Temporary Licence (Locum)
The Temporary licence is issued to physicians or surgeons who want to practise for a short-term in Nova Scotia, up to a maximum of 6 consecutive months.
To apply for the Temporary licence you must have:
- a full licence to practise in a Canadian province or territory; OR
- the qualifications and credentials to obtain a Full licence in Nova Scotia.
Note: If you previously practiced with a Restricted – Special Case licence, you will apply for the Temporary licence going forward.
How to Apply: Applicants with Verified Credentials
If you have a full licence to practise in Canada with documentation already verified by your current licensing College, you can submit your application through a simplified process. You must have a Certificate of Professional Conduct (CPC) with:
- no restrictions or conditions;
- no current undertakings or open complaints with other Colleges; and
- no disciplinary sanctions on your record.
The Temporary licence fee for applicants with verified documentation is $300 per 30 days.
This licence is valid for up to 6 consecutive months.
How to Apply: Applicants without Verified Credentials
If your documentation has not been verified by a Canadian College, you must submit your application online through phyiciansapply.ca.
To apply, you must:
- have a medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools;
- have a valid Nova Scotia work permit, permanent residency card, or Canadian citizenship (certificate, or passport);
- meet our English language proficiency requirements;
- be enrolled in the Canadian Medical Register as a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) or hold an acceptable alternative to the LMCC;
- be certified with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC);
- provide a criminal record check (from each jurisdiction you have practised);
- provide reference letters (as per the College’s instruction); and
- provide a certificate of professional conduct from the regulatory or licensing authority from each jurisdiction where you have practised medicine or held a medical licence.
Read the Instructions for Applicants without Verified Credentials
Step 1: You set up your account with physiciansapply.ca and submit your credentials
- Complete the application for medical registration (AMR) at physiciansapply.ca. If you need help with your physiciansapply.ca account contact service@mcc.ca.
- Pay the fees. Fees are non-refundable.
Your application, once submitted through phyisicansapply.ca, is sent to us.
If you have questions about licensing, please contact College staff:
1-877-282-7767 or 902-422-5823
registration@cpsns.ns.ca
Step 2: We review your application
- If you qualify, we will email you to request documents.
- If you do NOT qualify, we will explain why.
It can take 4 to 6 weeks for you to collect and send all the documents needed.
Step 3: We notify you about your registration
- If you qualify, we will send you instructions and information to pay the applicable fees. Once we receive payment, we aim to issue your licence within 10 business days.
- If you do NOT qualify, we will explain why.
Step 4: You receive your licence to practise
If you are approved for a Temporary licence, we issue your licence to practise medicine in Nova Scotia for up to 6 consecutive months. You will receive a notification by email outlining your responsibilities, including the start and end dates of your licence.
During this time if you decide to practice longer than 6 months, you must contact us at registration@cpsns.ns.ca and apply for a Full licence.