Overview

We’re making it easier for internationally trained family doctors from Australia, Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom to practice medicine in Ontario so you can begin your career as soon as possible.

Our goal is to connect all Ontarians to a publicly-funded family doctor or primary care team by 2029. To do this, we are actively recruiting internationally trained physicians to practice family medicine.

Find out why Ontario is the best place for you to practice.

Why choose Ontario

Diverse and vibrant communities

Explore a vibrant lifestyle in Ontario, where people from more than 150 countries proudly call our cities, towns and communities home. From rich cultural celebrations to a world-class culinary scene, our incredible diversity makes Ontario an ideal place for you to build your future.

An outdoor adventure paradise

Ontario’s incredible natural beauty is matched only by the endless ways to experience it in all seasons. There are ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, slopes and waterways. Ontario Parks is the largest provider of outdoor recreation experiences in Ontario, providing over 330 parks for you to explore.

World-class public education system

Ontario offers an exceptional world-class public education system. With 4 publicly funded school boards systems and 46 post-secondary institutions, Ontario is the ideal place for everyone to learn and succeed.

Patient-centered health care system

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) means your family gets publicly-funded access to doctor visits, hospital care and emergency medicine. Eligible newcomers get immediate coverage, so you won’t have to worry about your health care coverage as you settle in.

Healthy single living

Healthy single living in Ontario can offer a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, supported by access to quality healthcare, diverse communities and abundant natural spaces. Take advantage of the province’s parks, trails and lakes—such as those in Algonquin Provincial Park or along the Great Lakes—for regular physical activity and mental well-being.

Streamlined licencing

Ontario has an expedited pathway for internationally trained family physicians so you can quickly begin practicing medicine in Ontario.

Family physicians from the following countries who get certification without examination from the College of Family Physicians of Canada can start independent practice immediately, without supervision or additional assessments:

  • Australia
  • Ireland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Practice Ready Ontario

Practice Ready Ontario allows qualified, foreign-trained family physicians to get a restricted licence to practice in a rural or remote community for 3 years.

Program participants must demonstrate their clinical skills through a targeted clinical field assessment. Participants who successfully complete the assessment will be required to complete a 3-year return of service commitment to practice in a high need community in Ontario.

Competitive compensation and incentives

In 2025, Ontario signed a new Physician Services Agreement which provides:

  • a new hourly rate to compensate Family Health Organization physicians for time spent providing direct and indirect patient care and clinical administrative work
  • an increased number of entry positions for new doctors
  • incentives that support physicians to enrol new patients, including those with serious or complex health conditions
  • enhanced compensation for doctors offering after-hours care, including evenings and weekends
  • additional funding for physicians to perform more minor procedures directly in their offices
  • new and modified programs to recruit and retain doctors in rural and northern communities

Putting patients before paperwork

Ontario is helping family doctors and other primary care providers spend more time with their patients and less time on paperwork by:

  • advancing a new provincewide Primary Care Medical Record system to integrate patient records, streamline and digitize clinical workflows for doctors and improve the quality of care received by patients
  • establishing an innovative program to support primary care providers that safely uses AI Scribes to automatically transcribe conversations, helping to reduce administrative workload and allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care

Family Health Teams

We are expanding our Family Health Team model, which means family doctors can better collaborate with nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, dietitians and other health professionals.

Board-certified physicians licensed in the U.S

If you’re a board-certified physician or surgeon licensed in the U.S., it’s easier than ever to start working in Ontario’s health care system.

Thanks to new “As of Right” rules, physicians can begin working in health settings in Ontario, Canada immediately for up to 6 months while you complete your registration. This fast-track process removes a major barrier and helps you get started without delay.

Connect with a physician recruitment advisor

Connect with our team dedicated to helping internationally trained physicians explore a rewarding career in Ontario.

This service is free, funded by the Government of Ontario.

Based on your goals, we will:

  • work with you to develop a personalized roadmap to a rewarding career in Ontario
  • guide you through licensure requirements, immigration pathways and practice opportunities
  • explain physician payment models, providing personalized support along the way

Starting your life in Ontario

Before you arrive

The Government of Canada provides free in-person and online services to help you prepare and adjust to life in Canada.

Learn more about pre-arrival services.

Get health care

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for many medically necessary health care services and is available to eligible residents of Ontario at no cost.

Apply for OHIP and get a health card

Get a driver’s license

Already licensed

If you already have a valid driver’s license from the U.S., you can use it for 60 days in Ontario before having to switch to an Ontario driver’s license.

Apply to exchange an out-of-province driver’s license

New drivers

If you do not have a valid driver’s license, you’ll need to pass an eye test, a written test about the rules of the road and apply for a G class license (to drive a car, van or small truck) or an M class license (for a motorcycle, motor scooter or moped).

Get a G driver’s license

Enrol your children in school

You’ll generally need to provide proof of age, residency and immunization records to enroll your child in a publicly-funded school. Contact the local school board or school near your new home in Ontario for specific instructions and requirements.

Find your school board or school

Find a settlement agency

A settlement agency can help you find the services you need to settle in Ontario, including housing, childcare or social services or help registering your children in school and more.

Find a settlement agency

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