Internationally Educated Physicians (IEPs)
We are committed to licensing qualified physicians to practise in Ontario, regardless of where they went to medical school
CPSO does not rely on third parties to assess qualifications/credentials and does not use the application through Physiciansapply.ca. Applications are submitted directly to CPSO through our Portal. We conduct assessment of all credentials in-house. This allows us to eliminate additional fees for applicants, provide a much quicker turnaround for document verification, and maintains our expertise as leaders in credential evaluation across Canada and worldwide.
The CPSO issues medical licences to those wishing to practise medicine in Ontario. This includes graduates from medical schools outside Canada or the United States. We are committed to finding new ways to evaluate individuals wishing to practise medicine in Ontario, regardless of the country of their source medical degree.
You can learn more about the requirements for licensure here in Ontario, including for IEPs, by reading the Ontario Regulation 865/93: Registration.
Applicants need to satisfy the requirements set out in the registration regulation, or apply to the CPSO under one of our registration policies. They should also visit our registration requirements page.
For more information about the process, please email our Inquiries staff, or call 416-967-2617 or 1-800-268-7096, ext. 617.
-
-
Ontario welcomes internationally trained physicians, including those from the United States (U.S.), to help meet the province’s evolving health care needs. CPSO is committed to providing clear, efficient pathways for qualified physicians looking to practise in Ontario.
Why choose Ontario?
- Streamlined licensing pathways - U.S. physicians certified by the American Board of Medical Specialities are eligible for licensure without additional certifications or examinations.
- Lowest membership fees - Ontario has the lowest regulatory membership fee among all Canadian provinces.
- Efficient & timely registration - CPSO is committed to quick and transparent processing, ensuring a smooth transition for physicians looking to practise in Ontario.
Pathways for U.S.-trained Physicians
CPSO offers different pathways to licensure, depending on your qualifications:
- Pathway for Board-certified physicians - If you hold Board certification, you are eligible to practise independently without additional certification or examination.
- Pathway for Board-eligible physicians - If you are eligible for Board certification, you are eligible to practise under supervision for up to 3 years while you complete your certification requirements.
- Additional Pathway for family doctors wishing to obtain CFPC certification without exam
- Alternatively, if you hold Board certification, you may choose to seek CFPC certification without exam. You will then be eligible to practise independently in Ontario. - **Note: While not required by CPSO, physicians applying through CFPC must apply via physiciansapply.ca.
Click on the image below for full-size infographic
Working in Canada
CPSO does not require that you hold Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status to issue a certificate of registration; however, the Canadian government will require you to hold a valid work permit in order to work in Canada. Information on how to apply for a Canadian work permit can be found here.
Please note that meeting visa/immigration requirements, as outlined by the Canadian government, is not part of the CPSO application process. Please ensure you fulfill these requirements separately.How to Get Started:
- Review the Requirements - Confirm your eligibility based on certification and training.
- Submit your application - Apply online through CPSO's streamlined portal.
- Receive Your License - CPSO ensures a timely review so you can start practising as soon as possible.
Questions?
Our team is here to support and answer questions. Contact us to learn more about your pathway to practising in Ontario
[ Apply Now ] [ Email Us ] or Call 1-800-268-7096 ext.617
