On This Page You Will Find:
- How to get licensed as a foreign-trained doctor in Ontario
- Step-by-step guide to CPSO registration
- Alternate licensing pathways
- Required exams and documents
- Frequently asked questions
Ontario is a top destination for internationally trained doctors who want to build a medical career in Canada. With a strong healthcare system and high demand for physicians, Ontario offers several pathways for foreign-trained doctors to get licensed and begin practising.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) regulates the licensing process. To practise medicine independently in Ontario, international doctors must meet certain requirements and follow a clear application process. This guide explains how to obtain a medical license in Ontario if you trained outside Canada.
1. Understand CPSO’s Role and Licensing Classes
The CPSO is the provincial body that oversees medical licensing in Ontario. It ensures all doctors meet professional, ethical, and educational standards.
To work as a doctor in Ontario, you must be registered with the CPSO. There are different types of registration, but most internationally trained doctors aim for the Independent Practice certificate, which allows you to practise unsupervised medicine.
Other certificates include:
- Postgraduate Education: for doctors in residency training
- Restricted Certificate: for those working under specific conditions or supervision
- Academic Practice: for doctors teaching or conducting research at approved institutions
2. Meet the Core Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for an Independent Practice license, you must:
- Hold a medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
- Pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Parts 1 and 2 (or equivalent)
- Be certified by either the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
- Have completed at least one year of acceptable postgraduate clinical training in Canada (or full clinical clerkship at a Canadian medical school)
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
3. Create a CPSO Online Portal Account
Start by creating an account on the CPSO Portal. This portal is your central hub for application steps, document submission, and communication with the CPSO.
Once registered, complete the Self-Screening Questionnaire (SSQ). This tool helps assess your eligibility and determines the correct licensing path. If eligible, you’ll receive access to the application form.
4. Submit Your Application
After completing the SSQ, fill out the official Application for Registration in your CPSO portal. You will be asked to upload several documents, including:
- Proof of your medical degree
- Official exam results (MCCQE and certification by RCPSC or CFPC)
- Government-issued identification
- An up-to-date CV
- Three reference letters, including one from a supervisor or program director
- Evidence of postgraduate training or practice
The CPSO now assesses documents in-house, reducing the need for external verification services like physiciansapply.ca.
5. Pay the Required Fees
Here are the key application fees:
- CPSO Application Fee: $1,035
- Optional Expedited Assessment Fee: $517.50
- Total potential cost: $1,552.50
Note that other expenses may arise from exam fees, certification, translations, or notarizations.
6. Wait for Your Assessment
Once submitted, the CPSO typically processes applications within three weeks. However, complex cases or missing documents can delay approval.
If approved, the CPSO will notify you of next steps, including payment of your registration fee and receiving your license.
7. Get Medical Liability Protection
After receiving your license, you must obtain medical liability protection. In Ontario, this is mandatory and must be arranged before you can begin practising. Most doctors secure coverage through the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).
You will also need to register for billing privileges with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) if you plan to work in a publicly funded setting.
8. Alternative Pathways to Licensure
If you don’t yet meet all the criteria for Independent Practice, Ontario offers alternate routes:
A. Practice Ready Assessment (PRA)
Ontario is planning a Practice Ready Assessment stream, similar to those in provinces like British Columbia and Nova Scotia. This pathway allows experienced foreign doctors to undergo supervised practice and assessments for full licensure.
Note: As of 2025, the PRA stream is under review and may be introduced soon.
B. Supervised Practice Under Restricted License
You may apply for a Restricted Certificate of Registration if you meet many—but not all—requirements. This allows you to work under supervision while completing missing components (like certification exams or additional training).
This pathway is often used by:
- Physicians awaiting certification
- Those working in underserviced communities
- Doctors with partial Canadian training
C. Academic Registration
Doctors working in teaching hospitals or universities may qualify under the Academic Practice route. This is usually for research or education-focused roles and has its own set of eligibility criteria.
9. Exams You’ll Need
To qualify for licensure in Ontario, most international doctors need to pass:
- MCCQE Part 1 and 2: General medical knowledge and clinical decision-making
- National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) OSCE: Required for Canadian residency
- Certification exams by either the RCPSC (specialists) or CFPC (family physicians)
If you have already passed comparable exams in another country (e.g. USMLE for American-trained doctors), equivalency may be accepted.
10. Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early: Begin the process well before your planned start date—ideally 6–12 months in advance
- Stay organized: Keep all documents updated and readily available
- Communicate: Use your CPSO portal to follow up and track progress
- Seek guidance: Contact a professional immigration or licensing consultant if needed
- Keep learning: Familiarize yourself with Canadian medical practice and ethics
Conclusion
Ontario offers multiple routes for internationally trained doctors to get licensed and contribute to its healthcare system. Whether you’re aiming for full independent practice or starting under supervision, the CPSO provides a clear structure to support your journey.
With careful preparation, strong documentation, and a commitment to meeting Canadian standards, you can build a successful medical career in Ontario.
FAQ: Getting Licensed as a Foreign-Trained Doctor in Ontario
How long does it take to get licensed in Ontario as an internationally trained doctor?
It depends on your qualifications and pathway. A complete Independent Practice application may take a few months. If exams or additional training are needed, it may take longer.
Can I apply without permanent residency or Canadian citizenship?
No. You must be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to apply for most medical licenses in Ontario.
Do I need to take the MCCQE exams?
Yes. Most applicants need to pass the MCCQE Parts 1 and 2. In some cases, equivalent international exams may be accepted by the CPSO.
What is the fastest way to practice in Ontario if I trained abroad?
If eligible, a Restricted Certificate may allow you to work under supervision. An upcoming Practice Ready Assessment stream may also speed up full licensure for some.
Is physiciansapply.ca still required?
No. As of 2024, CPSO assesses credentials internally. You only need to create a CPSO portal account and submit documents directly to them.
