International medical graduates (IMGs) from approved jurisdictions are eligible for full licensure on CPSA’s General Register.
As of June 9, 2025, CPSA has transitioned to the Approved Jurisdiction Route, which recognizes the substantial equivalence of credentials from approved jurisdictions and qualifies these physicians for full licensure directly on the General Register. This change builds on the success of the Accelerated Jurisdiction Route pilot project, which launched in 2023.
Eligibility
If you are an IMG applying for independent practice in Alberta on or after June 9, 2025, you may be eligible for the Approved Jurisdiction Route to registration, depending on where you received your medical credentials.
CPSA’s Registration team will review your application and let you know if you are eligible.
How to apply
If you are an IMG interested in practising in Alberta, your first step is to apply for independent practice.
Important: Physicians do not apply directly for the Approved Jurisdiction Route to registration. CPSA’s Registration team will review your application and let you know if you are eligible.
Looking for fee information? Get an estimate of registration fees.
Learn more
CPSA’s registration policies provide more details about this route to registration.
FAQs
All FAQsAm I eligible for the Approved Jurisdiction Route for international medical graduates?
International medical graduates (IMGs) from approved jurisdictions who meet CPSA’s other registration requirements may be eligible for the Approved Jurisdiction Route to registration. CPSA’s registration team reviews physician applications to determine eligibility, and for what route.
How can I apply for the Approved Jurisdiction Route for international medical graduates?
Physicians don’t apply directly for this route to registration. Your first step is to apply for independent practice. Our registration team will then review your application and let you know which route to registration you qualify for.
Which jurisdictions are considered approved?
CPSA maintains a list of certifications from specific jurisdictions that have been deemed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to be equivalent to Canadian specialty credentials.
Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
Phone: 780-969-4924
Toll-free: 1-800-561-3899 ext. 4924 (in Canada)
Fax: 780-424-0805