All physicians practicing medicine in Ontario will need to be licensed through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
Summary of CPSO Pathways for US and UK Trained Physicians
US Pathway A – Board Certified
For ABMS/AOA board‑certified physicians with ACGME residency. Restricted independent → independent after 5 years.
US Pathway C – Board Eligible
For recent graduates (≤5 years). Requires board‑eligibility and USMLE. Restricted supervised for up to 3 years.
US Pathway B – 5+ Years Practice
For physicians with ≥5 years independent practice. Requires qualifying exam. Supervised → restricted independent.
US CFPC Family Medicine
US family physicians with CFPC certification without exam. May obtain full independent license with MCCQE1/LMCC.
Internationally Trained CFPC Route
International GPs eligible for CFPC certification without exam. Restricted independent or full independent with MCCQE1/LMCC.
Internationally Trained SEAP Route
International specialists recognized by RCPSC through SEAP. Restricted independent certificate.
Internationally Trained PER Route
International specialists entering RCPSC PER. Restricted supervised while completing RCPSC exams/time.
International Exam Eligible
For international physicians eligible for CFPC/RCPSC exams. Restricted supervised (≤3 yrs).
Practice Ready Ontario
For select UK-trained GPs through 12‑week PRO assessment. Restricted certificate + return‑of‑service.
