If you are an international medical graduate applying for PR in Canada, standard assessment agencies like WES will not work for your primary medical degree. You must obtain a specific Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC).
Doctors play a vital role in Canadian society. From bustling medical centres in Toronto to rural clinics in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, provincial governments are constantly looking for trained physicians. Because the Canadian medical system is publicly funded, strict adherence to licensing rules is mandatory to ensure patient safety.
For most immigrant professionals, applying for Express Entry simply means sending university diplomas to standard evaluation agencies. However, the medical field is highly regulated. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires doctors to follow a distinct, specialized pathway. This article explains how to properly assess your medical credentials so you can start your new life and career in Canada.
Step-by-Step Process for Doctors in Canada
Whether you intend to practice family medicine in Ottawa or specialized surgery in Vancouver, the federal immigration process requires specific documentation. Getting your medical degree verified generally follows these important steps.
Step 1: Identifying Your NOC Code
📍 The first step is confirming your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Specialist physicians generally fall under NOC 31100, while general practitioners and family physicians use NOC 31102. Identifying the correct code is essential because it dictates which regulatory body must assess your education.
Step 2: Creating a PhysiciansApply Account
Unlike engineers or teachers, doctors cannot use standard university evaluation services for their primary degree. Instead, you must open an account on the PhysiciansApply.ca portal, which is managed by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). This portal is the central hub for all international medical graduates travelling to Canada.
Step 3: Submitting Documents for Source Verification
Once your account is active, you must submit a copy of your final medical diploma and your official transcripts. The MCC will send these documents directly to the foreign institution that issued them to verify they are authentic. This process is called source verification. It ensures that only legitimate, qualified medical professionals enter the system.
Step 4: Requesting the ECA Report
After your medical degree has been successfully source-verified, you can formally request an ECA report for IRCC purposes. This specific document will state that your foreign medical degree is equivalent to a Canadian Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. You will use the reference number on this report when building your Express Entry profile.
Step 5: Applying for Provincial Licensure
🍀 It is crucial to understand that an ECA is only for immigration purposes. It does not give you the right to actually practice medicine. To work, you must apply to a provincial regulatory body. For example, you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to work in Toronto. They will likely require you to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part 1 and complete supervised clinical training.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The pathway for medical professionals involves multiple fees before you even arrive. As of May 2026, here are the estimated costs you will encounter in CAD:
| Requirement | Estimated Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PhysiciansApply Account | $335 | A one-time setup fee for the digital portal. |
| Source Verification | $232 per document | Required for your diploma and transcripts. |
| MCC ECA Report | $130 | The specific report required by IRCC. |
| PR Application Fees | $1,590 | Standard federal processing and Right of Permanent Residence Fee. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Source verification relies on your home university responding to the MCC. Depending on the country, this can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Once verified, generating the ECA report takes about 1 to 2 weeks. After you receive your ECA and submit your Express Entry PR application, standard IRCC processing takes an additional 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use WES for my Bachelor of Science degree?
Yes. If you have an additional degree, like a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Public Health, you can use a standard agency like WES to assess those specific degrees. However, your primary medical degree must be assessed by the MCC.
Do pharmacists need to use the MCC?
No. Pharmacists must have their credentials assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), not the MCC. Each regulated medical profession has its own designated regulatory body.
Will a past criminal conviction affect my medical PR application?
Yes. Any summary conviction or indictable offence can lead to criminal inadmissibility, which will result in your PR application being denied, regardless of your medical qualifications. You should consult a local Law Firm for guidance.
Do I need to pass the MCCQE exam to get PR?
Generally, you do not need to pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) just to get your ECA for Express Entry. The exam is usually required later for your provincial medical license.
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