IMG in Canada : How are you surviving?

[Leesharh]

Hi, I hope someone might be able to answer me. I am a practicing optometrist with 4 years of experience. I am moving in May 2019 to Etobicoke. Please what are my options, I have been reading and researching and realize that I can't practice in Canada except I do some kind of conversion courses which doesn't necessarily make it possible to practice.

My options right now is to apply as an optometric assistant, even though I really love my job and will feel bad to move below my skill set, I realize it's a necessary thing to give my kids a good life. Asides this, what are my options, what can I do to better my chances there.

 

[vinover]

PLEASE STOP wasting your time coming to Canada if you are a Doctor . The only place you will get a job is at Mc Donald's and I am not joking. The exam system has had some reform this year but before you cry yippee, it is just a façade. The only thing you can try to get into when you get your academic record straight, that is retaking courses like basic sciences and so forth because I am sure most of you have done that eons ago, you can try going to Nursing school . But even there you will have problems because as soon they know you are a Dr, they start singling you out as overqualified, an independent thinker, etc. If you lie about who you are , that means you have to restart your college education to mask your degree. Sure there are other jobs around but with your MD degree, they will judge you overqualified and know eventually you will leave because you want to work as a Dr. They do not know the rugged process which is near impossible to accomplish. SO PLEASE whatever your condition, unless you are ready to do anything besides being in medicine, DO NOT IMMIGRATE HERE. Even if you do make it eventually as a Nurse, you will curse your existence everyday being in the hospital and seeing people more stupid than you working as Drs . Do not believe any adverts saying Canada needs Drs...…..THIS IS NOT TRUE

 

[vinover]

Hi, I hope someone might be able to answer me. I am a practicing optometrist with 4 years of experience. I am moving in May 2019 to Etobicoke. Please what are my options, I have been reading and researching and realize that I can't practice in Canada except I do some kind of conversion courses which doesn't necessarily make it possible to practice.

My options right now is to apply as an optometric assistant, even though I really love my job and will feel bad to move below my skill set, I realize it's a necessary thing to give my kids a good life. Asides this, what are my options, what can I do to better my chances there.

You will have to go back to college and restudy because this field is pretty hard to crack as well in Canada...and I am talking about being an assistant and not talking about being an optometrist

 

[canuck78]

PLEASE STOP wasting your time coming to Canada if you are a Doctor . The only place you will get a job is at Mc Donald's and I am not joking. The exam system has had some reform this year but before you cry yippee, it is just a façade. The only thing you can try to get into when you get your academic record straight, that is retaking courses like basic sciences and so forth because I am sure most of you have done that eons ago, you can try going to Nursing school . But even there you will have problems because as soon they know you are a Dr, they start singling you out as overqualified, an independent thinker, etc. If you lie about who you are , that means you have to restart your college education to mask your degree. Sure there are other jobs around but with your MD degree, they will judge you overqualified and know eventually you will leave because you want to work as a Dr. They do not know the rugged process which is near impossible to accomplish. SO PLEASE whatever your condition, unless you are ready to do anything besides being in medicine, DO NOT IMMIGRATE HERE. Even if you do make it eventually as a Nurse, you will curse your existence everyday being in the hospital and seeing people more stupid than you working as Drs . Do not believe any adverts saying Canada needs Drs...…..THIS IS NOT TRUE

Don't believe Canada encourages IMGs to move to Canada. Consultants do. I tell all IMGs not to move to Canada unless they don't want to practice and I get rude comments back or people don't believe me. SuprisinglyIMGs do little research because simple google search will tell you that your chances of getting relicensed are probably 1%.

 

[Stay calm and positive]

Don't believe Canada encourages IMGs to move to Canada. Consultants do. I tell all IMGs not to move to Canada unless they don't want to practice and I get rude comments back or people don't believe me. SuprisinglyIMGs do little research because simple google search will tell you that your chances of getting relicensed are probably 1%.

It looks like you are very frustrated. It is understandable.
I don’t think that there should be a blanket statement for everyone. IMG’s come to Canada from all over the World and they have their own reasons or goals in life. Every human mind has its own way of thinking.
For many IMG’s becoming a Canadian citizen is a great achievement may be as good as practicing medicine. Well it’s a known truth that in many developing countries doctors cannot make Canadian minimum wage.
See Canada is allowing all kind of freedom to everyone even if someone is not happy in Canada can take our citizenship and passport to travel the World.
Canadian citizenship is a privilege, I personally think that it is priceless.
I do agree it could be a struggle for many IMG’s to adopt and get used to their new lives.
Remember time is the best healer and teacher in our endeavours.
Cheers !

 

[canuck78]

It looks like you are very frustrated. It is understandable.
I don’t think that there should be a blanket statement for everyone. IMG’s come to Canada from all over the World and they have their own reasons or goals in life. Every human mind has its own way of thinking.
For many IMG’s becoming a Canadian citizen is a great achievement may be as good as practicing medicine. Well it’s a known truth that in many developing countries doctors cannot make Canadian minimum wage.
See Canada is allowing all kind of freedom to everyone even if someone is not happy in Canada can take our citizenship and passport to travel the World.
Canadian citizenship is a privilege, I personally think that it is priceless.
I do agree it could be a struggle for many IMG’s to adopt and get used to their new lives.
Remember time is the best healer and teacher in our endeavours.
Cheers !

