A Guide for Foreign-Trained Doctors in Canada

by Daniel Peimbert | Jul 1, 2024 | Credential Recognition, Immigration, Tips

If your work permit is approaching its expiry date while your Permanent Residence (PR) application sits in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) processing queue, you are likely feeling the pressure. Historically, applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) or a work permit extension required one crucial document: an official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) proving that IRCC passed your PR file through its initial Section 10 (R10) completeness check.

Without an AOR, thousands of applicants faced the immediate risk of losing their legal authorization to work in Canada.

To address these administrative processing delays, IRCC issued Operational Bulletin 699 (OB 699). Under this temporary measure, eligible Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants physically present in Canada can extend their work authorization using alternative proof of PR submission—without waiting for an AOR.

Policy Snapshot: Operational Bulletin 699

Feature	Key Details
Official Reference	IRCC Operational Bulletin 699
Effective Period	In effect from June 9, 2026 through December 31, 2026 (unless revoked earlier by IRCC)
Location Requirement	Applicant must be physically present in Canada
Eligible PR Streams	In-Canada Base (non-Express Entry) PNP and Express Entry-aligned PNP streams
Accepted Alternative Proof	Automated PR Portal Submission Confirmation Email + Official IRCC Fee Receipt

Which Work Permits Are Covered Under This Policy?

This temporary measure allows eligible in-Canada applicants to apply for three specific work permit streams without providing an AOR:

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP / Category A75): Enables eligible PNP nominees to maintain open work authorization for any employer while IRCC processes their PR application.
Employer-Specific PNP Work Permit (Category T13): Allows nominees to renew their closed work permit with their nominating employer, even if their provincial nomination certificate has expired due to IRCC processing backlogs.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Permits the accompanying spouse or common-law partner of the principal PNP applicant to extend or obtain an open work permit concurrently.

Required Alternative Documentation

Because you cannot provide a formal AOR letter, you must upload alternative evidence proving your PR application is submitted and pending in the IRCC portal:

PR Portal Submission Confirmation: A copy of the automated email receipt generated immediately upon submitting your electronic PR application through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.

Official IRCC Proof of Payment: The official fee receipt confirming that all applicable PR processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) have been paid in full.

Mandatory IRCC Requirement: If IRCC has already issued your official AOR letter prior to submitting your work permit extension, you must submit the actual AOR letter. The alternative proof mechanism is strictly reserved for applicants whose AOR has not yet been generated.

Critical Action Steps: Safeguarding Your Status

1. Apply BEFORE Your Current Work Permit Expires

Timing is paramount under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Submitting your work permit application before your existing permit expires automatically grants you maintained status (formerly referred to as implied status). This status legally authorizes you to continue working in Canada under your existing conditions while IRCC renders a decision.

2. Update Your Application via IRCC Webform

When IRCC completes the R10 completeness check and issues your formal AOR letter, you must immediately upload a copy of that letter to your pending work permit file via the IRCC Webform to complete the application record.

3. Verify Complete PR Documentation

Relying on alternative proof allows you to file the work permit application, but it does not guarantee PR completeness. If IRCC later determines during the R10 check that your PR application is incomplete, the PR file will be rejected and returned. Consequently, the underlying foundation for your work permit extension will be invalidated, leading to a refusal.

Common Pitfalls That Lead to Refusal or Status Loss

Failing to File Before Expiry: Maintained status only applies if IRCC receives your work permit application prior to midnight UTC on the date your current permit expires. Submitting even one day late results in loss of legal status and requires a restoration application.
Applying from Outside Canada: Operational Bulletin 699 applies strictly to candidates physically present inside Canada. Applicants outside Canada must follow standard entry and work permit processing rules.
Omitting the Official Fee Receipt: Submitting the portal email confirmation without the official IRCC receipt showing full payment of processing fees will result in the immediate rejection of your work permit application.
Submitting Alternative Proof When an AOR Exists: If an AOR was already issued in your portal or sent via email, attempting to use alternative submission proof instead of the formal letter violates policy guidelines.

Retain Professional Advisory for Your Application

Navigating temporary public policies, maintaining legal work authorization, and meeting strict regulatory deadlines require precise execution. A single missing document or miscalculated timeline can jeopardize your ability to remain and work legally in Canada.

Whether you require a comprehensive review of your work permit application under Operational Bulletin 699, verification of your PR portal documents, or guidance on maintaining your status, our team is available to assist.

👉 Schedule a Consultation with an RCIC Today or contact our office to review your case and ensure your continuous authorization to work in Canada.

The certification path can appear daunting for foreign-trained doctors eyeing Canada as a land of professional opportunity. Canada’s healthcare system is renowned for its high standards of practice, making getting certified rigorous but ultimately rewarding.

This guide outlines the crucial steps foreign-trained doctors must undertake to successfully navigate this journey.

1. Understand the Canadian Medical Landscape

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with Canada’s medical system and the requirements for practicing medicine. Canada has ten provinces and three territories, each with its medical regulatory authority responsible for licensing physicians. Understanding the specific requirements of the province or territory where you intend to practice is essential.

2. Verify Your Medical Degree

Your first step is to verify your medical degree through the Medical Council of Canada’s (MCC) Physicians Apply system. This process ensures your medical degree is from a recognized institution in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

3. Pass the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE)

Foreign-trained doctors must pass the MCC Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) to assess their basic medical knowledge compared to Canadian standards. This exam covers multiple areas of medicine and is a prerequisite for further examinations and residency.

4. Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, depending on the province where you plan to practice. Tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test de Français International (TFI) are commonly accepted to prove language proficiency.

5. Complete the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination

The NAC Examination is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that tests your ability to apply medical knowledge in a clinical setting. This examination is crucial for entry into a Canadian residency program.

6. Secure a Residency Position

Gaining a residency position in Canada is among the most challenging steps for foreign-trained doctors. Positions are limited and competitive. Programs like the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) match applicants to residency programs across Canada. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) may need to apply for designated IMG programs.

7. Pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations

After completing your residency, you must pass two additional exams: the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part I (MCCQE Part I) and Part II. These exams further test your medical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring you’re ready for independent practice.

8. Obtain Licensure from the Provincial or Territorial Medical Regulatory Authority

With your exams passed and residency completed, you can apply for licensure in your chosen province or territory. This step may involve additional assessments or requirements specific to the local medical regulatory authority.

9. Consider Specialization

If you’re interested in specializing, you must complete further residency training in your chosen specialty and pass additional certification exams from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

10. Continuous Professional Development

Once certified, doctors in Canada are expected to engage in continuous professional development. This commitment ensures you remain at the forefront of medical practice and patient care.

Embracing the Journey

While the journey to becoming a certified doctor in Canada is demanding, it is also filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Canada’s healthcare system offers a supportive environment for foreign-trained doctors to thrive and make significant contributions to the health and well-being of Canadians. With determination, preparation, and a commitment to excellence, your dream of practicing medicine in Canada can become a reality. Welcome to a rewarding career in one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.