Yukon simplifies path to practice for internationally trained family doctors

The Yukon has eased licensing requirements for internationally trained family physicians from Australia, Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. 

Eligible physicians can become authorized to practice in Yukon under the new “Limited A” licensing pathway, without needing to complete an extra practice assessment and supervised practice period. 

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To qualify, physicians must have an opportunity to practice in Yukon and must meet Yukon Medical Council requirements. 

Prior to the introduction of the Limited A licensing pathway, practice assessments and clinical supervision were required for all physicians under the applicable class of medical registration (Limited Family Practice Register). 

The initiative was announced in a July 22 news release from the Yukon government, following the issuance of a General Declaration of Need by Minister of Health and Social Services Brad Cathers in response to a shortage of family physicians in the territory. 

According to the press release, foreign jurisdictions were selected for having similar medical standards to Canada’s.   

The territory has left open the possibility of expanding the initiative in the future, to additional countries approved by the College of Family Physicians in Canada. 

This new pathway is “part of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing work to strengthen primary care, support physician recruitment and improve access to health care services for Yukoners,” according to the news release.  

The declaration, issued under the Medical Profession Act and related regulation, acts on findings from a report commissioned by the Yukon Medical Council.  

The Government of Yukon has not released additional details on the "Limited A" licensing pathway as of the time of this writing.  

In a July 23 news release, the Yukon government pointed to gains from its recruitment efforts, citing nine doctors who have relocated to the territory since November 2025, and three additional doctors expected by the end of September 2026.  

Canada-wide push to remove barriers to practice 

British Columbia introduced a pathway in July 2025 allowing U.S.-trained doctors holding specific certifications to become fully licensed in B.C. without further assessments, exams, or training. 

Also in 2025, Manitoba eliminated provisional registration requirements for American Board-certified physicians, and later dropped other licensing barriers for internationally educated physicians more broadly, including the requirement to hold a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada. 

The federal government has committed to working with the provinces to remove barriers to licensing for internationally trained medical professionals, according to November 2025 Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) briefing notes.  

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