Top Canada Provinces for Doctors in 2025-26: Jobs, Salaries & Growth Opportunities

It is a well-known fact that Canada is actively seeking medical professionals, specifically doctors, making them one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada. While the requirement for doctors is a nationwide requirement, you, as a professional, should be aware of which are the top Canada provinces for doctors in 2025-26.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), currently there are a total of 97,000 physicians working in Canada, and the provinces are also actively inviting foreign-trained physicians, especially in rural and northern communities. In this article, we will explore the top 5 provinces for doctors in Canada, average salaries, requirements, etc, to help your understanding of Canada immigration for doctors. 

Top Canada Provinces for Doctors in 2025-26

Latest reports by the Canada Medical Association (CMA) state that Canada is expected to witness a requirement of 20,000 family doctors by 2031, reflecting a strong job market for aspiring doctors. Further, let us explore which are the top Canada provinces for doctors in 2025-26.

Also Read: How to Immigrate to Canada as a Healthcare Worker

1. Ontario

Ontario is one of the biggest provinces in Canada, which consists of about 40% of the total Canadian population, and coincidentally also has one of the highest demands for doctors in Canada, especially in family medicine, psychiatry, internal medicine, and geriatrics.

Despite the well-developed healthcare system in the Canadian provinces, Ontario still faces a shortage of physicians due to its growing urban and rural healthcare requirements.

Why Choose Ontario for Doctors in 2025-26?

• Ontario province offers advanced medical facilities, world-renowned hospitals like SickKids and Mount Sinai, and some of the best research opportunities
• Doctors in Ontario who opt to work in rural Ontario can also receive additional government incentives

2. British Columbia

British Columbia also ranks among the top Canada provinces for doctors, perfectly combining high demand for doctors in Canada 2025 with a premium lifestyle. In urban cities like Vancouver and Victoria, family physicians are among the highest doctor shortages in Canada, while in rural communities across northern British Columbia, there is an urgent need for general practitioners and specialists.

Why Choose British Columbia for Doctors in 2025-26?

• Along with a strong job market, British Columbia also provides doctors with a great work-life balance, scenic beauty, and opportunities in both public and private hospitals
• British Columbia also provides dedicated settlement support for healthcare professionals

Explore Canada’s Job Market Highlights Top 100 Jobs in High Demand Until 2033

3. Alberta

The growing population in Alberta, along with an advanced healthcare system, makes it one of the best provinces for doctors in Canada. There is a high demand for specialists in surgery, oncology, cardiology, and internal medicine in Alberta, Canada. The province is also popular for offering one of the highest salaries for physicians in Canada

Why Choose Alberta for Doctors in 2025-26?

• Alberta is home to one of the most modern healthcare infrastructures in Canada, strong research institutions, and offers high prospects and earning potential.
• In comparison to provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, the cost of living in Aberta is relatively lower, making it the best Canadian province for doctors.

Explore Alberta PNP

4. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is one of the top provinces in Canada that is facing an acute shortage of doctors and medical professionals, particularly in rural and remote communities. Saskatchewan province is actively recruiting foreign doctors, along with providing them with fast-track immigration support.

Why Choose Saskatchewan for Doctors in 2025-26?

• The Saskatchewan government offers great financial incentives to doctors, specifically those who serve underserved regions
• Family medicine, pediatrics, and general practitioners are among the highest-demand doctors in Saskatchewan, providing newcomers with a quick entry option into the healthcare system

Also Read: Can I Go to Canada for a Job Without IELTS in 2025?

5. Nova Scotia 

The Nova Scotia province in Canada has launched aggressive recruitment campaigns to attract doctors, particularly family physicians and specialists in cardiology, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Saskatchewan has also signed agreements with international medical schools in order to fly in more doctors 

Why Choose Nova Scotia for Doctors in 2025-26?

• Nova Scotia is one of the best provinces in Canada for doctors, as the professionals benefit from high demand, special immigration programs, and an attractive incentive structure to those who are willing to work in smaller towns.
• Working in Nova Scotia is an excellent opportunity for those who value a quieter lifestyle while having abundant opportunities to practice medicine.

Licensing Requirements for Doctors in Canada in 2025-26

Foreign-trained medical doctors need to first obtain a license from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). The process of obtaining a license to practice in Canada includes the following steps:

Step 1: Educational Credential Assessment or Verification

You need to create an account on physiciansapply.ca and submit all the required documents, including a medical degree, academic transcripts, internship certificates, and other relevant documents, for verification. These documents are verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) before they are accepted in Canada.

Step 2: Pass the Medical Council of Canada Examinations

After completion of credentials verifications, you would need to appear for MCCQE Part I and MCCQE Part II to secure full medical licensure in Canada

Step 3: Meet the Language Proficiency Requirements

Since doctors are involved in direct patient interactions, having strong English and French language proficiency is mandatory. Provinces generally require a proficiency of IELTS 7.0 or CELPIP General with Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 7 or higher; however, if you wish to specifically practice in Quebec regions, then French proficiency is mandatory to practice

Also Read: CELPIP vs IELTS Language Tests

Step 4: Apply for Residency or Practice-Ready Assessment Programs 

Depending on your specialization or training background, you may need to complete a residency program in Canada through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Some provinces also offer Practice-Ready Assessment (PRA) programs, where doctors are placed under supervision for 12-24 months before being allowed to practice independently

Step 5: Register With the Provincial Medical Regulatory Authority

After clearing the MCC exam and required assessments, you must apply for a license from the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. Each province has its own requirements for registration, so ensure that you check with them before proceeding with the registration process

Step 6: Engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Once you have received your license, you will be required to actively engage in ongoing professional development and periodic revalidation to maintain your license. This step is required to ensure that you, as a doctor, are up to date with achievements in medical practice and maintain high standards of patient care.

Provincial Medical Regulatory Authorities in Canada

Every province in Canada has its own provincial medical regulatory authority (College of Physicians and Surgeons) that grants licenses and ensures that doctors meet the local healthcare requirements. The province-wise medical regulatory authorities in Canada include:

Read: How to Become a Doctor in Canada?

Explore Your Eligibility to Work at Top Canada Provinces for Doctors with getGIS Assistance

Considering the expanding healthcare needs in Canada, it has become a top destination for doctors from India and all around the world.

If you are a doctor looking to immigrate to Canada, then reach out to GetGIS for expert guidance on the job search and Canada PR application process. Our expert team ensures your timely and seamless immigration and integration into Canada

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