Internal & External Transfers - Frequently Asked Questions

Internal and External Transfer requests are only considered once per year to ensure it is a fair and equitable process for all residents requesting transfers.  

The timelines also take into account the 2^nd Iteration of the R1 CaRMS which residents may want to consider as another option. All residents are eligible to apply for residency positions that are available in the second iteration of R1 CaRMS.  A reminder that matching to a position in CaRMS forms a legally binding contract.

Residents must complete a minimum of six months of training prior to applying for consideration to transfer.  This is to ensure learners have had adequate exposure to their current discipline.

Residents can apply for transfer to up to five programs. 

This will not increase the success rate.  It is important to note that funding resides with the PGME office, not the learner, nor the residency program.

Yes, all residents are eligible to be considered for a transfer except for Family Medicine PGY2s (please refer to the University of Toronto Transfer of Residency Program Guideline).  Residents must also complete a minimum of six months of training in their current program to be eligible.

Please note that, as per the University of Toronto Transfer of Residency Programs Guideline, priority will be given to first-time transfer requests and to residents requesting a transfer prior to the final year of training in their home program.

No, positions are not reserved for specific programs for the Internal Transfer Process.  PGME asks programs to confirm capacity on an annual basis.   

Yes, you are eligible to reapply for a transfer. In your personal statement, you may want to address why you are requesting to transfer for a second time. Please note that, as per the University of Toronto Transfer of Residency Programs Guideline, priority will be given to first-time transfer requests and to residents requesting a transfer prior to the final year of training in their home program.

PGME strives to support as many requests as possible. Approximately, 10 % of Internal Transfers are typically supported each academic year.

No, funding resides with the PGME Office and is not transferable between Institutions.

Unfortunately, PGME is not able to make recommendations or provide tips. You should review the program description available on the CaRMS website which outlines details regarding program selection criteria. 

It will be up to the new Program Director/Residency Program Committee to determine if credit can be given for past training.  It is important to remember that each program has specific rotation objectives and evaluations; completion of a rotation within your current program may not be considered equivalent to the new program.

Residents should assume that they will be starting at the entry level for their program.  Please note that you will be registered at the level determined by the program and as such, will be paid at the level of registration.

Yes, programs may re-evaluate if credit can be received for past training towards the end of your training.  

No, to ensure a fair and equitable process for all residents, all requests must be submitted to PGME.   As of 2024-2025 all communication regarding transfer outcomes, including successful Internal Transfer offers, will be distributed by PGME to the applicant (not by the program).

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) has established National Transfer Guidelines.   Please carefully review these guidelines prior to submitting your application.  All requests for transfer to other Canadian residency programs must be registered with your home PGME office (pgme.transfers@utoronto.ca).