Internationally trained physicians can now apply directly for B.C. licences without provisional step

British Columbia has streamlined licensing for internationally trained physicians, allowing qualified doctors from seven countries to apply directly for full practice licences without first obtaining a provisional licence.

The new bylaws, approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, took effect on July 6. The change cuts paperwork, simplifies navigation, and allows physicians to begin independent practice sooner — an estimated 12 to 24 months faster than the previous process.

"It is a positive policy and it makes B.C. more competitive," said Dr. Jie Bai, medical director of Richmond's Fresh Bay Medical Centre. "This will make it easier for B.C. to get more doctors."

The policy applies to eligible physicians trained in Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Those in recognized specialties who have completed eligible postgraduate training can now apply directly for a full licence. Eligible fields include anesthesia, dermatology, emergency and occupational medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, and others.

Also announced on July 6 was an expansion of the BC Physician Integration Program requirement to include internationally trained physicians new to independent practice in Canada. The program, offered free through the University of British Columbia's continuing professional development department, helps physicians adapt to B.C.'s health-care system and understand how care is delivered locally. Completion happens after licensure, so it doesn't delay when a physician can begin practising.

For Bai's practice, the change has already yielded results: two foreign-trained physicians at Fresh Bay Medical Centre are now fully licensed.