
British Columbia’s health-care system is seeing early success from its latest international recruitment push — with nearly 780 job applications from U.S.-based professionals in just two months. The province says that Interior Health has received 181 of those applications.
The influx comes as the province rolls out targeted campaigns and licensing reforms aimed at bringing more internationally trained doctors and health workers into B.C. to address ongoing staffing shortages across the health-care system.
Since March 2025, more than 2,250 health professionals — including 827 physicians, 851 nurses, 254 nurse practitioners, and 256 allied health workers — have taken part in webinars and expressed interest in relocating to British Columbia.
The province launched a U.S. recruitment campaign in early June focused on Washington, Oregon, and select California cities. According to the Ministry of Health, the initial response has exceeded expectations. “When we began recruiting in the U.S. in March, we were confident it would yield strong results,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This success confirms that British Columbia’s universal health-care system and vibrant communities continue to stand out.”
New Licensing Rules for International Doctors
To accelerate the process, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (CPSBC) introduced bylaw changes on July 7, 2025, making it significantly easier for foreign-trained doctors — especially those certified in the U.S. — to practise in B.C.
Under the new rules:
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U.S.-trained doctors certified by recognized boards (such as the American Board of Medical Specialties) can now be fully licensed in B.C. without additional assessment, exams, or training — and in some cases, within just a few weeks.
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Doctors trained outside of Canada and the U.S. are no longer required to hold the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada — a move that saves applicants approximately $1,500 and shortens the licensing process by several weeks.
The regulatory changes already appear to be having an impact. CPSBC has received 29 new registration applications from U.S.-based doctors in the first week alone. “We’re now making it easier than ever for internationally trained doctors to bring their skills to our province,” said Osborne. “Removing unnecessary barriers and speeding up licensing is key to growing our health-care workforce and expanding access to care.”
More Reforms Under Consideration
Additional bylaw amendments are now under public consultation. If approved, they would streamline licensing for qualified doctors from jurisdictions such as Australia, the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and more.
These changes would offer a direct path to full licensure for doctors with at least two years of accredited postgraduate training in family medicine, or for specialists certified in jurisdictions recognized by Canada’s national colleges. “Our goal is to welcome more physicians with high-quality training, no matter where they come from,” Osborne added. “British Columbians deserve access to timely care — and that means making smart, practical changes to our systems.”
Doctors Making the Move
Several physicians have already committed to relocating under the new rules.
Dr. Avi Kopstick, a Canadian working in Texas, is preparing to join Kelowna General Hospital in mid-August. He says he was drawn to B.C. by its values-based health-care system.
Dr. Kyle McIver, now practising in Terrace, returned from the U.S. with his family after studying in Ireland and completing residency in B.C. He says he’s thrilled to be back and looks forward to supporting other international physicians making the move.
Dr. Adam Hoverman, who relocated from the U.S. East Coast to Nanaimo, called B.C.’s approach “deeply inspiring,” and praised its focus on collaborative, patient-centered care.
Nurse Dismus Irungu, now working at Vancouver’s Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, said the move from Los Angeles has been both professionally rewarding and financially smart.
Province-Wide Impact
The applications received so far span all of B.C.’s health regions:
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Interior Health: 181 applications
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Fraser Health: 154
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Vancouver Coastal Health: 121
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Island Health: 112
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Providence Health Care: 70
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Provincial Health Services Authority: 66
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Northern Health: 63
(Some candidates applied to more than one authority.)
The province is working in collaboration with health authorities, regulatory bodies, and professional colleges in what it calls a “Team B.C.” approach to recruitment.
B.C. joins a growing number of provinces — including Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — that have moved to recognize international credentials and remove administrative roadblocks.
Looking Ahead
With thousands of interested professionals and new pathways in place, the Ministry of Health says recruitment efforts will continue, along with investments in retention, community support, and workforce planning. “We know people are the heart of our health-care system,” said Osborne. “By attracting qualified health-care workers from across the globe, we’re building a stronger system for everyone in B.C.”