Operational bulletin 694 – April 2, 2026

OB 694 – Processing Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101) under Significant Benefit (R205(a) – C10)

Summary

This Operational Bulletin (OB) provides guidance to officers on the processing of C10 work permits under paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) for surgical specialists (National Occupational Classification [NOC] 31101). Officers must consider whether the applicant is eligible for provincial licensure through an alternative pathway that recognizes training and certification from approved jurisdictions. This approach reflects provincial regulatory practices and recognizes the significant social and economic benefit of addressing physician shortages in Canada.

Background

Under NOC 31101, specialists in surgery are generally expected to hold certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) as part of the requirements for provincial licensure. However, several provinces have implemented alternative licensure pathways that allow specialists who have completed medical education and training in approved jurisdictions to obtain licensure without RCPSC certification, where their credentials are assessed as substantially equivalent to Canadian standards.

These pathways have been introduced in response to ongoing physician shortages and are intended to facilitate the timely entry of qualified specialists into provincial health systems. In light of these provincial approaches, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has determined that, in examining the requirements set out in R200(3)(a) for the purpose of issuing C10 work permits, officers should consider whether the applicant can demonstrate eligibility for licensure through a recognized provincial pathway. The submission of approved international credentials in these cases may be used to demonstrate that applicants are able to perform the work sought and thus meet the requirements of R200(3)(a).

Licensure requirements vary by province. Officers must therefore review the applicable licensure framework and public guidance issued by the relevant provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Information may be found at the following link: Medical regulatory authorities.

Processing instructions

For the purpose of this OB, the term “officer” refers to employees of both IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Effective immediately, officers assessing C10 work permit applications for Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101) are instructed to consider whether the applicant

(1) holds certification from the RCPSC; or

(2) has completed medical education and training in a jurisdiction approved under an applicable provincial licensure pathway.

Jurisdiction information is available on the province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons public information website, which may be assessed at the following link: Medical regulatory authorities.

Officers should be satisfied that the applicant

• has completed medical education and specialty training in a jurisdiction recognized by the relevant provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons;
• is eligible for licensure through an alternative provincial pathway that does not require RCPSC certification;
• has provided sufficient documentation to demonstrate that their education and training have been assessed by the province as substantially equivalent to Canadian standards; and
• otherwise meets all applicable requirements under R205(a), including that the employment will result in significant social or economic benefit to Canada.

As of the effective date of this OB, officers must continue to assess all remaining employment requirements and conditions under NOC31101 - Specialists in Surgery, as well as all other applicable admissibility and program integrity requirements.