Addressing the Barriers Faced by International Medical Graduates

Funded by the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, this report examines the collected data to bring awareness to sectoral discrimination in Canadian Healthcare

This report delves into the systemic barriers faced by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Canada. Despite their qualifications, IMGs encounter significant hurdles in accessing residency training and licensure, due to discriminatory policies which are not transparent and perpetuated by a lack of disaggregated, standardized data. This comprehensive analysis highlights the inequalities between IMGs and Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs), revealing how factors such as race, age, and country of origin impact licensure outcomes. With detailed recommendations to foster Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), this report is an important resource for understanding and transforming the medical licensure landscape in Canada.

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Key Findings

These key findings are essential for driving meaningful change and ensuring a fair pathway for all aspiring medical professionals.

  1. Disparities in Residency Opportunities: Even after proving themselves qualified to work as resident physicians, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) face significant restrictions including being limited to an IMG quota of only 10% of residency positions, restricting the medical disciplines in which they can be licensed, and excluding most from becoming licensed. This stark contrast highlights systemic barriers that impact their career prospects.
  2. Unfair Qualification Standards: IMGs are subjected to more rigorous qualification standards, needing to pass additional exams that CMGs are exempt from. This discrepancy raises questions about fairness and transparency in the licensure process, which might be designed to exclude rather than include.
  3. Discrimination and Devaluation: The survey reveals that IMGs often experience direct discrimination, with their qualifications frequently dismissed as inferior to Canadian standards. This perception not only devalues their international experience but also affects their professional integration and morale.
  4. Financial and Professional Consequences: Many IMGs face financial hardships and underemployment, often resorting to non-medical roles due to the restrictive licensure system. These outcomes prompt some to regret their decision to move to Canada, while others consider leaving the country.
  5. Call for Systemic Reform: The report advocates for harmonized requirements, increased transparency, and supportive programs to bridge the gap between IMGs and CMGs. These recommendations aim to foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and leverages the global medical expertise of IMGs.

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