Part 4: Final CFPC Certification & Starting Practice in Ontario

Once you receive your license from CPSO, you must complete the final steps to obtain your CFPC Certification in Family Medicine (CCFP).

Step 1: Paying the CFPC Certification Fee

Once your provincial license is approved, CFPC will invite you to pay the certification fee.

• Fee: $2500 CAD (one-time payment).
• Payment can be completed through your CFPC member portal.
• Once paid, you will receive your Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP).

This certification confirms your official recognition as a family physician in Canada and allows you to practice without restrictions.

Step 2: Applying for OHIP Billing Number

In Ontario, you will need an OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) billing number to receive payments for services provided to patients.

• Apply through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC).
• Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.
• You may need to submit proof of CFPC certification and CPSO licensing.

Step 3: Finding Employment & Starting Practice

Once certified, you can explore different career options:

• Join an established family practice – Many clinics seek physicians to join their team.
• Apply for hospital positions – Some family physicians work in hospital settings.
• Start your own practice – If you prefer independence, consider opening a private clinic.
• Locum opportunities – Temporary positions can be a great way to gain experience before committing to a permanent role.

Many provincial health networks and recruitment agencies assist new physicians in finding opportunities.

Step 4: Joining the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)

Medical liability insurance is mandatory in Canada. The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) provides legal protection and malpractice insurance.

• Visit CMPA’s website to apply.
• Membership fees vary depending on location and type of practice.
• This ensures legal support and protection while practicing medicine in Canada.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! By completing these steps, you are now officially recognised as a family physician in Ontario. While the process is lengthy and requires financial investment, it is structured to ensure a smooth transition for internationally trained doctors.

Some Key Takeaways:

• Ensure all documentation is correctly submitted to avoid delays.
• Stay on top of CFPC and CPSO requirements throughout the process.
• Plan for OHIP billing registration and employment opportunities early.
• Secure CMPA membership for malpractice protection.

With these steps completed, you are ready to embark on your medical career in Ontario. Best of luck!

Part 3: Registering with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is the regulatory body that grants licenses to practice medicine in Ontario. Once your CFPC Letter of Eligibility has been issued, you can begin the CPSO registration process.

Step 1: Creating a CPSO Account

To start your application:

1. Visit the CPSO registration portal.
2. Create a new member account.
3. Complete your profile with the required personal and professional details.
4. Proceed to the self-screening questionnaire.

During the self-screening questionnaire:

• For type/scope of practice, select B – Medical practice.
• If you have engaged in medical practice or training in the past two years, select Yes.
• If you do not currently hold an independent medical license in Canada, select B
• If you have a degree from an acceptable international medical school, select C.
• For MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam), if you are not planning to take it, select D.

Once you submit your self-screening responses, you can continue with the main application process.

Step 2: Uploading Documents & Paying Fees

After completing your application, you will need to submit the required documents:

1. CFPC Letter of Eligibility – This will be sent directly to CPSO.
2. Source-verified documents from PhysicianApply – Ensure all documents are shared with CPSO.
3. Criminal Background Check – CPSO recommends using Triton Canada (cost: $50 CAD). If you’re not in Canada, a VPN may be needed to access the site. Alternatively, you can complete this after arrival, but it may delay the process.
4. Three professional references – These should be from recent supervisors or colleagues.
5. Letter of Good Standing from GMC – If you have practiced in other countries, you may need a letter from each relevant medical council. RCGP letters are not required.

Application Fee: $1035 CAD (payable upon submission of your CPSO application).

Tip: You can submit your application and pay the fee before uploading all documents to prevent unnecessary delays.

Step 3: Application Review & Final Steps

🔹 CPSO reviews applications in approximately 3-5 weeks, but processing times can vary.
🔹 Once your application is approved, you must pay the CPSO membership fee (approximately $1725 CAD) within 90 days, or your application may be cancelled.
🔹 Upon final approval, CPSO will grant your license to practice medicine in Ontario.

