NOC 31102TEER 1📍 Quebec

General practitioners and family physicians in Quebec

Complete immigration guide for General practitioners and family physicians to Quebec, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code

31102

TEER Level

TEER 1

University Degree

Median Wage

$95/hr

~$197,600/yr

Min CLB

CLB 7

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📖 Expert Overview

Immigrating to Quebec as a General Practitioner or Family Physician (NOC 31102) offers a promising pathway due to high demand in the healthcare sector. Unlike other provinces, Quebec manages its own immigration system, primarily through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Success hinges on two critical factors: French language proficiency and credential recognition. Aspiring physicians must navigate the rigorous licensing process with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), which mandates advanced French skills. The QSWP uses a points-based system via the Arrima portal, where healthcare professionals are frequently prioritized in draws. While federal programs exist, the direct route to Quebec requires a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) before applying for federal permanent residence. This path is challenging but rewarding, leading to a stable and well-compensated career in a unique cultural setting. Proactive preparation for licensing and language exams is essential for a successful application.

📊 Job Market in Quebec

Demand

High

Salary Range

$160,000 - $320,000/year

Top Cities

Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau

Quebec's aging population and a shortage of physicians, particularly in regions outside major urban centers, ensure a strong and stable outlook for the foreseeable future.

✅ Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯

FSW

Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry

🇨🇦

CEC

Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry

🏛️

PNP

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

🎯 Category-Based Express Entry Draws

General practitioners and family physicians qualifies for the following category-based draws, which typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.

🏥Healthcare

💼 Related Job Titles

Family doctorGPWalk-in clinic physician

📚 Education & Language Requirements

Education Required

University degree (bachelor's or higher)

Minimum Language

CLB 7 — IELTS ~6.0+

📍 About Quebec

Capital

Quebec City

Province Code

PNP Program

QSWP

Top Industries

AerospaceAI & TechnologyHealthcareCulture

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

Medical Credential Recognition

Begin by having your medical degree and training assessed. You must create an account with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) for source verification and pass the MCCQE Part I exam. This is a mandatory prerequisite before approaching the Quebec licensing body.

Quebec Licensing & Language

Apply to the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). This step requires passing a French language proficiency exam administered by the OQLF, as French is mandatory for practice. The CMQ will evaluate your entire file to determine your eligibility for a license or a supervised practice period.

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create a profile in Quebec's Arrima portal. You will provide information about your age, education, work experience, and language skills to receive a score. As a physician, you fall into a high-demand occupation, increasing your chances of being invited to apply.

Apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Arrima, you must submit a complete application to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). If successful, you and your family will be issued a CSQ, which is Quebec's official approval.

Federal Permanent Residence Application

With your CSQ in hand, you can apply for permanent residence to the federal government (IRCC). This final stage involves health checks, criminal background screenings, and final verification before your permanent resident status is granted, allowing you to move to Quebec permanently.

🏛️ Quebec PNP Tips

For Quebec's Skilled Worker Program, your strategy must be laser-focused on language and licensing. Maximize your Arrima score by achieving an advanced C1 level in French; this provides significantly more points than the minimum B2. Begin the credential recognition process with the CMQ immediately, as having progress to show can be beneficial. Furthermore, actively seek a validated job offer from a regional health authority (CISSS/CIUSSS) outside of Montreal. An offer in a high-demand region not only adds substantial points to your EOI but also demonstrates a clear commitment to integrating into Quebec's healthcare system.

📋 Licensing & Certification

Yes, licensing is mandatory and rigorously regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). The process for an International Medical Graduate (IMG) is multi-faceted. It requires having your medical degree source-verified by the Medical Council of Canada (MCC), passing the MCCQE Part I exam, and demonstrating advanced French proficiency certified by the OQLF. Following this, the CMQ assesses your file and typically requires a period of supervised practice or a residency assessment (stage d'évaluation) under a restrictive permit before granting a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the province.

💡 Practical Tips

✓Start the credential recognition process with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) at least 18-24 months before you plan to immigrate.
✓Achieve an advanced level of French proficiency (TEF/TCF score equivalent to CLB 7/NCLC 7 or higher) as it is mandatory for licensing and crucial for maximizing points in Arrima.
✓Research regional healthcare needs; being open to practicing in areas like Abitibi-Témiscamingue or Gaspésie can lead to specific recruitment programs and a faster pathway.
✓Network with Quebec's regional health authorities (CISSS/CIUSSS) and recruitment agencies like Recrutement Santé Québec to explore job opportunities and validated offers.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is passing the MCCQE Part II exam necessary for licensing in Quebec?

As of 2021, the MCCQE Part II has been discontinued. The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and other provincial bodies now use alternative methods to assess clinical skills, such as supervised practice periods or practice-ready assessments. Focus on the MCCQE Part I and the CMQ's specific requirements for international medical graduates (IMGs).

What is a 'permis restrictif' and how does it work for IMGs in Quebec?

A 'permis restrictif' is a restrictive license that allows an IMG to practice in a specific location and role, typically in an underserved area, for a set period. It is a common pathway to full licensure. After fulfilling the terms of the restrictive permit, which often includes a period of supervised practice, a physician can apply for a regular permit to practice anywhere in Quebec.

Can I use my Express Entry profile to immigrate to Quebec as a physician?

No. Quebec operates its own distinct immigration system and does not use the federal Express Entry system for its skilled worker programs. You must create a profile in the Arrima portal and apply through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) to be selected by the province.

How does Quebec assess work experience gained during medical residency?

Quebec generally considers paid medical residency as skilled work experience for immigration purposes under the QSWP. You must provide clear documentation, including contracts and pay stubs, to prove the residency was paid employment. This experience can be crucial for meeting eligibility criteria and gaining points in the Arrima system.

Are there specific recruitment programs for physicians in Quebec?

Yes, Recrutement Santé Québec (RSQ) is a government service that helps recruit international healthcare professionals. Engaging with RSQ can help you find positions, particularly in regions with critical shortages. Securing a position through such a program can lead to a validated job offer, significantly boosting your immigration application.