Coming to Canada to practice? When applying for a medical license in Canada, there are a number of things to keep in mind about your documents.
1. Immediately request the following documents:
- Official Academic Transcripts must be sent directly from the University Registrar’s office to the licensing authority
- Letters of Good Standing from all licensing bodies where you have held an active medical license, must also be sent directly to the licensing authority.
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Employment certificates must include the following:
- Employee full name
- Job title
- Exact employment dates (dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy)
- Signed & dated by the Human Resources Department
- Issued on official employer letterhead
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If required, any employment gap longer than one month must have a credible explanation, even if it is for an extended vacation.
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Reference letters from professional referees must include:
- Employee full name and his/her position title
- Exact employment dates (dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy)
- Signed & dated by the referee stating his/her title
- Issued on official letterhead
2. Some institutions are slow to send requested documents. Therefore, if frequent follow-up is necessary, you have to remain persistent and diplomatic!
3. Certain documents, such as the Letters of Good Standing and employment certificates, must be issued within three to six months of application submission.
4. When completing the application form, confirm that all information matches the document. Example of common errors:
- Mismatched dates, e.g., birth date, employment period, etc.
- Mismatched names between passport, medical degree, etc.
5. If the name on your passport does not match the name on any of your documents (e.g., medical degree, license), you must provide a legal name-change document (e.g., marriage certificate, name change certificate).
6. Before officially sending your file to the licensing authority, wait until you have all the documents for which you are personally responsible for submitting. Unless asked to do so, do not send documents as you receive them.
7. Scanned documents must be clear and legible.
- We have seen fingers, camera flashes, documents held down by coffee cups, cut off diplomas not showing degree date, etc.
- Image must be large enough to print clearly
- Passport sized photos scans must be unfiltered (no Barbie/Ken filters, please)
8. Respond promptly to all inquiries/requests by the licensing authority.
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