Yes encouraging people to go into nursing is a great idea. Most IMGSs would feel like becoming a nurse would be embarrassing to them. They shouldn't but are worried about image. I am amazed how little research some foreign trained health care professionals do before applying for immigration. Most have no idea how difficult get licensed will be. I also discourage IMGs from doing a masters in public health or hospital administration. Consultants seem to always recommend these degrees and there are only so many jobs out there and too many qualified people. Becoming a Canadian is a process not an achievement. As a Canadian I am against encouraging people to immigrate and apply for citizenship while you have already left. It is a huge liability for Canadians since people can then come back to retire or send their kids to school after paying minimals amounts into the tax base. IMGS need to their research before and decide whether they want to immigrate or practice medicine. Both are usually not possible. You can move to there countries and be able to practice after some relicensing or right away like the US, UK, many Europea countries, many Middle Eastern countries.

 

[Stay calm and positive]

Yes encouraging people to go into nursing is a great idea. Most IMGSs would feel like becoming a nurse would be embarrassing to them. They shouldn't but are worried about image. I am amazed how little research some foreign trained health care professionals do before applying for immigration. Most have no idea how difficult get licensed will be. I also discourage IMGs from doing a masters in public health or hospital administration. Consultants seem to always recommend these degrees and there are only so many jobs out there and too many qualified people. Becoming a Canadian is a process not an achievement. As a Canadian I am against encouraging people to immigrate and apply for citizenship while you have already left. It is a huge liability for Canadians since people can then come back to retire or send their kids to school after paying minimals amounts into the tax base. IMGS need to their research before and decide whether they want to immigrate or practice medicine. Both are usually not possible. You can move to there countries and be able to practice after some relicensing or right away like the US, UK, many Europea countries, many Middle Eastern countries.

Well, you have good reasoning and understanding. I am guessing you are a New Canadian like me. We should have our opinions and it is perfectly fine.
I think IMG’s in developing countries sometimes have more things to worry about and they decide to immigrate. No wonder we have so many in Canada. I am thankful that Canada is the only country allowing IMG’s to immigrate without prejudice.
Good thing is everyone knows that it’s difficult to get the residency so let’s have our other options ready.
I think staying positive and calm will bring the best out of ourselves, after all IMG’s are highly talented and capable people.
I would say one thing for sure that education is infinite and it depends how much people want to learn. “Education / University Degrees are all valuable it’s going to teach people something new and useful in their lives. But it might not bring all the wealth desired“
Cheers !

 

[Stay calm and positive]

PLEASE STOP wasting your time coming to Canada if you are a Doctor . The only place you will get a job is at Mc Donald's and I am not joking. The exam system has had some reform this year but before you cry yippee, it is just a façade. The only thing you can try to get into when you get your academic record straight, that is retaking courses like basic sciences and so forth because I am sure most of you have done that eons ago, you can try going to Nursing school . But even there you will have problems because as soon they know you are a Dr, they start singling you out as overqualified, an independent thinker, etc. If you lie about who you are , that means you have to restart your college education to mask your degree. Sure there are other jobs around but with your MD degree, they will judge you overqualified and know eventually you will leave because you want to work as a Dr. They do not know the rugged process which is near impossible to accomplish. SO PLEASE whatever your condition, unless you are ready to do anything besides being in medicine, DO NOT IMMIGRATE HERE. Even if you do make it eventually as a Nurse, you will curse your existence everyday being in the hospital and seeing people more stupid than you working as Drs . Do not believe any adverts saying Canada needs Drs...…..THIS IS NOT TRUE

I am hoping a lot of people will agree with you, if they are very ambitious young people like yourself.
If an immigrant IMG has decided to stay in Canada than one day he/she will face the reality that this is my country and I need to make a living to support myself and my family. Now all the wealth I was running behind is actually not achievable so what should I do ? It is a good food for thought. Probably a lot of smart young IMG's will leave and go back to their home countries....... I would love to know the Canadian statistics on this.
In my personal experience, I know many IMG's who are still in Canada and not planing to go anywhere, despite their inability to become physicians.
So does that make them inferior human beings ? Are we thinking IMG's are not contributing to Canadian society or taking too much away ?
As we live and work in Canada, we contribute to the society on daily basis isn't it.
Sometimes IMG's come from countries where other professions are not looked very well upon, mainly because those professions for example nursing are not very well paid in their home countries. Now lets assume a doctor in a developing country makes 1000$/month and Nurse might make 100$/month. Who would like to become a nurse in that country.... not many people right !
Canada cannot be compared to those countries, where wage and professional disparity is super high. If you have a good profession in Canada, you will not be poor. But if you will remain undecided than poverty is not very far away.....
Vinover - Looks like you have some experience with nursing. But as a proud nurse and IMG, I do not agree with your opinion. Nursing in Canada is very advanced, nurses are highly respected and well paid professionals. Canadians trust Nurses more than physicians. Nurses are literally running hospitals/clinics in Canada. Especially in Remote locations where no MD is willing to work. It is an exciting profession with many opportunities of work in various fields.
If I wanted to help people and take care of people than nursing is a wonderful profession and best choice.
I am not trying to disrespect any other HCP. Physicians, nurses and other HCW are working together as a team and we have one goal i.e. to take care of the sick people and help people in their difficult times.
In Canada all professionals are respected and valued.
It is also highly competitive to get into Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy schools in Canada.
Also being overqualified is an advantage for IMG's. Once you are in the Canadian health care work force you will realise and understand the advantages with time.
Cheers !

