How Do I Get My Identity Documents Certified For My Medical Council of Canada Application?

Physicians and surgeons play a key role in Canada’s healthcare system. There is currently a shortage of trained doctors in various medical fields, leading to increased demand for foreign-trained medical professionals.

Whether you have recently completed your medical education abroad or have years of experience as a doctor, moving to Canada can open up numerous opportunities. This article explores the reasons for moving to Canada, and the process of certifying true copies of identity documents for the Medical Council of Canada (MCC).

Reasons to Move to Canada as a Doctor

As an internationally trained doctor, moving to Canada presents attractive opportunities for several reasons:
➢ Canada is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled physicians and surgeons across various specialties, with up to 40% of new job openings in medicine going unfilled;
➢ There is a high demand for doctors in almost every province.
➢ Doctors in Canada have the potential to earn substantial incomes.

Does Canada Accept Foreign-Trained Doctors?

Foreign-born doctors play a critical role in sustaining Canada’s healthcare system. International medical graduates can take advantage of various immigration programs and build successful careers in the country. Recognizing the doctor shortage, both federal and provincial authorities are actively facilitating permanent settlement for international medical graduates.

However, before practicing medicine in Canada, you must obtain a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC), typically by passing a knowledge exam, having your qualifications approved by the Medical Council of Canada and registering with your provincial college of physicians and surgeons. You can visit the Medical Council of Canada website (link below) for current information regarding medical licensing in Canada.

Verifying Medical Credentials vs Certifying Documents

Sometimes there is confusion between certifying documents and having your medical credentials verified. If you require certified, official copies of your diplomas, transcripts and identification documents, you can bring the original copies to a notary public to have certified copies made. However, if you need to have your medical credentials verified as acceptable for the practice of medicine in Canada, you need to register for this process with the Medical Council of Canada. You must go to PhysiciansApply.ca, which is a portal that facilitates various processes such as exam applications, document submissions for verification, and ultimately, registration within any Canadian province or territory.

How Can Red Seal Notary Help?

The Medical Council of Canada requires all licensing candidates from outside of Canada to provide certified/notarized copies of identity documents, such as a passport, when they register to take the knowledge exam. Red Seal Notary can provide notarized copies of any original identity documents according to the specifications of the Medical Council of Canada. As well, Red Seal Notary can also provide notarized copies of diplomas and transcripts that you may require as part of your application process.

Just bring your original documents in to one of our walk-in locations in the Toronto area, or contact our helpful call center at 1-888-922-7325 to make an appointment with notaries across Canada.

Helpful Links

Medical Council of Canada