International physicians
Relocating to B.C. is more than a career move — it’s a chance to build a life in one of Canada’s most scenic and culturally rich regions.
At Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), we welcome internationally trained physicians and are here to support you every step of the way. From understanding the licensing process to settling into your new community, our team can help guide your transition to practice in B.C.
Discover how working in B.C. differs from the U.S. and other countries, and how you can thrive in our supportive, team-based care environment.
Practicing medicine in B.C.’s publicly funded health-care system
B.C. operates under the Canada Health Act, which is federal legislation that ensures all eligible residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without paying out-of-pocket. The Act prohibits extra billing and private charges for insured services, supporting an equitable, publicly funded health-care system where care is based on need rather than ability to pay.
Most physicians practice within the publicly funded system, with limited private opportunities in non-insured care, such as cosmetic procedures or executive health.
To practise in B.C., physicians must be registered and licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Thanks to streamlined pathways supported by the province, the process is now easier than ever, especially for U.S.-trained physicians.
The B.C. Physician Integration Program (BC-PIP) offers provisional registration for international medical graduates, along with a structured orientation to the provincial health-care system.
What to expect in B.C.
B.C.'s publicly funded health system emphasizes equity, collaboration and patient-centred care. Physicians here often experience a shift in pace, culture and expectations compared to systems in the U.S. or elsewhere.
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Clinical and professional autonomy
Most physicians are self-employed, billing the provincial health plan directly. This model offers greater flexibility in scheduling, clinical decisions and workload, while encouraging collaboration through Medical Staff Associations. You remain in control of patient care while working within system-wide guidelines such as evidence-based formularies and referral processes.
Legal protection is provided through the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), and the medical-legal climate is less adversarial. Physicians report lower administrative burdens, fewer performance metrics and less pressure from litigation or insurance-based evaluations.
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Variety of compensation and practice models
A variety of compensation models are available, including fee-for-service, salaried positions, blended models and Alternative Payment Plans (APPs). Many hospital-based or APP roles include overhead support and billing assistance. The simplicity of Canada’s public funding structure means fewer complications with collections or approvals.
Private billing is not permitted for insured services under the Canada Health Act, however, limited opportunities may exist in areas like cosmetic medicine or executive health.
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Diverse patients and population needs
Physicians serve diverse, multicultural populations with growing needs in areas such as chronic disease and mental health. Publicly funded access reduces financial barriers, creating stronger continuity of care. Physicians are empowered to focus on clinical quality, professionalism and team-based outcomes.
Education, research and growth for physicians
VCH partners with the University of British Columbia (UBC) and other academic institutions to support medical education and research. Physicians can participate in teaching, mentorship, distributed training sites and applied research in areas such as Indigenous health, oncology and population medicine.
We’re committed to supporting your career growth through employer-paid training, professional development programs and leadership opportunities. Whether you are building clinical skills, exploring new areas of practice or preparing for leadership, we offer access to courses, mentorship and structured development pathways designed to help you grow and thrive throughout your career.
Learn more about Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI)
Relocation support and immigration
What’s unique about working with us is the variety of practice settings available. Whether you’re looking for a smaller community where broad skills are highly valued, a mid-sized team-based environment, or the fast-paced city of Vancouver — a hub for teaching, research and innovation — there’s a place for you here.
If you meet CPSBC requirements and receive an offer from VCH, we will support your relocation and work authorization process.
We partner with the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to nominate eligible physicians. Once nominated, you will receive a work permit support letter and can apply for both a temporary work permit and permanent residency.
Physicians relocating to the VCH region may also be eligible for up to $23,500 in financial reimbursement for approved relocation expenses.
We also offer additional incentives for those interested in practicing in our beautiful coastal and mountain rural and remote communities.
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Why work at VCH?
At VCH, we are one collective health-care team. You’ll come for the job because yours is a rewarding profession. You’ll stay for the team because of the support and the focus on exceptional patient care.
We firmly believe that you must take care of yourself so that you can take great care of others. We encourage our team to take advantage of many benefits, such as:
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World-class team
At VCH, everyone plays a role in providing exceptional health care, collaborating to solve challenges, supporting each other and celebrating successes. Together, we are strongest.
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Grow your career
We value continuous learning and offer employer-supported training, mentorship, coaching and leadership development opportunities.
We are proud to support some of VCH’s most important work—ensuring staff and health-care professionals have the right skills and abilities to deliver exceptional services at the forefront of health care. Learn more about education and development.
We also believe in equal opportunities for all staff members to grow and succeed. Through internal mobility, employee development programs, and personalized career planning, we empower you to grow your career pathway.
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Competitive compensation
Our competitive compensation reflects the demanding nature of our professions and the dedication and expertise of our team.
Ready to join us?
We’re here to guide you through every step of the journey — from licensing and immigration to finding the right role and community.
Contact us
Health-care jobs across Vancouver and the Coast on Health Match BC
Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to provide health care to over 1.25 million people living in the Vancouver Coastal Health region of British Columbia, Canada. Discover VCH jobs and other health-care opportunities in Vancouver and the Coast through Health Match B.C.
