Easing the Path for U.S. Physicians to Obtain Licensure in Manitoba
The Manitoba Government approved a change to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba General Regulation, allowing physicians from the United States to apply directly for full licensure if they meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education;
- certification from a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS); and
- a licence issued by a U.S. state medical board to engage independently in the practice of medicine.
The amendment eliminates the requirement for U.S. physicians to apply for provisional registration before they can obtain full registration (licence). Provisional registration has limitations such as requiring supervisors, assessments, and practice location restrictions, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Medical Regulatory Authorities in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia have similar provisions in place.
The change was made after CPSM made the request to the Manitoba government early in the year. `
“We looked at our regulations in Manitoba and designed a new path to licensure that would benefit both the province and U.S. physicians looking to relocate,” said Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk, CPSM Registrar and CEO. “Our goal is to have the proper requirements in place so that only people who are safe to practice can do so, but we also don’t want requirements that create unnecessary barriers.”
The amendments were effective May 30, 2025.
CPSM held a public consultation from April 24 to May 25 to solicit feedback on this amendment from registrants, the public, and healthcare partners. Most comments received were in favour of the amendment.
CPSM is also considering reducing barriers for the provisional registration of family medicine registrants, which was open to feedback during the spring consultation. As a result of feedback received during the consultation, CPSM is amending the proposed change.
Physicians from the U.S. considering relocation to Manitoba are encouraged to visit www.PracticeinManitoba.ca for more information.