It can vary depending on where you are relocating from. If you are an applicant who holds an active full unrestricted license in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may be eligible for a fast-tracked secondary application package.   For physicians from out of country, depending on how soon Health Match BC can receive all completed documentation and have it reviewed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

HealthMatchBC provides assistance with licensing and immigration for allied health professionals. They are the first point of contact to help get you started (www.healthmatchbc.org).

Please refer to the new bylaw amendments provided by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC): http://bit.ly/44psSYO

Please also refer to new bylaw amendments effective July 7, 2025 for U.S. trained Physicians: http://bit.ly/4epY6U0

Depending on location of the clinic/community and timing of visit, family physicians may request up to one nights accommodation.  However, this is usually one of the last steps in the relocation process and recommended after an offer of a provisional or full license is in place by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

Costs for licensure in British Columbia vary depending on if you require and don’t already have any of the following such as: CFPC membership application, CFPC letter of reciprocity, letter of good standing, CPSBC registration fee, CPSBC annual licensing fee, English exam, document translation, source verification document fees per medical credential, notarization of passport, physician apply account fees, application for medical registration, immigration fees.  HealthMatchBC can assist with the process of licensing and immigration for family physicians and other allied health professionals (www.healthmatchbc.org).

If you are an internationally trained physician, who completed a residency in family medicine outside of Canada, the PRA-BC (Practice Ready Assessment – British Columbia) program provides an alternative pathway to licensure in BC.  Pre-screening criteria are based on eligibility requirements as set out by PRA-BC and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC).  Physicians who complete Program requirements will fulfill a three-year return of service (ROS) within a BC community.  More information is available through www.prabc.ca

The Longitudinal Family Physician (LFP) Payment Model was developed by the BC Ministry of Health in consultation with BC Family Doctors and Doctors of BC. Launched in February 2023, it is designed to increase patient access to care and expand primary care capacity.

It is a compensation choice for family physicians who provide longitudinal, relationship-based, family medicine care to a panel of patients.

The LFP Payment Model Recognizes the complexity of longitudinal care

• Values the time spent with patients
• Addresses rising business costs
• Acknowledges the value of indirect care and clinical administration
• Supports physician agency and flexibility

For more information Visit BC Family Doctors (password required) https://bcfamilydocs.ca/lfp-payment-model/

Please note that our Island Docs website focusses primarily on recruitment and relocation of family physicians, HealthMatchBC posts current employment opportunities for specialists, nursing and other allied health professionals.  Please refer to their website for current employment opportunities (www.healthmatchbc.org).  Please also refer to the Island Health Careers site for additional opportunities (www.islandhealth.ca/careers).

For any class of registration, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia requires applicants to be able to speak, read and write English to the satisfaction of the Registration Committee.  Demonstrated English language proficiency is considered acceptable if the following conditions are met: 1) primary language of medical education was English and primary language of patient care was English.  If not met through above means, the College may accept successful completion of certain proficiency examinations.  More information about English language proficiency requirements can be found on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website here.

UBC Continuing Professional Development offers the following programs:

PLP (Personal Learning Plan) – IMGs and physicians new to rural practice can work with a physician advisor and concierge to create a personalized learning plan. The program is flexible, confidential, non-reporting, and designed to fit your schedule: https://ubccpd.ca/plp

CAMP (Coaching and Mentoring Program) – Grow your skills with the support of experienced peers.  CAMP fosters peer connections in rural practitioner networks to improve your practice, increase your confidence, and connect you to rural colleagues.  Support is available virtually, in your community, or at larger centres: http://bit.ly/3G0wTuH

IMG Peer Support Network – Connect with peer as you settle into practice in British Columbia. The IMG Peer Support Network connects IMG physicians with peers who understand the transition.  You’ll take part in coaching, mentoring, and group sessions focused on helping you integrate into the BC medical system.  Intakes run in September and February. Contact to join bc.pip@ubc.ca.