What’s Next?

At this stage, you are almost ready to begin practicing as a family physician in Ontario! The final steps involve CFPC certification and membership fees, which will be covered in the 4^th and final part.

Stay tuned for the next instalment, where we’ll go over final CFPC certification, fees, and starting medical practice in Ontario!

Part 2: Registering with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)

Once your documents are verified through PhysicianApply, the next step is registering with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). This step is important in becoming recognised as a family physician in Canada.

Step 1: Creating a CFPC Account

To begin the process, follow these steps:

1. Visit the CFPC registration portal.
2. Create a new member account.
3. Complete your profile with the required details.
4. Upload the necessary documents (such as your primary medical degree certificate and GMC license).
5. Pay the CFPC membership fee (varies depending on the time of year you apply; the exact amount will be shown during the application process).
6. Once approved, you will receive your CFPC membership letter and card via email (typically within 48 hours).

Please note: A letter of good standing from the RCGP is NOT required, as the GMC certificate of good standing covers this requirement.

Step 2: Applying for CFPC Certification Without Examination

After registering with the CFPC, the next step is to apply for a Letter of Eligibility to Practice Family Medicine Without Examinations.

1. Decide which province you want to practice in, as the letter will be sent directly to the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons (e.g., CPSO for Ontario).
2. Begin the CPSO (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) registration process early to align all documents.
3. Use this CFPC Eligibility Portal to apply.
4. Log in using your CFPC account (do not create a new account).
5. Fill in the required details and pay the $500 CAD fee.
6. Share all your source-verified documents from PhysicianApply with CFPC.
7. CFPC will then send a letter confirming your eligibility for certification to your provincial college (e.g., CPSO in Ontario).

Please Note: This letter does NOT grant final certification yet. The final CFPC certification is issued only after you obtain provincial licensing.

What’s Next?

Once CFPC registration and eligibility are confirmed, the next major step is registering with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). This is where you’ll finalise your provincial licensing, submit background checks, and prepare for practice.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll cover CPSO registration, self-screening, and final licensing in detail!

Step 1: Create a PhysicianApply Account

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) uses PhysicianApply as the central system for credential verification and licensing applications. To get started:

• Visit ca and create an account: This account is essential for storing and submitting all required documents for verification.
• Complete your profile with accurate personal and professional details.

• Cost: $328 CAD (one-time fee).

Step 2: Gather and Upload Required Documents

Once the account is set up, the next step is to upload the documents for the Source Verification Request (SVR). Each document must be submitted with a coversheet generated from the PhysicianApply portal. The required documents include:

1. 50x70mm Passport Photograph – Canadian passport size (available at local photo booths).
   2. Certified Identity Confirmation Form & Passport – Download from the portal, complete the details, and have it notarised by a lawyer or notary public (cost: ~£90).
   3. GMC Full Registration Licence/Certificate (+ coversheet, labelled “Licence”).
   4. CCT Certificate (+ coversheet, labelled “Specialty Certificate”).
   5. RCGP Certificate (+ coversheet, also labelled “Specialty Certificate”).
   6. Medical Degree or Diploma (+ coversheet).
   7. Change of Name Certificate (if applicable).
   8. GMC Certificate of Good Standing – Recommended to request later, as it is only valid for six months.

Step 3: Submitting Documents for Verification

• Combine each document with its coversheet before uploading.
• Email all documents to service@mcc.ca.
• SVR Cost: $228 CAD per document (except GMC Certificate of Good Standing, which costs $128 CAD).
• Some institutions take longer to verify documents—follow up if necessary.
• If an EPIC (ECFMG) verification of the medical degree was done for GMC registration, verification can be requested from EPIC instead of the medical school.

What’s Next?

Once document verification is complete, the next step is registering with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), which determines eligibility to practise without additional examinations.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will cover CFPC registration and credential recognition.