should submit their applications, an official or letter statement issued by authorities in their country that indicates their recognition of the medical degree awarded by the medical faculty.

Application process

McGill’s online application system automatically display program choices based on application type, citizenship status and level of education.

Education: Choose the highest education before starting the program at the university. Make sure that you do not choose the level of education you are planning to pursue in the institution.

• Applications are being evaluated according to candidate category.
• Academic evaluation: Evaluation of academic performance is conducted for complete applications. Academic records are ranked and evaluated in comparison with others.

best medical residency programs in canada

Some Programs Offering Medical Residency in Canada for International Students

University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is one of the best international medical residency programs you can choose from. The community medicine residency program is a 5-year program that was accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Applicants need to apply through the Canadian Residency Matching Service to be eligible and give them the chance to work abroad.

Kazan State Medical University

KSMU internal medicine international medical residency medicine program is working closely with Royal College of Physicians and Surgeon’s of Canada (RCCI) to make sure rigorous standards are met. The institution plans to develop additional residency programs with the guidance of RCCI to ensure it benefits residents.

Before applying, make sure to know about the residency program international student pros and cons to determine whether studying abroad is the best solution for you. Lastly, make sure to submit complete documents to increase your chances of securing a spot in the residency program. Invest enough time to make sure all application materials are completed and submitted on time.

Check out how to write the best pharmacy letter of recommendation and get the best help!

How much does medical residency cost in canada

The cost of attending medical schools in Canada varies significantly from school to school. Sometimes, the cost can even be influenced by the length of your program.

The fees range from about $6,000 to $16,000 per year for Canadian residents. And approximately $20,000 for International students. I would like to share with you some useful information on how to save money during this period of your life as a student:

1. Find out if your school offers financial aid in the form of scholarships or grants. Your local high school may also offer some scholarships as well.
2. It is important that you keep good records of all expenses related to your education and make sure they are included in any application for financial aid or government assistance programs such as OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program).
3. If you have an opportunity to work part-time during your studies then this will help with paying off some bills and living costs without having too much impact on your grades or studies at medical school because most medical schools require full-time attendance from their students at all times throughout the year (including holidays).

As you can see, there are many reasons to choose a medical residency program in Canada. The country has a high standard of living and offers many opportunities for international students.

The Canadian healthcare system is also renowned for its quality and affordability. Furthermore, Canada’s multicultural society means that international students will have access to a variety of cultures and languages.

Whether you’re looking for an English-speaking program or one that allows you to practice your own native language, there are many options available in Canada. If you’re interested in studying medicine at the postgraduate level but don’t have time to complete an undergraduate degree, then this may be the right choice for you.