R1 Residency Match Process

If you are an international medical graduate and is unable to proceed through the specialty route, you can obtain your medical license through this pathways.

Entry level post-graduate training

Number of disciplines - 37

Number of medical schools - 17

Stream and Iterations

CMG and IMG streams are parallel except in Quebec

CMG and IMG streams are combined

Basic Eligibility Criteria

1- Graduate of a Medical School Accredited by the World Directory of Medical Schools:

Applicants must have graduated from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. This directory is a comprehensive and up-to-date list of medical schools worldwide, recognized by their country’s government or a relevant authority. Accreditation ensures that the medical education provided meets global standards. More information can be found on the World Directory of Medical Schools’ official website (WDOMS).

2- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident:

It’s mandatory for applicants to be Canadian citizens or hold permanent resident status in Canada. This legal status is required for employment and training within the Canadian healthcare system. Information on determining your eligibility for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency can be found on the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website (Canada.ca).

3- Medical Identification Number for Canada:

Applicants must obtain a Medical Identification Number for Canada (MINC) through physicianapply.ca, a centralized application service and repository for Canadian medical students and graduates’ documents. The MINC is a unique number assigned to medical students and professionals, facilitating the application process for exams, program applications, and licensure in Canada.

4- Written and Passed NAC Examination:

The National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that assesses the competency of international medical graduates (IMGs) to enter a Canadian residency program. It evaluates skills in medical knowledge, patient care, communication, and professionalism. Detailed information about the NAC Examination can be found on the Medical Council of Canada’s website (MCC).

5- Written and Passed MCCQE Part I:

The Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I is a prerequisite for medical licensure in Canada for both Canadian graduates and IMGs. It assesses the candidate’s medical knowledge and clinical decision-making ability. Successful completion is required for the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). Further details are available on the MCC’s official website (MCC).

Common Additional Exams Required

Proof of Language Proficiency:

IELST, OET-Medicine, CELPIP, TOEFL-iBT

Caspers:

• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Nova Scotia, NB, PEI
• Alberta

FMProC (for Family Medicine):

• Ontario
• Alberta
• ВС
• Saskatchewan
• NS
• NL

How to gather necessary information for CARMS application and eligibility?