Canada’s New Provisional Medical License Explained (Starting 2026)

Canada’s medical licensing system is changing in a BIG way starting January 1, 2026. In this video, Dr. Rajeev Iyer explains Canada’s new Provisional Medical License, recently introduced in Ontario, and what this means for international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to work as doctors in Canada. If you are an IMG without Canadian residency training, this update is critical. Canada is officially renaming and separating restricted licenses due to training background from restricted licenses related to disciplinary issues, bringing much-needed transparency and fairness to the system. 🔍 In this video, you’ll learn: What the Provisional Medical License in Canada really means Who is eligible for provisional licensure in Ontario How this differs from restricted licenses Why this change is important for international medical graduates Whether a provisional license can lead to a full independent medical license The 5-year pathway to unrestricted licensure in Canada How IMGs can enter Canada through PRA, PER, Royal College, fellowship, or attending pathways This change places Canada more in line with global systems like the United States and creates a clear, legitimate pathway for IMGs to practice independently — without stigma. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is based on professional experience and publicly available information and is not legal advice. If you’re unsure which pathway is right for you — PRA, Royal College, fellowship, or direct attending roles — book a one-on-one consultation with our team: www.IMGSecrets.com YouTube: www.IMGSecrets.com/@IMGSecrets Facebook:   / drrajeeviyer   Instagram:   / imgsecretspro   X (previously Twitter): https://x.com/IMGSecrets LinkedIn:   / drrajeeviyer   Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @imgsecrets   #CanadaMedicalLicense #ProvisionalLicenseCanada #IMGCanada #InternationalMedicalGraduate #CanadaDoctorPathway #OntarioMedicalLicense #PRACanada #RoyalCollegeCanada #PERCanada #IMGSecrets #MedicalLicensingCanada #DoctorsInCanada #IMGJourney #HealthcareCareersCanada #MedicalJobsCanada DISCLAIMERS: Dr. Rajeev Iyer is a Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA. The views and opinions expressed here are Dr. Iyer's and does not represent the views and opinions of the University of Pennsylvania and should not be assumed so. All the views expressed in this video and other videos on the channel are personal opinions of the speakers and do not represent the views of the organizations either past or present they represent. All content in this video and description including information, opinions, content, references, and links are for informational purposes ONLY. The screenshots and screen recordings that are displayed in videos belong to the original copyright owners. The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for the services of a trained certified professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional advice. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen or read in this video. Big changes are coming to medical licensing in Canada starting in 2026, with Ontario introducing a new provisional medical license category. This video outlines the requirements for this new provisional medical license, including working as an IMG, completing home-country residency training, and working in one place for several years before obtaining unrestricted medical licensing. This is essential information for any international medical graduate or doctor looking to advance their medical career in Canada.0:00 Big Changes to Medical Licensure in Canada (Starting 2026) 0:39 Who I Am & Why This Matters for IMGs 1:00 Why “Restricted License” Was a Problem 1:26 Ontario’s New Solution Provisional Licensure 1:40 What Changes Starting January 1, 2026 2:01 Why This Is a Big Win for International Medical Graduates 2:11 Who Qualifies for Provisional Licensure in Ontario 2:45 Supervision & Royal College Certification Requirements 3:02 Provisional vs Restricted License Key Difference 3:18 Automatic Transition for Current IMG Licenses 3:45 Does Anything Actually Change for Doctors? 4:01 Is It Legal to Practice Without Royal College Certification? 4:21 Is Provisional Licensure a Pathway to Full License? 4:29 Eligibility for Independent Full License After 5 Years 5:06 Why This Is Great News for Current IMG Doctors 5:21 Retired Class of Registration Who This Applies To 5:50 How IMGs Can Enter Canada Through Provisional Licensure 6:00 Royal College Practice Eligible & Fellowship Pathways 6:15 Timeline to Full Licensure While Working as an Attending 6:37 Will Other Provinces Follow Ontario? 6:45 Watch Next All Pathways to Practicing in Canada 6:51 Final Thoughts & How to Reach Us