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International Medical Graduate (IMG) Programs

The University of Manitoba’s International Medical Graduate (IMG) program prepares you to join the many graduates who are living and practicing family medicine or specialty medicine in Manitoba. Be part of a vibrant community of medical doctors making a lasting difference in the lives of Manitobans.

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    Faculty

    • Max Rady College of Medicine
    • Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 3–12 months

  • icon pathway

    Program options

    • Practice Ready Assessment (Family/Specialty Practice)
    • Medical Licensure Program

Practice medicine in Manitoba 

The Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba offers competitive merit-based programs to assess and train international medical graduates to help them successfully integrate into the practice environment in Manitoba.

Orientation and mentorship

All IMG programs begin with a four week orientation in which you will learn about the Canadian medical system, a patient-centred approach and a team-based practice environment. Upon completion of your program, you will undertake a one-year mentorship with a mentor who has expertise in your areas of need and is able to share their wisdom in a nurturing way.

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Woman presenting to group in lecture hall

Program details

The International Medical Graduate (IMG) programs offer multiple streams to enable you to practice medicine in Manitoba. Two assessment programs and a training program are augmented by mandatory orientation and mentorship opportunities to help you better understand and adapt to the Canadian healthcare system.

The IMG programs are for:
  • IMGs who want to work in Manitoba
  • IMGs who have completed their postgraduate training with rotations that are acceptable to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM), the licensing body
  • IMGs who meet our eligibility requirements
The IMG programs are not for:
  • IMGs who have not done their residency with acceptable rotations
  • IMGs seeking a full residency
  • IMGs seeking to be trained or undergo assessment to work in other provinces

Overview of programs

Orientation: A four-week program to help integrate into the Canadian Healthcare System. It is compulsory for all IMGs accepted into a residency, training, or assessment program in Manitoba.

Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG): A one-year training program for eligible family medicine physicians who need or seek additional training.

Practice Ready Assessment—Family Practice (PRA MB-FP): A three-month assessment providing an accelerated route to licensure as a family physician in rural Manitoba for eligible practice-ready family medicine physicians.

Practice Ready Assessment—Specialty Practice (PRA MB-SP): A 3–12 month assessment program for eligible specialist physicians.

International Medical Graduate Mentorship and Clinical Enhancement (IMGMCE): Mandatory mentorship for physicians who have completed the PRA MB-FP, MLPIMG, or PRA MB-SP programs.

Family physician training (MLPIMG)

Expected duration: 1 year

The Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG) is designed to enhance the current skills of internationally educated family physicians. MLPIMG physicians will work in rural and underserviced areas of Manitoba for return of service and will work to obtain medical licensure as family physicians.

Following a PGY1 program structure, MLPIMG consists of 13 four-week postgraduate medical education rotations (PGME).

SpecialtyNumber of RotationsDuration per RotationTotal Duration
Emergency Medicine24 weeks (urban)
4 weeks (rural)		8 weeks
Family Medicine34 weeks each12 weeks
Gynecology14 weeks4 weeks
Internal Medicine24 weeks each8 weeks
Obstetrics14 weeks4 weeks
Pediatrics (outpatient)14 weeks4 weeks
Pediatrics (ward)14 weeks4 weeks
Psychiatry14 weeks4 weeks
Vacation14 weeks4 weeks
Total13 52 weeks

Upon completion of the program, candidates will:

  • Be assigned a practice supervisor for the duration of their provisional licensure.
  • Be eligible to apply for Provisional Registration – Family Practice Limited with CPSM.
  • Work for their sponsoring RHA employer for return of service.

For more information, please contact us by email.

Family physician assessment (PRA MB-FP)

Expected duration: 3 months

The Practice Ready Assessment—Family Practice (PRA MB-FP) is designed for family physicians seeking accelerated licensure in rural Manitoba. You will work as a family physician in rural, underserviced areas of Manitoba, fulfilling a return of service requirement.

This assessment program lasts for three months and may involve multiple preceptors. It consists of three components:

ComponentDuration
Acute care in ER setting4 weeks
Clinic 14 weeks
Clinic 24 weeks

Components are typically distinct four-week periods but may vary. You will be evaluated after each rotation. A poor evaluation in any component will result in immediate release from the program.

Once you successfully complete the assessment, you will begin practicing independently.

For more information, please contact us by email.

Specialist assessment (PRA MB-SP)

Expected duration

Minimum 3 months

What is the PRA MB-SP?

The Practice Ready Assessment Manitoba–Specialty Practice Program (PRA MB-SP) is for internationally trained medical specialists who can work independently without needing additional residency training. You must demonstrate that your skills meet the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) and match those of Canadian-trained specialists.

What happens after the assessment?

Once you successfully complete the assessment, you will start working independently in rural Manitoba.

How does the assessment work?

Coordination and location

The assessment is organized by the University of Manitoba IMG Program and takes place in specialty departments at the University of Manitoba's affiliated hospitals.

Pre-assessment evaluation

Before the main assessment, you will undergo a screening evaluation, which may include an interview, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), or a written test.

Assessment duration

The length of the assessment varies by specialty but is at least 3 months and usually not more than 6 months.

