The Short Answer
Most provinces require MCCQE Part 1 before applying for PRA — but not all. Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC require it upfront. Some Atlantic provinces have more flexibility on timing.
All provinces that have PRA programs also require NAC OSCE — this catches many IMGs off guard who think MCCQE Part 1 alone is enough. You need both.
What Is a PRA Program?
Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) is a supervised practice program that allows qualified IMGs to demonstrate clinical competency in a Canadian healthcare setting — without doing a full residency. After completing PRA (typically 12 weeks of supervised practice), IMGs can apply for an independent medical license in that province.
PRA is designed for IMGs who have already practiced independently in their home country. It is not a training program — it is an assessment. You need to arrive ready to practice at a Canadian standard from day one.
Province-by-Province Requirements
Saskatchewan — SIPPA
MCCQE Part 1: Required — and your score is used for competitive ranking, not just pass/fail. A higher score improves your chances of being selected.
NAC OSCE: Required.
Saskatchewan has the highest volume of IMG spots in Canada. If you are flexible on location, apply here first. But because applicants are ranked by MCCQE1 score, aim well above the pass mark — not just to pass.
Alberta — AIMG
MCCQE Part 1: Required — pass only, score not ranked.
NAC OSCE: Required.
Must have completed 2 years of postgraduate training. Limited spots annually. One of the most structured PRA programs in Canada.
British Columbia — IMG-BC
MCCQE Part 1: Required — pass only.
NAC OSCE: Required.
Strong preference for BC residents or IMGs with a connection to BC. Competitive despite being pass-only on MCCQE1.
Manitoba — IPRPP
MCCQE Part 1: Required.
NAC OSCE: Required.
Focus on rural and northern Manitoba communities. Commitment to underserved areas is essential.
Nova Scotia — NSPRAP
MCCQE Part 1: Required.
NAC OSCE: Required.
Smaller program. Having a sponsor or job offer in Nova Scotia strengthens your application significantly.
Atlantic Provinces — NB, NL, PEI
MCCQE Part 1: Required before full licensure, but some flexibility on timing during the process.
NAC OSCE: Required.
More flexibility than western provinces. French language is an asset in New Brunswick. These provinces are often overlooked by IMGs — lower competition than SK and AB.
Ontario
Ontario does not have a PRA program. IMGs must go through CaRMS residency match or qualify for independent practice after passing all licensing exams. This is a common misconception — many IMGs assume Toronto has a PRA program. It does not.
Quebec
Quebec has a separate regulatory system. French proficiency is mandatory. Quebec has its own exam pathway requirements on top of national exams.
What This Means for Your Prep
Pass MCCQE Part 1 first
It unlocks the most PRA programs. Saskatchewan ranks by score — not just pass/fail — so a higher score opens more doors. Do not treat MCCQE1 as a pass/fail exam if Saskatchewan is your target.
NAC OSCE is not optional
Every PRA program requires NAC OSCE. Many IMGs deprioritize it after MCCQE1 and lose months. Prepare for both simultaneously — the skills overlap significantly. The PRA clinical assessment itself tests the same competencies as NAC: history taking, communication, empathy, Canadian clinical reasoning.
PRA ≠ residency
PRA leads to a general practice (family medicine) license. If you want a specialty, you still need to match CaRMS. PRA is for IMGs planning to work as family physicians in Canada — and rural family physicians in Canada earn $180,000–$250,000+ CAD per year.
Apply to multiple provinces
Do not put all your effort into one province. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic provinces can be applied to simultaneously. More applications increase your odds significantly.
The Fastest Route to Practice in Canada
For most IMGs — especially those from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines — the PRA pathway is faster than waiting for a CaRMS match. The typical timeline:
- MCC credentials: 2–4 months
- MCCQE Part 1 prep and exam: 3–6 months
- NAC OSCE prep and exam: 3–6 months (can overlap with MCCQE prep)
- PRA application and assessment: 2–6 months
- Provisional license + rural commitment: 2 years
Total to independent practice: 12–18 months from starting prep, versus 5–7 years via CaRMS residency.
Start With Your Personalized Roadmap
Your exact timeline depends on where you are in the process — whether you have done MCCQE1 already, your immigration status, and which province you are targeting.
imgpass.ca/pathway-navigator gives you a free personalized step-by-step roadmap based on your specific situation. No signup needed.
Once you know your pathway, practice the MCCQE and NAC OSCE clinical stations that matter most — free AI cases at imgpass.ca.