You need a work permit

If you’re a doctor coming to work in a medically under-served region in Quebec, you need a work permit to work in Canada.

You may be exempt from a labour market impact assessment if you’ve either

• been selected by the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ) for an assessment or adaptation period
• received a restricted licence from the CMQ to practise medicine

You must also meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit.

If you’re a doctor but you don’t meet the conditions above, you need a work permit with a labour market impact assessment.

Type of work permit

You can apply for an employer-specific work permit.

When you fill out your work permit application, select “Exemption from Labour Market Impact Assessment” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section.

Before you apply

Your employer must

• submit an offer of employment that clearly shows the period you’ll work for the health-care facility (up to 5 years) and is from either
  • the CMQ (if you’ll undergo an assessment or adaptation period)
  • the health-care facility where you’ll work (if you’ll have a restricted licence)
• pay a $230 employer compliance fee
• provide you with an offer of employment number

What you need to apply

You’ll need

• a letter of promise to hire from the Quebec Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) stating the significant benefits of the work you’ll do in Canada
• a copy of the financial assistance agreement between the health-care facility, you, and the MSSS
• a copy of either
  • the confirmation letter from the CMQ saying you’ve been admitted to the assessment or adaptation period
  • the letter from the CMQ saying you have your restrictive licence to practise medicine
• a medical exam

You don’t need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

How to apply for a work permit