Reporting

Reports are created by supervisors, colleagues, nurses, and allied health professionals. These reports are submitted to the Head of the Department, who then sends a final report to the IMG Program. This final report evaluates whether your skills and knowledge are on par with a final-year resident in the specialty. The IMG Program sends the final recommendation to CPSM.

After successful completion

You must fulfill your return-of-service obligations according to your sponsorship agreement and complete a mandatory one-year Mentorship Program through the IMG Program.

  • Orientation

    Orientation is a four-week session offered each year in June that helps you integrate into the Canadian health care system. It is compulsory for IMGs accepted into a residency, training, or assessment program in Manitoba.

    Professionals in the health care system will present on a comprehensive range of topics, including:

    • The Canadian health care system
    • The role of the physician in the Canadian health care system
    • The patient-centered approach
    • The team-based practice environment
    • Patient-centered interviewing
    • Socio-cultural training and ethics

  • Mentorship and clinical enhancement program

    All IMG assessments and training programs conclude with a one-year mentorship. The program includes scheduled meetings with mentors, self-learning continuing medical education exercises, and continuing professional development activities.

    The objectives of the IMG Mentorship and Clinical Enhancement Program are to:

    • Provide you with the opportunity to develop a mentoring relationship that will promote successful integration into the practice environment.
    • Assist you in developing skills essential to effective lifelong learning.
    • Address professional competencies as outlined in the CanMEDS Physician Competency Framework.

Admission requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the International Medical Graduate program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Family physician training (MLPIMG)

Eligibility requirements

Residency status

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (landed immigrant).
  • Preference will be given to established residents of the Province of Manitoba.

Medical qualifications

  • You must have passed one of the following Medical Council of Canada Examinations: NAC OSCE or MCCQE2.

Experience requirements

  • You must have at least one year of independent practice experience as a physician in general practice, family medicine, or primary care. Note that postgraduate training (internship/residency) does not count towards this requirement.

Currency in practice

  • You must show evidence of current practice. If you have been out of independent practice as a General/Family Practitioner for more than five years, you need to have a minimum of 12 consecutive months of independent clinical practice.

International medical graduates (IMGs)

  • IMG physicians must meet the requirements for Provisional Registration - Family Practice Limited as outlined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM). Please review the Provisional Registration - Family Practice Limited carefully.

Family physician assessment (PRA MB-FP)

Eligibility requirements

Residency status

  • Preference will be given to established residents of the Province of Manitoba.

Medical examinations

  • You must pass one of the following Medical Council of Canada Examinations: NAC OSCE or MCCQE2.

Currency in practice

  • You must provide evidence of currency in practice.
  • You must have a minimum of three years of independent clinical practice as a general/family practitioner.
  • This practice must have occurred within the five years immediately preceding April 15, 2021.
  • Applicants without general or family practice training and/or experience will not be considered.

International medical graduates (IMGs)

IMG physicians must meet the requirements for Provisional Registration - Family Practice Limited as outlined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM). Please review the Provisional Registration - Family Practice Limited requirements carefully.

Specialist assessment (PRA MB-SP)

Registration requirements

  • Candidates must meet the requirements for registration as a provisional (specialty practice-limited) member with the CPSM before proceeding to the screening steps of the PRA-Specialty Practice.

Program enrollment

  • Enrollment in the program requires an approved sponsor and a job offer in a specialty deemed to be in high need in the province of Manitoba.

How to apply

Family physician training (MLPIMG)

Application Deadline: The application period for the 2025 MLPIMG program is closed. Applications for the 2026 MLPIMG program will become available Summer 2025.

Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee admission to the MLPIMG program. Incomplete applications or those not meeting the mandatory requirements will not be reviewed.

Family physician assessment (PRA MB-FP)

Application deadline: Not currently accepting applications

An application package will be made available here closer to the application deadline.

Submitting an application does not guarantee admission to the PRA MB-FP. Incomplete applications or those that do not meet mandatory requirements will not be reviewed.

Specialist assessment (PRA MB-SP)

You cannot apply directly to the PRA MB-SP program. Instead, a screening panel selects candidates, including members of the IMG program. Here’s how the process works:

Step-by-step process

  1. Application by candidates
  2. Assessment arrangement
    • Once the screening panel identifies a suitable candidate, the University of Manitoba IMG Program office arranges the PRA-Specialty Practice assessment.
  3. Shortlisting by Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network
    • The Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network provides a shortlist of applicants to a screening panel. This panel includes representatives from:
      • IMG Program
      • Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network
      • Manitoba Privileges Advisory Committee (MPAC) (when applicable)
      • Specialty Department
      • Sponsoring RHA
  4. Submission of specialist position vacancies

How to begin the application process

  1. Apply for positions
  2. Apply to CPSM
  3. Register with Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network
    • Register with the Health Careers Manitoba website and provide an electronic copy of your CV and Canadian residency/immigration status. Preference is given to Manitoba residents and those with Canadian Permanent Resident status.

Learn more

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Contact us

International Medical Graduate Programs 
P219-770 Bannatyne Ave.
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB  R3E 0W2

imgprgrm@umanitoba.ca
204-975-7757