Regular permit to practice – By recognition of the equivalence of a M.D. degree
It is possible to obtain regular permit through recognition of the equivalence of a M.D. degree
In Quebec, under section 33 of the Medical Act, the issue of a permit to practice gives the applicant the right to practice medicine in the discipline concerned. The Regulation respecting the terms and conditions for the issuance of the permit and specialist’s certificates by the Collège des médecins du Québec sets out the requirements for the issue of permits and the rules governing access to the medical profession.
If you wish to submit an application for admission to a residency program for the 2025 CaRMS main match, we invite you to send us your application for recognition of equivalence of your medical degree before November 1, 2024. After this date, we cannot ensure that the applications received will be completed in time for the November 29, 2024, deadline.
Regular permit to practice – By recognition of the equivalence of an M.D. degree
If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) and would like to apply for a regular permit to practice or complete a training program in Quebec, you must obtain recognition of the equivalence of your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Collège – See Step 1.
You have obtained recognition of the equivalence of your M.D. degree from the Collège: you may go on to Step 2 to continue.
Section 35 of the Charter of the French language stipulates that the professional orders shall not issue permits except to persons whose knowledge of the official language is appropriate to the practice of their profession.
Note that under section 37 of the Charter, a “temporary” permit may be issued. See Step 4.
To familiarize yourself with the Canadian requirements (CanMEDS roles), we encourage you to consult the Communication and Cultural Competence program under the ORIENTATION tab on the physiciansapply.ca site. Case studies give examples of everyday medical practice in Canada.
With respect to your immigration, please visit the following Websites:
- www.immigrantquebec.com
- Salon de l’immigration et de l’intégration au Québec
- Service d’intégration pour les personnes immigrantes | Gouvernement du Québec
Since every applicant completes the process at their own pace, the length of time it takes can vary.
Note that the CMQ does not intervene at all steps of the process.
The deadlines indicated at certain steps are given as an indication. They can vary significantly depending on the individual background of the candidates.
Steps
Steps to practicing medicine in Quebec for IMGs
To practicing medicine in Quebec for IMGs :
Consult the steps (in French only)
Statistics (in French only)
Other physician profiles :
- If you hold a regular permit to practice in Canada, with no restrictions or limitations, please consult the page Holder of a regular permit to practice in Canada – Accelerated application. (in French only)
- If you are a clinician in active practice, please also consult the alternative route to practice: Restrictive permit MRA, clinician, sponsored professor – PRA.