Elective Training - International Learners
****this page is work in progress. Contact Registration for more information****
Determine which type of International Learner you belong to below:
1 . International Learners enrolled in Residency Training (outside North America) who require a work permit Abroad
Learners who are currently in a residency training program outside North America and require a Canadian work permit (e.g., Spain, UK or India)
Eligibility
- The learner must be currently registered and in good standing with their residency training program.
- Must meet eligibility for licensure for a postgraduate education certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which may require review by the CPSO Registration Committee.
- The learner must be at a PGY2 level.
- Pre-approval must be obtained from the following, prior to submitting an elective application
- Your home institution program director
- The elective preceptor or supervisor
- The University of Toronto program director
Required Supporting Documentation
Language Proficiency Confirmation:
- A letter from the learner’s home institution confirming that the language of patient care is English or French.
- If the language of patient care is not English or French, one of the following must be provided:
- A letter from the University of Toronto preceptor or supervisor confirming the elective learner’s proficiency in English, or
- An English language test score (e.g., TOEFL)
Sponsorship and Financial Support (For International Learners):
- A letter from the international learner’s sponsoring agency confirming its approval
- The letter must confirm full financial support for the duration of the elective training.
- The amount of remuneration must align with the PARO-CAHO Agreement.
- As a condition for the issuance of a work permit, Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that all foreign nationals, including those in elective residency training, receive remuneration equivalent to that of a Canadian performing the same duties in the same location.
Please note: Charitable foundations, private corporations, or self-funding are not considered acceptable sources of funding.
- Duration: Elective must not exceed 6 months (180 days)
Key Details
- Application Timeline: Submit your application at least 6 months (180 days) before the elective start date.
- Requirements: Learners must email the program administrator they wish to complete an elective in at the University of Toronto to obtain all necessary application information and next steps. For contact information please use the Residency & Fellowship Program Director Directory
- Submission Format: E-mail the program administrator at the University of Toronto a complete application package and ensure all required documents are included. Combine all documents into a single PDF. Your program administrator will send complete elective applications to the PGME office for review and final approval.
- Elective Processing Fee: $200 CAD*
- Visa Processing Fee: $185 CAD**
- Certificate: NOT issued for elective training completion.
* Subject to the University of Toronto Office of the Governing Council Business Board
** Visa processing fees are subject to annual increases and must be confirmed during the application process.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact your UofT Elective Program or pgme.international@utoronto.ca
2a. International Learners in Residency Training on a Canadian Work Permit within Ontario
International Learners already on a Canadian work permit who are training within Ontario (i.e. London, Ontario at the University of Western Ontario.)
Eligibility
- Must be currently registered and in good standing with their residency training program.
- The learner must be at a PGY2 level.
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Must be eligible for and maintain a postgraduate education certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) if their residency training is outside of Ontario. Residents training within Ontario must maintain their existing postgraduate education certificate
- Pre-approval must be obtained from the following, prior to submitting an elective application:
- Your home institution program director
- The elective preceptor or supervisor
- The University of Toronto program director
- Duration of Elective must not exceed 3 months (90 days)
Key Details
- Application Timeline: Submit at least 3 months (90 days) before the elective start date.
- Requirements: PGME Electives Online System. Learners must email the program they wish to complete an elective in at the University of Toronto to obtain all necessary application information and next steps. For contact information please use the Residency & Fellowship Program Director Directory
- Submission Process: PGME Electives Online System. E-mail your program administrator at the University of Toronto a complete application package and ensure all required documents are included. Combine all documents into a single PDF. Your program administrator will send complete elective application to the PGME office for review and final approval
- Elective Processing Fee: $100 CAD*
- Certificate: NOT issued for elective training completion.
* Subject to the University of Toronto Office of the Governing Council Business Board
** Visa processing fees are subject to annual increases and must be confirmed during the application process.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact your UofT Elective Program or pgme.international@utoronto.ca
2b. International Learners in Residency Training on a Canadian Work Permit issued outside of Ontario but within Canada.
International Learners on Canadian work permit who are training outside of Ontario but within Canada, (i.e. Calgary, Alberta.)
Eligibility
- The learner must be currently registered and in good standing with their residency training program.
- The learner must be at a PGY2 level.
- Must meet eligibility for licensure for a postgraduate education certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- Pre-approval must be obtained from the following, prior to submitting an elective application
- Your home institution program director
- The elective preceptor or supervisor
- The University of Toronto program director
- Duration of Elective must not exceed 3 months (90 days)
Key Details
- Application Timeline: Submit at least 6 months (180 days) before the elective start date.
- Requirements: Learners must email the program they wish to complete an elective in at the University of Toronto to obtain all necessary application information and next steps. For contact information please use the Residency & Fellowship Program Director Directory
- Submission Process: E-mail your program administrator at the University of Toronto a complete application package and ensure all required documents are included. Combine all documents into a single PDF. Your program administrator will send complete elective application to the PGME office for review and final approval.
- Elective Processing Fee: $200 CAD*
- Visa Processing Fee: *185 CAD**
- Certificate: NOT issued for elective training completion.
* Subject to the University of Toronto Office of the Governing Council Business Board
** Visa processing fees are subject to annual increases and must be confirmed during the application process.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact your UofT Program administrator or pgme.international@utoronto.ca
3. International Learners currently enrolled in a Clinical Fellowship Training Program within Canada or the United States of America.
International Learners enrolled in a Clinical Fellowship program within Canada or the USA (e.g., British Columbia or New York).
Eligibility
- The learner must be currently registered and in good standing with their clinical fellowship training program.
- Must meet eligibility for licensure for a postgraduate education certificate from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- Pre-approval must be obtained from the following, prior to submitting an elective application :
- Your home institution program director
- The elective preceptor or supervisor
- The University of Toronto program director
Key Details
- Application Timeline: Submit your application at least 6 months (180 days) before the elective start date.
- Requirements: Learners must email the program they wish to complete an elective in at the University of Toronto to obtain all necessary application information and next steps. For contact information please use the Residency & Fellowship Program Director Directory
- Submission Process: E-mail your program administrator at the University of Toronto a complete application package and ensure all required documents are included. Combine all documents into a single PDF. Your program administrator will send complete elective application to the PGME office for review and final approval.
- Elective Processing Fee: $200 CAD*
- Visa Processing Fee: $185 CAD**
- Certificate: NOT issued for elective training completion.
* Subject to the University of Toronto Office of the Governing Council Business Board
** Visa processing fees are subject to annual increases and must be confirmed during the application process.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact us at pgme.international@utoronto.ca