Residency Series
Are you applying to residency this year?
Your biggest asset will be your organization and ensuring that you are keeping yourself on schedule for the year ahead. Here are some dates to keep in mind for the Canadian Match and specific province details:
For IMG applicants, the REAL application cycle begins in Summer 2026—not November 2026.
By the time CaRMS opens formally:
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several provincial eligibility pathways are already underway,
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some assessments are already completed,
-
and some provinces may already have pre-screened candidates.
MAY 2026: FOUNDATIONAL PREPARATION PHASE
Major Tasks
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Open/update PhysiciansApply account
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Source verification of credentials
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Request internship/residency verification
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Begin exam preparation
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Arrange observerships/references
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Prepare CV and personal statements
JUNE 2026: EXAM BOOKING & DOCUMENT PHASE
Recommended Exam Scheduling
| Exam | Recommended Window |
| MCCQE1 | Aug–Sept 2026 |
| NAC OSCE | Sept 2026 |
| CASPer | Sept–Oct 2026 |
| FMProC | Oct–Nov 2026 |
JULY 2026: NATIONAL APPLICATION SEASON BEGINS
Expected CaRMS Registration Opening
Historically:
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early-to-mid July
Applicants can:
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create CaRMS accounts
-
obtain CaRMS ID
-
begin document assignment
(carms.ca)
Alberta AIMG Early Preparation
Alberta
Important hidden milestone:
-
last safe period to ensure exam scheduling aligns with AIMG deadlines.
British Columbia CAP Preparation
British Columbia
Historically:
-
BC CAP planning communications begin around summer.
Applicants should monitor:
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UBC IMG office
-
CAP announcements
-
intake notices
AUGUST 2026: MOST IMPORTANT PRE-APPLICATION MONTH
Expected Activities
| Activity | Importance |
| MCCQE1 writing | Critical |
| CAP application preparation | Critical |
| CASPer registration | Important |
| Reference requests | Critical |
British Columbia CAP
Expected Timeline
| Approximate Timing | Activity |
| Early Aug 2026 | CAP portal opens |
| Late Aug/Early Sept 2026 | CAP application deadline |
Historically, BC CAP deadlines occur MUCH earlier than applicants expect.
Without CAP applicants cannot access most BC IMG streams.
SEPTEMBER 2026: THE MOST IMPORTANT MONTH OF THE ENTIRE IMG CYCLE
This is effectively the final safe eligibility month nationally.
1) LAST SAFE NAC OSCE WINDOW
NAC OSCE
-
September 2026 sitting = last safe attempt for CaRMS 2027.
2) FMProC REGISTRATION OPENS
FMProC Timeline (Projected)
| Event | Approximate Date |
| Registration opens | Sept 2026 |
| Registration closes | Oct 2026 |
| Testing window | Oct-Nov 2026 |
3) CASPer TESTING
Most IMG-relevant testing:
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Sept–Oct 2026
Important Notes
Programs commonly requiring CASPer:
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some Ontario programs
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Saskatchewan programs
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selected national specialties
4) BC CAP FILE REVIEW
5) Saskatchewan SIPPA/PRA Recruitment Activity
OCTOBER 2026: PROVINCIAL SCREENING SEASON
Expected Activities
| Activity | Province |
| BC CAP review | BC |
| Alberta eligibility checks | Alberta |
| Ontario screening | Ontario |
| CASPer testing | Multiple |
| FMProC testing | National FM |
Alberta AIMG
Historically:
-
November = deadline for:
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MCCQE1 sharing
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NAC sharing
Therefore October is the final buffer month.
Ontario IMG Streams
Ontario
Many applicants may discover during this period:
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certain IMG streams have restrictive eligibility criteria,
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provincial ties may matter,
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first-iteration access may differ by background.
NOVEMBER 2026: NATIONAL APPLICATION DEADLINE MONTH
1) Alberta AIMG Deadline Mid-November 2026
Deadline for:
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PASS MCCQE1
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PASS NAC OSCE
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result sharing
2) Alberta MMIs
Expected Timing: mid-November
3) BC CAP MMIs
Expected Timing: November
Selected candidates complete:
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BC CAP MMIs
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provincial assessment scoring
4) CaRMS Final Submission Deadline
Expected Timing: Late November 2026
This includes:
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references
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personal statements
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transcripts
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exam scores
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MSPR uploads
DECEMBER 2026: INTERVIEW PREPARATION SEASON
Main Activities
| Activity | Description |
| Interview preparation | MMI/panel prep |
| ROS research | Return-of-service review |
| Provincial contract review | Especially FM |
| Ranking strategy planning | Geography prioritization |
Alberta: Alberta residency tracking windows may begin around Dec 1 for certain AIMG streams.
JANUARY 2027: NATIONAL INTERVIEW SEASON BEGINS
Expected National Window: Mid-January → early February
Common Interview Formats
| Format | Province |
| Traditional panel | Ontario |
| MMI | BC, Alberta |
| Rural suitability focus | Prairies/Atlantic |
FEBRUARY 2027: RANK ORDER LIST SEASON
Main Activities
| Activity | Description |
| Rank list submission | CaRMS |
| FMProC second iteration | FM unmatched applicants |
| Backup planning | PRA/US pathways (if eligible) |
FMProC Second Iteration
Expected: Feb–March 2027 testing window
For:
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unmatched FM applicants
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second iteration applicants
MARCH 2027: MATCH MONTH
First Iteration Match Day: Early March 2027
Unmatched Applicant Period
Immediately after Match Day: second iteration applications open rapidly.
APRIL 2027: SECOND ITERATION & FINAL MATCHING
Expected Activities
| Activity | Timing |
| Second iteration interviews | March-April |
| Rank submission | April |
| Second iteration Match Day | Late April 2027 |
MAY 2027: POST-MATCH TRANSITION PHASE
Matched Applicants
Begin:
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provincial licensing
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visa/work permit processing
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relocation planning
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CPS onboarding
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ROS paperwork
For candidates who are also applying for the US Match, here are your dates to keep note of:
Below includes our 2020 video archives for guidance and access to details pertaining to a country’s specific application process, points on what makes an ideal candidate as well as important considerations to keep in mind. The collective knowledge presented within each video is beneficial for all IMGs, regardless of your specific application interest. While some details have changed, concepts herein are still valuable.
North America
Europe