If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) doctor, let me share why obtaining a Canadian permanent residency (PR) from your home country might not be the best approach. Believe it or not, there are valid reasons to consider before taking this step, and I’m here to explore them with you.
Drawing from my personal experience, I once resided in Canada and held a Canadian permanent residency. However, I discovered some crucial aspects that may alter your perspective on this matter. Let’s delve into these factors together.
Having lived in Canada with a Canadian permanent residency, I must admit that this beautiful country offers diverse pathways for acquiring PR. Many IMGs I’ve come across secure their permanent residency from their home country, often through family-based immigration. Canada’s generosity in providing these opportunities is commendable, and it’s worth pondering upon.
Imagine the excitement when you apply for Canadian permanent residency from your home country. Picture this: you have a fulfilling job or run a successful business as an IMG, and one day, a letter arrives from Canada, beaming with good news – congratulations, you’ve been granted permanent residency, and you’re invited to relocate to Canada as a proud permanent resident. This moment would undoubtedly evoke a mix of emotions and prospects for a better future.
When You Move as a PR...
Let me paint a vivid picture for you: you’ve taken the leap, quit your job, or closed your business, and with anticipation, you’ve packed your bags and embarked on the journey to Canada. The excitement is palpable as you land in this new and promising land. But now, reality sets in – you don’t have a job, you don’t have a business. Where do you go from here?
This situation has been a major challenge faced by many IMGs. They find themselves in Canada without a job, and the struggle to secure suitable employment becomes daunting. Despite being skilled workers, they often end up taking non-skilled jobs just to meet their basic needs like housing, groceries, and sustenance. The financial burden of taking exams like the Medical Council of Canada exam adds to the pressure.
Now, here’s the thought-provoking question: as an IMG who came to Canada as a skilled worker, shouldn’t you be able to continue working in your area of expertise? After all, that’s the very expectation that brought you to this country. So, while there’s no judgment on any job being better or worse, the ultimate aspiration is to utilize your skills and qualifications, contributing your expertise to the Canadian workforce. Isn’t that the core reason for your move to Canada, to pursue a fulfilling career as a skilled professional?
When You Move on a Work Visa...
Here’s a game-changing strategy that ensures a smoother path to Canadian Permanent Residency for IMGs. Instead of applying for PR from your home country, consider the following approach:
Step 1: Move to Canada as a skilled worker. As an IMG, one effective way is to come to Canada as a fellow if you’re already a specialist. This opens up a world of opportunities.
Step 2: The advantage of starting as a fellow is that it provides you with valuable Canadian experience. This experience becomes the key to unlocking an outstanding option – the pathway to PR in just six months under the Canadian Experience Class. This Express Processing is designed to facilitate the entry of skilled workers into Canada.
Step 3: I speak from experience when I say that going through the Canadian Experience Class is remarkably straightforward. All you have to do is apply, and your chances of obtaining PR are significantly enhanced.
Imagine the possibilities: you move to Canada as a skilled worker, you secure a job in your area of expertise, and on top of that, you receive the coveted Permanent Residency status. These are the secrets that many aren’t aware of, but they can make all the difference in your journey toward a successful and fulfilling career in Canada. So, seize the opportunity and make your dream of becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident a reality.
Let me share some invaluable insights straight from the official Government of Canada website –canada.ca – regarding the Express Entry immigration system. This platform speaks volumes about why choosing Canada as your destination is an exceptional decision.
Canada, undoubtedly a stunning country, boasts a thriving job market and a plethora of opportunities awaiting skilled immigrants like yourself. The lure of a high quality of life is undeniable here, and it extends not only to you but also to your cherished family members.
So, why not embrace the path that leads to a high-quality life as they confidently assert on the website? Trust me, having experienced this beautiful country firsthand, the possibilities that Canada offers are truly remarkable. However it is extremely competitive and you can book an appointment to get guidance how to succeed with this competition. So, don’t hesitate to follow their guidance and embark on a journey towards a prosperous and fulfilling life in Canada. The possibilities are endless, and a brighter future awaits you and your loved ones.
Have IMGs Who Have PR Matched Successfully?
Absolutely, let’s delve into this concept further. Firstly, it’s crucial to emphasize that being a PR is indeed a mandatory requirement for matching into a Residency program in Canada as an IMG.
Surprisingly, there are cases where IMGs who moved to Canada as PRs didn’t secure a Residency program placement, despite possessing specializations and ample experience. Instead, some found themselves working in research-oriented roles, which are commendable jobs, but they don’t provide the pathway to becoming an established IMG doctor in Canada. To achieve that goal, IMGs must pursue traditional residency programs or explore the provincial-based or Royal College options.
On the other hand, moving to Canada as a skilled worker on a Work Visa holds significant advantages. The Government of Canada itself assures a high quality of life for skilled immigrants, which aligns with their promising opportunities and a thriving job market. So, why not take advantage of this proposition and relish the rewarding life that awaits?
In essence, the concept is clear and compelling – becoming a PR is essential for pursuing a medical career in Canada, and doing so as a skilled worker with a Work Visa aligns perfectly with the government’s pledge of a high-quality life. So, choosing this pathway is not only logical but also highly promising for IMGs seeking success and fulfillment in their medical profession.
Dr. Rajeev Iyer MBBS, MD, FASA
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
University of Pennsylvania, USA
The opinions expressed in this article are author’s own and does not represent the opinion of The University of Pennsylvania or any other organization.
