Starting July 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has streamlined the work permit process for foreign physicians working in Quebec’s underserved regions under the International Mobility Program, exemption code C10.
Previously, foreign doctors needed two separate work permits: one for a 13-week adaptation or assessment period and another for the subsequent practice period. Now, both stages are covered under a single employer-specific work permit, valid for up to 5 years.
Key Change
- One C10 work permit now covers both the 13-week adaptation period and the practice period.
- Applies to applications received on or after July 31, 2025.
- Applications before this date follow the old two-permit process.
Purpose of the Adaptation/Assessment Period
- Evaluate the physician’s adaptability, professional integration, and readiness to practise in their specialty.
- Conducted in an accredited university clinical setting or other CMQ-designated clinical setting.
- Lasts 13 consecutive weeks, including one week of observation.
Eligibility Criteria for C10 Work Permit
The applicant must:
- Have a valid immigration medical exam.
- Include three letters in the application:
- Confirmation from CMQ of admission to the adaptation/assessment period.
- Promise to hire from Santé Québec for a restrictive permit.
- Financial assistance agreement signed by the applicant, host institution, and Santé Québec.
- Employer must submit an Offer of Employment covering both the adaptation period and the restrictive permit practice period.
- If adaptation takes place in a separate CMQ-designated facility, both job locations must be listed in the Offer of Employment.
In rare cases, CMQ may waive the adaptation requirement based on prior Quebec work experience or exceptional qualifications.
Application Submission
- Must meet eligibility requirements at the time of submission.
- Applications should be online unless exempt.
- Port of entry submissions allowed if meeting specific criteria.
- Online submissions benefit from faster processing under the Global Skills Strategy.
Officer’s Assessment
Processing officers verify:
- Compliance with employer-specific permit requirements.
- Details in the Offer of Employment, including duties, multiple work locations, and adaptation period information.
Work Permit Conditions if Approved
- Case type: 52
- Exemption code: C10
- Province: Quebec
- Employer: Healthcare institution listed in the offer.
- Duration: Maximum 5 years, including the adaptation period.
- Fees: $155 processing fee + $85 biometrics (if applicable).
Refusal Grounds
- Officers must provide clear reasoning linked to evidence if refusing.
- A simple statement that R205(a) is not met is insufficient without detailed explanation.
Impact for Foreign Physicians
This change removes the administrative burden of applying twice and allows doctors to start practising sooner after the adaptation period. It also ensures more consistent staffing in Quebec’s underserved areas, improving healthcare delivery.
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