Quebec Streamlines Work Permit Process for Foreign Physicians in Underserved Regions

Major Streamlining for Quebec Healthcare

Quebec has implemented a significant streamlining of the work permit process for foreign physicians aiming to serve in the province's underserved regions, according to an update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on July 31, 2025. This change represents a major simplification of the administrative process for international medical professionals.

Previously, foreign physicians were required to apply for two separate work permits: one for their assessment or adaptation period in an accredited university clinical setting, and another for their practice period in a healthcare facility. This dual-permit requirement created significant administrative burdens and delays in the integration process.

New Single Work Permit System

Administrative Code C10 Details

The new system uses administrative code C10, which falls under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and is designated for "Significant benefit to Canada." This classification recognizes the critical role foreign physicians play in addressing healthcare shortages in underserved regions.

Key Requirements:

• Physicians must work in designated underserved regions in Quebec
• Assessment period must be completed in accredited university clinical settings or CMQ-designated facilities
• Work permit is tied to a specific employer
• Maximum validity of 5 years
• Must meet requirements of the work category

Impact on Healthcare Access

This streamlining is expected to have several positive impacts on Quebec's healthcare system:

For Foreign Physicians:

• Reduced Administrative Burden: Single application instead of multiple permits
• Faster Integration: Streamlined process reduces delays in starting practice
• Longer Stability: 5-year permits provide more security and planning ability
• Clearer Pathway: Simplified process makes Quebec more attractive to international physicians

For Quebec Healthcare System:

• Faster Physician Integration: Reduced processing times mean faster access to care
• Improved Underserved Region Coverage: More attractive for physicians to work in remote areas
• Reduced Administrative Costs: Fewer applications to process and manage
• Enhanced Healthcare Access: More physicians available to serve vulnerable populations

Underserved Regions in Quebec

The streamlined process specifically targets foreign physicians working in Quebec's underserved regions. These areas typically face:

• Limited access to primary care physicians
• Long wait times for medical appointments
• Geographic isolation from major healthcare centers
• Difficulty attracting and retaining medical professionals

Assessment and Adaptation Period

The 13-week assessment or adaptation period is a crucial component of the new system:

Purpose:

• Allows foreign physicians to adapt to Quebec's healthcare system
• Provides supervised clinical experience in Canadian healthcare settings
• Ensures competency in local medical practices and regulations
• Facilitates integration into the Quebec medical community

Requirements:

• Must be completed in accredited university clinical settings
• Or in clinical settings designated by the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ)
• 13 consecutive weeks of supervised practice
• Assessment of competency and adaptation to local standards

Long-term Implications

While this streamlining represents a significant improvement, the long-term success will depend on several factors:

Implementation Efficiency:

• How quickly IRCC processes the new single-permit applications
• Effectiveness of the assessment period in preparing physicians
• Coordination between IRCC and Quebec medical authorities

Attraction and Retention:

• Whether the simplified process attracts sufficient qualified physicians
• Retention rates of foreign physicians in underserved regions
• Integration success and community acceptance

Comparison with Other Provinces

Quebec's approach represents a more streamlined model compared to some other provinces:

• Quebec: Single C10 work permit for up to 5 years
• Other Provinces: Often require separate permits for assessment and practice periods
• Advantage: Quebec's model reduces administrative complexity

Additional Resources

For more information about this update and to read the official announcement, visit:

• IRCC Official Update on Quebec Foreign Physicians
• IRCC Work Permit Application Guidelines

This streamlining represents a significant step forward in making Quebec more accessible to international medical professionals, potentially improving healthcare access in underserved regions across the province.