Making the Jump: American Doctor’s Complete Guide to Working in Canada with Dr. Peter Shin Part II

Blog Post: Moving to Canada as a US Physician – The Real Process, the Real Perks

By Dr. Robert Beck

Welcome back, everyone! This week on Interesting MD, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Peter Shin in Part 2 of our immigration deep dive—a conversation tailor-made for any US healthcare worker wondering how on earth you actually pick up, cross the border, and start practicing in Canada.

If you’ve ever dreamt about making the jump, this is your roadmap. No fluff, no catch—just the step-by-step, real-world process with all the tips (and a few pitfalls) you need to know.

Finding Your Position

First, let’s talk about getting that all-important job offer:

• HealthMatch BC:

  • A free, centralized service that lists hospital-based positions throughout the province.

  • Sort job postings by specialty, region, or health authority (Fraser Health, Vancouver Island, etc.).

  • Keep in mind: listings may not always be fully up to date, so double check with hospitals and clinics directly as well.

• Clinic Jobs:

  • If you’re a family medicine doctor, don’t just rely on HealthMatch—reach out to local clinics.

  • Many clinic opportunities aren’t formally listed.

• Application Flow:

  • Submit your CV and a cover letter.

  • HealthMatch BC passes on your info to individual jobs.

  • Expect informal interviews—friendly, conversational, with plenty of info-shares both ways.

Licensing in Canada: What to Expect

Licensing might look intimidating, but broken into steps, it’s totally manageable:

• Physiciansapply.ca:

  • Source verification of passport, med school diploma, residency, and board certification.

  • Upload your documents and let the organizations handle the rest (just know it can take a while, so start early).

• Application Fees:

  • Be prepared—licensing isn’t free. There are distinct fees for documents and for the application itself.

  • You will pay fees for uploading certain documents and then, once your main license application is processed, deal with the college’s specific fees.

• College Application:

  • Once your credentials are verified, choose your province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons to apply for your license.

  • Expect a formal application and assignment to a file manager who will walk you through the remaining paperwork.

• Document List:

  • More than just diplomas—you’ll need letters of verification from all places you’ve practiced, English proficiency exam, and more depending on your personal history.

• English Proficiency:

  • Many applicants (even US-trained!) do have to sit for this test—writing, speaking, listening, etc.

• Processing Time:

  • Actual license issuance happens about two months before your start date, but once all documentation is submitted, the turnaround can be as quick as 10 days.

Malpractice and Billing: New Country, New System

• CMPA (Canadian Malpractice):

  • Simple online application.

  • Much cheaper than US malpractice, and widely used across specialties.

• MSP Billing Number:

  • Fill out a form, email it in, and you're set—usually processed in a day.

• Billing & Documentation:

  • Canadian billing is simpler. No coding games or extra layers for insurance.

  • Outpatient and inpatient documentation are more straightforward—no obs/inpatient split, no coders “requesting changes,” and no peer-to-peer insurance calls.

Immigration: Work Permits, Permanent Residence, and Family

• Work Permit (and Express Entry):

  • Job offer in-hand is the launch point.

  • You may (or may not) qualify for Express Entry (points for French, Canadian experience, etc.).

  • If not, standard processing just takes a bit longer.

• Legal Help:

  • Consider hiring an immigration lawyer. It’s not mandatory, but can seriously reduce your stress and risk of paperwork mistakes.

• Medical Exams & Background Checks:

  • Panel physicians only for required immigration medical exams.

  • FBI background/fingerprinting for the US and any other country you’ve lived in for 6 months+.

• Bringing Family:

  • Your spouse can often get an open work permit (freedom to work any job).

  • Children come under visitor permits and can go straight into Canadian schools without a study permit (and it’s free).

• Health Coverage:

  • Provincial healthcare (MSP in BC) begins the first of the third month after you arrive.

  • Apply as soon as you land and expect a minimal gap—private/travel insurance is up to you, but many opt out.

Moving Your Life

• Moving Household Goods:

  • Forms for inventory and value are required for permanent residents, but NOT for those coming on work permits.

  • Just need to ensure a manifest goes between your mover and customs.

• Cars & Insurance:

  • Bringing a US car? It’s complicated—tariffs and rules are changing. Dr. Shin sold his before arrival.

  • Insurance rates drop drastically once you trade in your state driver’s license for a BC one.

• Buying a Home:

  • With Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, you’re exempt from the foreign buyer’s tax.

Pro Tips and Final Thoughts

• Organization is Key:

  • Multiple agencies (Colleges, physiciansapply, IRCC) want different documents—keep explicit checklists and stay on top of each step.

• Budget for the Move:

  • There are fees for applications, document verifications, and a big financial gap as everything transitions—make sure you have savings.

• Reach Out for Help:

  • HealthMatch BC, immigration lawyers, podcast guests, and others have gone before you—don’t hesitate to ask.

It can seem overwhelming, but with solid organization (and maybe a little help), it’s 100% doable—and absolutely worth it if you’re seeking the Canadian experience.

Wishing you luck on your journey north—and, as always, feel free to reach out if you’ve got questions!

— Rob