CPSBC Bylaws updated
The CPSBC Bylaws have been updated, effective July 6, 2026.
The amendments include changes to licensure eligibility requirements, which allow internationally trained physicians from select jurisdictions to be eligible for the full class of licensure if they meet certain requirements. An internationally trained physician is one who completed their postgraduate training outside of Canada.
These bylaw amendments are part of efforts to streamline pathways for internationally trained physicians wishing to practise in BC and to address the physician shortage in the province. CPSBC will continue working with government and health partners to look for ways to evolve its bylaws, processes and procedures as health care needs in BC evolve.
Select jurisdictions
Bylaw amendments cover these select jurisdictions:
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States
Family physicians and specialists who completed accredited postgraduate training in one of these jurisdictions have a route to full licensure if they meet either of the following:
- Family physicians (Australia, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States)
- Completed at least two years of accredited postgraduate training in a jurisdiction the College of Family Physicians of Canada recognizes for certification without examination.
- Completed at least two years of accredited postgraduate training in a jurisdiction the College of Family Physicians of Canada recognizes for certification without examination.
- Specialists (Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom)
- Completed postgraduate training and hold both a completion-of-training certificate and specialty certification from a jurisdiction that meets the criteria for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's (RCPSC) approved jurisdiction route.
Note: Not all specialties are approved in each jurisdiction.
- Completed postgraduate training and hold both a completion-of-training certificate and specialty certification from a jurisdiction that meets the criteria for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's (RCPSC) approved jurisdiction route.
Provisional class of licensure
Physicians who trained outside of Canada in a jurisdiction not covered in the bylaw amendments, and who have not obtained certification with the relevant certification body in Canada or the US, continue to be eligible for provisional licensure. The following eligibility requirements remain for the provisional class:
- completed postgraduate training and obtained a completion of training certificate and certification in the applicant’s specialty from a jurisdiction outside of Canada where such training meets the criteria for a RCPSC practice eligibility route ruling to access RCPSC certification through examinations, acceptable to the registration committee, or
- have successfully completed a practice ready assessment, acceptable to the licensing committee in a Canadian province or territory.