British Columbia needs more doctors.
About 45,235 trained health professionals already live here.
These are people educated in health abroad who now live in British Columbia, counted in the 2021 Census. Many are not working in health because licensing takes years. Here is what the gap looks like locally.
British Columbia by the numbers
45,235
About 7.9 for every 1,000 residents. Counts may have changed since 2021.
Source: StatCan Census 2021
~1,500
Estimated from how many people lack a family doctor. Treat as a rough guide (±15–20%).
Source: CMA/OurCare 2025
32.2 wks
National median: 28.6 weeks. #9 longest of 10 provinces. From a physician survey.
Source: Fraser Institute 2025
257
6 above the national average of 251. Provincial split is estimated.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
508
Provincial split is estimated from national data.
Source: CIHI HW 2024
How an internationally trained doctor gets licensed in British Columbia
From the province's medical regulator. Last checked April 2026.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC)
IMGs require MCC credentials (MCCQE I + NAC), residency training in Canada, and a CPSBC-approved supervision arrangement. Application submitted via physiciansapply.ca. Application fee C$665 confirmed on CPSBC independent practice page.
The main bottleneck: Canadian residency match (CaRMS) is the primary gate.
Regulator's registration page (opens in a new tab)- Application fee
- $665 CAD
- Yearly licence fee
- $1,925 CAD
- Canadian residency needed
- Canadian-accredited residency required for independent practice.
Regulator fees only. National exams, assessments and immigration fees are extra; see the full cost breakdown.
Live in British Columbia? Two things you can do today
Sign the petition, then tell your MP it matters to you.
71% of the goal · 4,365 more names needed · count as of November 1, 2026