Updated route to full licensure for international medical graduates (IMGs) from approved jurisdictions
As of June 9, 2025, physicians from approved jurisdictions will be eligible for full licensure on CPSA’s General Register under the Approved Jurisdiction Route.
This change builds on the success of the Accelerated Jurisdiction Route pilot project and recognizes the substantial equivalence of credentials.
Replacing Accelerated Jurisdiction Route with Approved Jurisdiction Route
Condensed Practice Readiness Assessment (PRA) process
In 2023, CPSA launched a pilot project to condense the Practice Readiness Assessment (PRA) process for IMGs with credentials comparable to that obtained in Canadian universities, as identified by experts in postgraduate medical training. The pilot aimed to evaluate whether IMGs eligible for the Accelerated Jurisdiction Route may begin independently practising in their identified communities faster, while still ensuring patient safety is the top priority.
Under this route, eligible physicians had to secure sponsorship, complete a 3-month Supervised Practice Assessment and participate in Competency Assessments while registered on CPSA’s Provisional Register. Once on the Provisional Register, they had up to 6 years to obtain full Canadian credentials or otherwise undergo a Summative Assessment before transferring to the General Register.
Transition to the Approved Jurisdiction Route
CPSA has now 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.
Eligibility
If you apply for independent practice in Alberta on or after June 9, 2025, you may be eligible for this 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.
Physicians do not apply directly for this route to registration. Our registration team will review your application and let you know which route to registration you qualify for.
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 certified jurisdictions that have been deemed equivalent to
Canadian credentials.
Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
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