By Careviv Editorial Team, Careviv
A complete guide for UK GPs relocating to Canada, including BC licensing steps, timelines, CPSBC requirements, clinic placement, work permits, and Careviv support.
Canada is facing a well-documented shortage of family physicians, and for UK-trained General Practitioners, this presents a rare and time-sensitive opportunity. Amid this doctor shortage Canada family physician vacancies continue to grow, creating real demand.
At Careviv, we are not just advising doctors on how to move — we actively help create clinical opportunities and guide you through every step of the relocation process. This guide outlines exactly how UK GPs can transition into practice in British Columbia (BC), one of Canada's most desirable regions to live and work. We focus on real gp jobs canada for uk doctors, especially in primary care across BC.
Canada's healthcare system is under significant pressure due to population growth, physician retirements, and limited domestic training capacity. British Columbia, in particular, is actively supporting internationally trained family physicians through structured pathways. The result is sustained demand and clear pathways designed to address the doctor shortage Canada family physician gap across communities.
For UK GPs with CCT and MRCGP, the pathway is clearer than ever — and in many cases, does not require additional examinations.
Before starting the relocation process, Careviv conducts a structured screening to ensure candidates meet baseline requirements. This section provides a step by step uk gp relocation to canada overview so you can see how each stage connects.
At this stage, Careviv ensures that candidates are not only eligible but also competitive for clinic placement in Canada.
The pathway to practicing in BC follows a structured sequence. While multiple organizations are involved, the process becomes significantly smoother when managed centrally.
Goal: Verify your medical credentials internationally.
This is often the longest waiting phase, as UK institutions must respond directly to the Medical Council of Canada.
Goal: Obtain Canadian recognition as a Family Physician.
This step allows UK GPs to bypass traditional Canadian exams under the jurisdictional agreement, often referred to as the ccfp jurisdictional route uk gp.
Goal: Secure employment and clinical supervision in BC.
This is where Careviv provides the most value — matching doctors with real, vetted opportunities rather than leaving them to navigate the market alone.
Goal: Obtain formal backing from a Health Authority.
Goal: Receive official approval to practice under a provisional license.
These documents form the core cpsbc provisional license requirements for provisional registration in BC. This step is governed by a fixed committee review cycle.
Goal: Obtain legal authorization to work in Canada.
Goal: Start working as a Family Physician in BC.
At this point, you are fully operational and able to practice independently within the provisional framework.
Most UK GPs complete the full relocation process in 6 to 10 months total.
This can vary depending on SVR response speeds, clinic matching timeline, and personal readiness.
Relocating internationally is complex — not because the steps are unclear, but because they are fragmented across multiple institutions.
Careviv simplifies this by acting as your central coordinator.
We are not a recruitment agency. We are building a long-term healthcare access platform in Canada — and physician relocation is a core part of that mission.
If you are a UK GP considering relocation to Canada, timing matters. Demand is high, pathways are open, and support systems are evolving rapidly.
Careviv is actively working with clinics across British Columbia and building one of the most structured relocation pathways available today. If you are searching for how to work as a doctor in canada from uk or planning a uk doctor move to canada, our team can guide you through every stage. For those looking up terms like "uk gp relocate to canada," this guide and our advisors will walk you through the practical steps from eligibility to practice.
Register your interest and begin your screening with Careviv.
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