The IMG-BC Program only accepts applications through the online application and registration system.
The IMG-BC Program expects candidates to have passed the MCCEE, a standard Canadian medical entry-level examination.
Phase I:
Phase I establishes eligibility. To initiate the application process, applicants must submit an application fee of $150, and the following documents by January 1st of the application year:
- Proof of BC Residency for one year immediately prior to January 1st.
- Proof of Canadian citizenship status (Canadian, permanent resident, citizen, or W.H.O. Refugee)
- Application Fee ($150)
Once applicants successfully complete Phase I they are provided an IMG-BC ID and Password via email that allows them to complete Phase II of the on-line application.
Phase II:
Phase II requires applicants to login to the online application system, and complete the registration process by February 1st of the application year. A detailed list of required documents can be found on the Online Application page.
Following a review of all applications, selected candidates will be invited to take part in one of the 70 National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) seats available in British Columbia. OSCE seat notifications are sent on February 15 of the application year.
Phase III: OSCE
Phase III consists of the NAC OSCE examination.
Candidates who complete Phase II, but are not granted a BC OSCE seat, may be still be considered for the Clinical Assessment and granted eligibility to compete for one of the IMG first iteration positions on the basis of a passing NAC OSCE in another province. The NAC OSCE must have been taken within twelve-months of the application deadline.
For those candidates offered an exam seat, there will be a fee to cover costs of the BC NAC OSCE exam administration.
Details of the OSCE examination are outlined on the NAC OSCE website.
An orientation session is held several days before the OSCE Exam, providing candidates with an opportunity to experience what the exam will entail, and participate in an open question and answer session. In the spirit of fairness to all applicants to the IMG-BC Program, no interviews are given prior to the OSCE Exam.
Phase IV: Clinical Assessment
The candidates placing in the top 35 of the NAC OSCE examination (including those participating in one of the 70 BC OSCE seats, and/or candidates who submit an NAC OSCE from another province) will be offered a place in the Clinical Assessment. Applicants will be offered assessment seats once OSCE results are reviewed by the IMG-BC program.
During this twelve-week clinical assessment, candidates’ clinical skills are evaluated and focuses on family practice, internal medicine, geriatrics, and emergency medicine. Prior to commencing the assessment, candidates will be given a one-week orientation to St. Paul’s Hospital, including clinical record keeping and computer technology, as well as an introduction to the Canadian medical system.
A narrative summary of the results of the candidate performance during the assessment rotations will be forwarded directly to CaRMS. This summary is not provided to the candidates.
The 12-week clinical assessment is not required to apply for all IMG residency positions at UBC through CaRMS. However, candidates need to understand that in all disciplines the Residency Program Director and the Residency Training Committee are responsible for the selection of candidates, and are looking for those that have demonstrated good clinical skills in the Canadian setting.
It is strongly recommended that all candidates check the selection criteria of programs they are considering applying for, as the selection processes are constantly under review.
Phase V: CaRMS
Applicants who have completed phase II of the IMG-BC Assessment Program application, and have passed the NAC OSCE will be eligible to apply for first iteration IMG residency positions in CaRMS.
