Yukon simplifies path to practice for internationally trained family doctors
Yukon has introduced a new 'Limited A' licensing pathway that allows internationally trained family doctors from Australia, Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom to practice in the territory without completing additional practice assessments and supervised practice periods.
Key points
✓Yukon created the 'Limited A' licensing pathway for family physicians from Australia, Ireland, the US, and UK
✓Eligible doctors can practice in Yukon without needing extra practice assessments or supervised practice periods
✓The pathway was announced following a Declaration of Need due to a family physician shortage in Yukon
✓Foreign jurisdictions were selected based on having similar medical standards to Canada's
✓The territory may expand the initiative to additional countries approved by the College of Family Physicians in Canada
What this means for you
If you are a family doctor trained in Australia, Ireland, the United States, or the United Kingdom and looking to work in Canada, Yukon now offers a faster route to licensure. You can become authorized to practice as a family physician in the territory without completing practice assessments and supervised practice that were previously required, though you must still meet Yukon Medical Council requirements and have an opportunity to practice there.
Full detail
Yukon has eased licensing requirements for internationally trained family physicians from four countries: Australia, Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Under the new 'Limited A' licensing pathway, eligible physicians can become authorized to practice without needing to complete an extra practice assessment and supervised practice period that was previously required.
To qualify, physicians must have an opportunity to practice in Yukon and meet Yukon Medical Council requirements. The foreign jurisdictions were selected because they have medical standards similar to Canada's. Yukon has indicated it may expand this initiative to additional countries approved by the College of Family Physicians in Canada.
The initiative was announced in a July 22 news release from the Yukon government, following a Declaration of Need issued by the Minister of Health and Social Services due to a shortage of family physicians in the territory. The declaration was made under the Medical Profession Act and related regulation, based on findings from a report commissioned by the Yukon Medical Council.
This effort is part of a broader Canada-wide push to remove barriers for internationally trained medical professionals. British Columbia, Manitoba, and the federal government have also taken steps to streamline licensing pathways for foreign-trained doctors. According to a separate Yukon government news release, the recruitment efforts have resulted in nine doctors relocating to the territory since November 2025, with three additional doctors expected by the end of September 2026.
Which countries' doctors are eligible for Yukon's Limited A licensing pathway?
Family physicians trained in Australia, Ireland, the United States, and the United Kingdom are eligible for the new pathway.
What assessments do I need to complete under the Limited A pathway?
Under the Limited A pathway, you do not need to complete a practice assessment or supervised practice period. However, you must still meet Yukon Medical Council requirements.
Could Yukon expand this pathway to other countries?
Yes, Yukon has indicated it may expand the initiative in the future to additional countries that are approved by the College of Family Physicians in Canada.
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