Join Island Health for a career and community you’ll love. We’ll guide you every step of the way for a successful, fulfilling experience!
- Practicing medicine in B.C.’s publicly funded health-care system
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B.C. operates under the Canada Health Act, which is federal legislation that ensures all eligible residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without paying out-of-pocket. The Act prohibits extra billing and private charges for insured services, supporting an equitable, publicly funded health-care system where care is based on need rather than ability to pay.
Most physicians practice within the publicly funded system, with limited private opportunities in non-insured care, such as cosmetic procedures or executive health.
To practice in B.C., physicians must be registered and licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Thanks to streamlined pathways supported by the province, the process is now easier than ever, especially for U.S.-trained physicians.
The B.C. Physician Integration Program (BC-PIP) offers provisional registration for international medical graduates, along with a structured orientation to the provincial health-care system.
- What to expect in British Columbia
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British Columbia’s publicly funded health system emphasizes equity, collaboration and patient-centred care. Physicians here often experience a shift in pace, culture and expectations compared to systems in the U.S. or elsewhere.
- Clinical and professional autonomy
Most physicians are self-employed, billing the provincial health plan directly. This model offers greater flexibility in scheduling, clinical decisions and workload, while encouraging collaboration through Medical Staff Associations. You remain in control of patient care while working within system-wide guidelines such as evidence-based formularies and referral processes.
Legal protection is provided through the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), and the medical-legal climate is less adversarial. Physicians report lower administrative burdens, fewer performance metrics and less pressure from litigation or insurance-based evaluations.
- Variety of compensation and practice models
A variety of compensation models are available, including fee-for-service, salaried positions, blended models and Alternative Payment Plans (APPs). Many hospital-based or APP roles include overhead support and billing assistance. The simplicity of Canada’s public funding structure means fewer complications with collections or approvals.
Private billing is not permitted for insured services under the Canada Health Act, however, limited opportunities may exist in areas like cosmetic medicine or executive health.
- Diverse patients and population needs
Physicians serve diverse, multicultural populations with growing needs in areas such as chronic disease and mental health. Publicly funded access reduces financial barriers, creating stronger continuity of care. Physicians are empowered to focus on clinical quality, professionalism and team-based outcomes.
- Guidance through your journey
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We will guide you through the licensure process and help you navigate the immigration journey. For some roles, sponsored site visits, relocation assistance and recruitment incentives may be available.
We partner with the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to nominate eligible physicians. Once nominated, you will receive a work permit support letter and can apply for both a work permit and permanent residency.
- Helpful links
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FAQ
- What is the Provincial Nominee Process?
- The Provincial Nominee Process (PNP) is the pathway in which our health authority supports immigration and work permits. It’s one of the fastest pathways for a physician to get immigration, a work permit and leads to permanent residency.
- How long does the Provincial Nominee Process take?
- The process takes approximately six to eight months, but sometimes can take up to a year. It depends on how quickly the physician submits their documents.
- What do I need to do for a work permit?
- Island Health’s dedicated Medical Staff Recruitment Team works collaboratively with Health Match BC (HMBC) who will support you in getting assessed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). HMBC is sponsored by the provincial government to support physicians that wish to relocate to BC.
- If you are eligible for licensure, you can then apply to a full-time position with Island Health. If successful, we will move forward together on the next steps to assist with obtaining a work permit.
- What is it like finding a home?
- Navigating the housing market on Vancouver Island can be complex. We advise you to work with a real estate agent to get an insider’s view on the communities and neighborhoods. For rental homes in the area, visit Facebook Marketplace, Facebook rental groups or Craiglist to see up-to-date available homes for you and your family. Local realtors might also be able to assist in finding a rental in town.
- What can I expect during the first four months on Vancouver Island?
- Adjusting to Vancouver Island feels like a peaceful immersion into nature, with a slower, community-oriented pace of life. Some miss the plentiful of events, variety of restaurants in certain communities and expanded public transportation options, but enjoy the abundance of outdoor recreation activities. The winter rain weather is also an adjustment for newcomers. The rainy winter months can take some getting used to, but they also invite cozy indoor gatherings—or inspire adventures on covered trails with friends, armed with good rain gear.
- What resources are available for understanding taxes after moving to BC?
- Please visit this website: Additional property transfer tax for foreign entities and taxable trustees - Province of British Columbia.
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