British Columbia has received nearly 780 job applications from qualified health professionals across the United States in just two months, prompting the province to fast-track licensing processes for internationally trained doctors.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. implemented bylaw changes on July 7 that allow U.S.-trained doctors to become fully licensed without further assessment, examination or training if they hold certification from recognized American medical boards. The changes mean certified U.S. doctors can often be registered in a matter of weeks.
“When we began recruiting in the U.S. in March, we were confident it would yield strong results, and this success confirms that British Columbia’s universal health-care system and vibrant communities continue to stand out,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
Since the campaign began, more than 2,250 doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals have signed up for webinars and expressed interest in working in B.C. This includes 827 physicians, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners and 256 allied health professionals.
Fast-track licensing for U.S. doctors
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. has received 29 registration applications from U.S. doctors since implementing the bylaw changes. U.S.-trained doctors can now become fully licensed if they hold certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties, American Board of Family Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.
“CPSBC is always looking to evolve its bylaws, processes and procedures as health-care needs evolve,” said Dr. Patrick Rowe, CPSBC registrar and CEO. “These bylaw amendments are part of our work with government to find opportunities that will help British Columbians receive more accessible and timely care.”
The college also eliminated the requirement for doctors trained outside Canada and the U.S. to hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. This change saves applicants approximately $1,500 and shortens the licensing process by several weeks.
Expanded pathways under consideration
CPSBC is consulting on proposed changes that would create direct pathways to full licensure for physicians who completed at least two years of accredited postgraduate training in family medicine in the U.S., Australia, United Kingdom or Ireland.
The proposed changes would also benefit specialists who completed postgraduate training and received certification in certain specialties from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom or Ireland.
Applications span all health regions
Between May and June 2025, B.C. received applications across all health regions: 181 for Interior Health, 154 for Fraser Health, 121 for Vancouver Coastal Health, 112 for Island Health, 70 for Providence Health Care, 66 for Provincial Health Services Authority and 63 for Northern Health.
The province launched a targeted U.S. marketing campaign on June 2 in Washington, Oregon and select California cities. Similar bylaw changes have been adopted in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Doctors cite system values as draw
Several physicians who have made the move to B.C. cited the province’s health-care system and lifestyle as key factors in their decision.
“I am joining the team at Kelowna General Hospital in mid-August. I have taken the decision to relocate, together with my husband and my two Maine coons, Rummy and Bella, because I’m drawn by B.C.’s values-driven health-care system and the opportunity to help expand local access to higher levels of care,” said Dr. Avi Kopstick, a Canadian doctor in Texas who will move to Kelowna.
Dr. Adam Hoverman, a U.S. East Coast doctor now practising in Nanaimo, said he chose to move to B.C. because he sees “the future of health care being born here, with improvement science and co-production of health and social care at the core of a system with the spirit, energy, optimism and cultural humility needed to improve.”
Dismus Irungu, a Los Angeles nurse now working at Vancouver General Hospital, noted both professional and financial benefits. “When I calculated my costs, I am now able to save more and keep more money in my bank account than before my move. The transition was seamless and with this beautiful B.C. scenery, it has been a really great lifestyle choice,” he said.
