International Medical School Graduates Overview

International Medical Graduates (Sponsored)

At the University of Calgary, International Clinical Fellows refer to medical doctors who have successfully completed their medical school and residency outside Canada and the United States.  Fellowship provides short terms mentored, advanced training for the purpose of enhancing the skills of medical doctors beyond the requirements of residency certification.

To be eligible for a sponsored Clinical Fellowship, applicants must: 

  • Have been awarded a medical degree.
  • Have been selected by a Fellowship program.
  • Have successfully completed a Residency Training Program.
  • Be pursuing specialized training beyond the requirements of residency certification.
  • Meet all College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) requirements, including English language proficiency.
  • PGME has a current Educational Contract in place with their sponsoring agent.

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If you are pursuing a fellowship position with the University of Calgary and there is a current Educational Agreement in place the process is as follows:

Application Process for trainees with an Educational Contract in place:

The following information would be sent to PGME from the sponsoring agent:

  • Letter from the Sponsoring agent confirming sponsorship including name, fellowship program, length of sponsorship.
  • Letter from the candidate specifying the Fellowship Training program and the reasons for pursuing the fellowship training.
  • A complete CV that details previous training.
  • A copy of academic records/transcripts (English translation only).
  • Copy of awards and certificates of participation in the specialty area of interest (English translation only).
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from previous supervisors.  Do not send more than three (3) letters.
  • A copy of the candidate’s MCC results (optional).
  • A copy of valid official test results showing evidence that the English Language Proficiency requirements have been met in accordance to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) policy.

Do not sent passport documents, photographs, title pages, translator declarations, publications or other documents that are not listed above.

After receiving the above mentioned documents, and PGME confirms that you would be eligible for a fellowship position, your application package is sent to the applicable fellowship program and the fellowship program will advise if they are interested in pursuing your application. 

If you are accepted to the Fellowship program, you will be required to:

Verify your identity and credentials through the Physician Credential Registry of Canada (PCRC). The process can take some time to complete and should be done immediately once the fellowship has been confirmed from the fellowship program.  Failure to verify identity and credentials could result in cancelling or delaying your Clinical Fellowship.

Apply for work permit for the duration of your training immediately following receipt of your Letter of Offer.  PGME will send you the Labour Market Impact Assessment Exemption application number and receipt from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  This information will be required to complete your work permit application.  Ensure that you complete all steps to obtain your permit i.e. Medical Exam.  You will not be allowed to start your fellowship without a valid work permit. 

Note:   Starting July 31, 2018, you may need to give your fingerprints and photos (biometrics) when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence if you are from Europe, the Middle East or Africa.

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Application Process for trainees Without an Educational Contract in place:

An educational contract with PGME will only be considered from a suitable funding agency.  A suitable funding agent is defined as a hospital, government or university.  If your organization is interested in setting up a sponsorship, the application process needs to be transparent – a funding agent can sponsor a position, not an individual.

The trainee would contact the fellowship program to determine if they are accepting fellows. If they are interested in pursuing the fellowship application, please send the following to the program:

  • A Letter specifying the Fellowship Training program and the reasons for pursuing the fellowship training.
  • A complete CV that details previous training.
  • A copy of academic records/transcripts (English translation only).
  • Copy of awards and certificates of participation in the specialty area of interest (English translation only).
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from previous supervisors.  Do not send more than three (3) letters.
  • A copy of the candidate’s MCC results (optional).
  • A copy of valid official test results showing evidence that the English Language Proficiency requirements have been met in accordance to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) policy.

Once the program accepts your application pending sponsorship, you would contact the PGME Office with the sponsoring contact information.  PGME will contact your sponsor and send them an Education Agreement.  Once signed, it is returned to PGME where all applicable internal signatures are obtained.  Official acceptance into the fellowship program will not be confirmed until all signatures are received and contract is in place.

Please note:  To set up a contract can take up to 6 months.  This should be done 18 months prior to the start date of your fellowship.

  • Fellowship Training Framework International Sponsor - More to come

  • Current Educational Contracts - Click here