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To qualify for an elective at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a medical doctor.
• You must be registered in a residency or fellowship program.
• If you are a resident physician, or if you are a fellow but do not yet have your specialist certificate, you must have a proof of Ìý(MCCQE - Part I) orÌýÌý- it is required by theÌýCollège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
  • If you are a fellow and have your specialist certificate, you must provide your specialist certificate.
• You must have made prior arrangements with the medical department where you'd like to do an elective.
• Foreign national’s eligibility:
  - Passport valid throughout the elective.
  - Valid work authorization throughout the elective.
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IMPORTANT:

The elective application and required documents must be received by the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ PGME Office four months prior to the onset of the elective rotation. Unfortunately, we will not consider applications that are late or that are missing documents.

No attestation letter will be issued at the end of the elective period.
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DURATION:

Foreign nationals applying from an international university canÌýparticipateÌýin a visiting electiveÌýforÌýaÌýminimum duration of one period (=28 days)Ìýand maximum ofÌý3 monthsÌý

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Work authorization for ElectivesÌýÌýÌý

All international residents and fellowsÌýmust obtain a work authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to legally work in Canada. They are considered foreign workers and not students by IRCC. Do not apply for a study permit.
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If applying for 1 elective (30 days maximum)Ìý ÌýÌý

International residents and fellows coming to ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ for a visiting elective for a maximum of 30 daysÌýmay qualify to work without a work permit. This work permit exemption allows foreign nationals to work in CanadaÌýwithout a work permit in high-skilled positions.ÌýItÌýis valid for a maximum of 30 consecutive daysÌýfollowing entry to Canada.ÌýIt can only be used once every 12 months.Ìý
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can obtain this authorization directly at the airport upon arrival. They must still obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - except for citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States. Citizens of visa-required countries must apply for a visa in advance.

If applying for 2-3 elective (3 months maximum)

International residents and fellows coming to ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ for a visiting elective for more than 30 daysÌýmust obtain a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to legally work in Canada. It is your responsibility to apply for a work permit andÌýmaintainÌýa valid work permit for the entire duration of your elective period in Canada.ÌýÌý

If you hold or are eligible for an open work permit, please inform the Postgraduate Medical Education Office at pgme-immigration.med [at] mcgill.ca, which will confirm if it can be used for your elective.ÌýOtherwise,Ìýinternational residents and fellows coming to ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ for a visiting elective for more than 30 days are eligible for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt, an employer-specific work permit under exemption code . You do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), nor a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CertificatÌýd’acceptationÌýdu Québec). For more information on how to apply for a work permit under exemption code C45 – Foreign medical residents and medical fellows, please visit our websiteÌýhere.

³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵÌýUniversity’s immigration advisorsÌýare available toÌýassistÌýyou in your immigration process and answer any questions.Ìý

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Application Process:

• Please contact the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ department where you'd like to do your electiveÌýto ensure the team can accommodate your elective request. Follow the link to access the Residency Program Contact List.ÌýFor rural sites, please read here.
  • Submit your application using the and pay the application fee. Note the application fee is non-refundable.

    Processing fees
    Number of Periods	Foreign nationals	Canadians
    1	$1,000	$500
    2	$1,800	$1,000
    3	$2,500	$1,500

• If you are a foreign national:
  • Verify if you require a work permit. You require a work permit if your Visiting Elective will last more than 30 consecutive days
  • If you do not require a work permit, verify if you require a visa to enterÌý. If yes, please .Ìý
  • If you do not require a visa, obtain an eTA .
  • All foreign nationals, where they are coming underÌý a work permit or 30-day work authorization MUST pass a medical exam. Book an appointment by clicking on this .

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Required Documents:

• Copy of your medical degree (with English translation, if applicable).ÌýÌý*Canadian Medical Graduates - you also must create an account and register on physiciansapply.ca. Then submit a copy of your MD diploma to physiciansapply.ca.
• Proof ofÌýÌý(MCCQE - Part I) orÌýÌý
• Proof of Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) malpractice insurance coverage – you can apply for CMPA insurance ÌýIf you don't have a Canadian bank account, call the CMPA, describe your situation (elective at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ) and ask for an alternative way to pay.
• Copy of your CV.
• Copy of your valid passport.
• Have your program director write a letter of support and funding, indicating your salary will be maintained during your elective period. This letter must include the precise start and end dates of your elective as well as the elective program's name. The letterÌýmust be sent by e-mailÌýdirectly from your university on official letterheadÌýto pgmeelectives [at] mcgill.ca.
• License to practice medicine

Please note: Before any applicant information is shared with the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ program, trainees will be required to review and sign a consent form, which will be provided upon submission of their application.
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Eligibility for Licensure:

• You must obtain a Letter of Eligibility from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). The PGME office will submit an application for the Letter of Eligibility, but the trainee must open an account with , submit the required documents for verification, and pay the additional application fees.
• You must obtain a training card from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). The CMQ will send you instructions upon receipt of the required documents from ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ.

Immigration Documents required at the port of entry:

• If a work permit was required, you must bring with you the letter of introduction from the IRCC confirming that the work permit is approved or you must have verified that you can apply for the work permit at the port of entry.ÌýÌý
• If you do not require a work permit, make sure you have a valid visa or eTA as required.
• The medical exam’s results will be entered in the immigration internal system within a week. However, please bring your eMedical information sheet in case the immigration office asks for it.
• ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ support letter or confirmation email.
• Support letter from home program.
• Passport valid throughout the elective.
• Letter of Eligibility from the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Immigration FAQ

1. How long will it take to get my visa or work permit approved? Processing time for your visa application.
2. Do I need a visa? Countries which require a visa are listed .
3. Do I need to pass a medical exam even if a visa is not required? Yes, since you will have direct contact with patients you must pass a

If you have any questions, please contact Annie Baldessari at pgmeelectives [at] mcgill.ca


Foreign Workers Rights

In Canada, the rights of all workers—including temporary foreign workers—are protected by law. As a temporary foreign worker, you have the same rights and workplace protections as Canadians and permanent residents. Please follow this link to read more about them:

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