July 21, 2025
REDFM NEWS DESK
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) has announced significant changes to its licensing policy, easing the process for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from approved jurisdictions.
Under the new policy, IMGs with training considered substantially equivalent to Canadian medical standards will now be eligible for full licensure without undergoing a Supervised Practice Assessment (SPA) or multiple Competency Assessments.
Previously, IMGs were required to secure a sponsor, complete the SPA, and successfully finish two separate Competency Assessments before being granted full registration on the General Register. The new streamlined process will allow eligible IMGs to bypass these steps and be directly added to the General Register after completing standard registration procedures.
According to CPSA, this change is expected to accelerate the entry of qualified IMGs into independent practice in Alberta. It also reduces both administrative delays and financial burdens for incoming physicians.
All eligible applicants have been contacted by CPSA with instructions on how to proceed under the new framework.
While simplifying the pathway forward, CPSA acknowledged the efforts of those who previously completed the more rigorous assessment process. The college emphasized its commitment to continuously evaluating and improving its systems to better meet the needs of healthcare professionals and Albertans.
CPSA also mentioned forthcoming changes to fees for Alberta-trained postgraduate trainees, although no specific details were released in this statement.
The update comes at a time when Alberta continues to face ongoing healthcare staffing challenges, and the policy is expected to bolster physician numbers across the province.
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