Pathway to Full Licensure via an Approved Jurisdiction: Eligibility Requirements for Physicians
Preamble
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (the College) recognizes the value of internationally trained physicians within the Canadian healthcare system.
Internationally trained physicians with credentials comparable to that obtained in Canadian universities, as identified by experts in postgraduate medical training, may be eligible for a Full licence in Nova Scotia.
Purpose
This policy describes the eligibility and minimum requirements for physicians to obtain a Full licence in Nova Scotia who completed their training and obtained certification in an international jurisdiction approved by the Registrar.
Scope
This policy applies to all internationally trained physicians who completed their postgraduate training and obtained specialty certification from the same international jurisdiction approved by the Registrar.
Policy
- Eligibility Criteria
All credentials must be source-verified by physiciansapply.ca.1 Applicants must have the following:
| Qualification | Description |
| Medical Degree | Applicants must have a recognized medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.2 |
| Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) | Applicants must be a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada or hold an acceptable alternative to the LMCC.3 |
| English Language Proficiency | All applicants must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, other professionals and the College as described in the College policy on English Language Proficiency.4 |
| Postgraduate Training | Applicants must have completed their training in an international jurisdiction approved by the Registrar.5 |
| Specialty Certification | Applicants must have specialty certification in the same specialty as their postgraduate training from the same jurisdiction in which they completed their training. |
- Letter of Offer or Confirmation of Privileges
Physicians who meet the above eligibility criteria must provide the College with a letter of offer OR confirmation of privileges with Nova Scotia Health or the IWK Health Centre in Nova Scotia before their licence will be issued.
This information is required to satisfy the College’s requirement for the respective health authority to conduct a review of the applicant’s scope of practice before extending a letter of offer or granting hospital privileges.
Resources
- physiciansapply.ca
- University or School Approved by Council
- Acceptable Alternatives to the LMCC
- English Language Proficiency
- Appendix – Approved Jurisdictions
| Applicable Legislation: | Section 5, 19-24 of the Medical Act Regulations |
| Approved by: | Registration Policy Committee & Council |
| Approval Date(s): | September 18, 2025 & October 17, 2025 |
| Reviewed for Accuracy: | Annually |