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Electives for International Citizens Training outside of Canada
Application and Approval Process
International electives must be arranged at least 6 months in advance. To be eligible, you must: 1) be currently enrolled in a residency or fellowship program 2) have completed at least one year of training prior to the proposed elective start date. To ensure your elective is processed and approved, follow the steps below in order.
Contact your desired training program directly to:
- Request your elective
- Provide your proposed start and end dates
Once the program approves your elective and confirms the dates, email the following to Kate O'Donnell:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of your medical degree
- Program approval confirmation (email or forwarded message)
- Proof of citizenship (passport photo page)
- Letter of support from your home Program Director, including:
- Confirmation that you are currently enrolled as a resident or fellow
- Name of your current program
- Residency or fellowship start date and expected end date
- Approval of your elective and include the proposed dates
- Language of patient care
- MCCEE results (if available, not required)
Once your documents are reviewed:
- PGME will issue your Letter of Appointment, the official document confirming your elective appointment.
- Sign and return it to PGME.
- PGME will forward it to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- Apply for your CPSO license at least 4 months before your start date
- Processing takes 4–6 months
- You cannot begin your elective without this license
- You will receive the required supporting documentation and application instructions from PGME after returning your signed Letter of Appointment
- Do not apply until you receive your official supporting documentation from PGME
- Submit a copy of your work permit to PGME on arrival in Canada
You will receive a hospital application package from Medical Affairs via email. This includes:
- Training modules
- Hospital position letter to sign and return
- Health review form & required documentation
Your elective cannot begin until all Medical Affairs requirements are complete.
Once all steps are complete:
- PGME will email you, your Program Director, and Medical Affairs that your elective is approved and processed.
- Medical Affairs will email to confirm:
- All requirements are met
- Hospital privileges are active
Wait for clearance from PGME & Medical Affairs before undertaking any clinical activity