 

[canuck78]

Well, you have good reasoning and understanding. I am guessing you are a New Canadian like me. We should have our opinions and it is perfectly fine.
I think IMG’s in developing countries sometimes have more things to worry about and they decide to immigrate. No wonder we have so many in Canada. I am thankful that Canada is the only country allowing IMG’s to immigrate without prejudice.
Good thing is everyone knows that it’s difficult to get the residency so let’s have our other options ready.
I think staying positive and calm will bring the best out of ourselves, after all IMG’s are highly talented and capable people.
I would say one thing for sure that education is infinite and it depends how much people want to learn. “Education / University Degrees are all valuable it’s going to teach people something new and useful in their lives. But it might not bring all the wealth desired“
Cheers !

No not a new Canadian but someone who knows a lot about the various health professionals and healthcare in general in Canada. Unfortunately it is likely family and communities telling people they should immigrate and you will have a better life. The options given are usually Australia or Canada. I assume that consultants also recruit tell everyone that they won’t have a problem getting relicensed in Canada. I have seen reports of consultants recruiting IMGs and after they have relocated they discover they will never be able to work here. If you are over 35-40 Canada would likely not consider retraining you because it is very expensive to train doctors. Some have been working as doctors for 10-15 years and some have just graduated. Perhaps family members in Canada have told them there is a shortage of doctors because they have seen that in the news or have had to wait for a doctor. IMGs or other health professionals may have seen the potential salaries and moved because of that. For example many pharmacists are moving to Canada but in the past 15 years the salaries have actually decreased and there is a surplus of pharmacists due to a large increase in Canadian graduates so jobs are harder to find. Unfortunately what is good about Canada is what people hear about in their home countries and not the bad things. I see many new immigrants talking about free healthcare, schooling for children and child tax benefit. When they arrive they discover that you may have to wait months to see a specialists and many hours to get seen in the ER while they could see someone quickly but would have to pay in their home country. Child tax credit sounds like free money until you come to Canada and see the cost of daycare and baby supplies. Good quality free schooling sounds great but then people discover what the tax rate is for Canada. People seem to be blindly trusting consultants and communities/family members versus doing their own research about jobs, cost of living, etc.

I hope IMGs who want to continue practicing do some serious research and look at immigrating to other countries. No Canadian doctor, hospital or Canadian health organization will tell an IMG that they will get relicensed. Most will encourage them to look at other countries. If you are ok with not practicing you may not be able to get a job that has the same prestige in your home country. Before you trust a consultant to recommend an alternate career do some research, look at job availability, etc. Most consultant recommend the easiest program to get into because they want to say they successfully get people to Canada. They don’t care about your longterm success in Canada.

 

[Stay calm and positive]

No not a new Canadian but someone who knows a lot about the various health professionals and healthcare in general in Canada. Unfortunately it is likely family and communities telling people they should immigrate and you will have a better life. The options given are usually Australia or Canada. I assume that consultants also recruit tell everyone that they won’t have a problem getting relicensed in Canada. I have seen reports of consultants recruiting IMGs and after they have relocated they discover they will never be able to work here. If you are over 35-40 Canada would likely not consider retraining you because it is very expensive to train doctors. Some have been working as doctors for 10-15 years and some have just graduated. Perhaps family members in Canada have told them there is a shortage of doctors because they have seen that in the news or have had to wait for a doctor. IMGs or other health professionals may have seen the potential salaries and moved because of that. For example many pharmacists are moving to Canada but in the past 15 years the salaries have actually decreased and there is a surplus of pharmacists due to a large increase in Canadian graduates so jobs are harder to find. Unfortunately what is good about Canada is what people hear about in their home countries and not the bad things. I see many new immigrants talking about free healthcare, schooling for children and child tax benefit. When they arrive they discover that you may have to wait months to see a specialists and many hours to get seen in the ER while they could see someone quickly but would have to pay in their home country. Child tax credit sounds like free money until you come to Canada and see the cost of daycare and baby supplies. Good quality free schooling sounds great but then people discover what the tax rate is for Canada. People seem to be blindly trusting consultants and communities/family members versus doing their own research about jobs, cost of living, etc.

I hope IMGs who want to continue practicing do some serious research and look at immigrating to other countries. No Canadian doctor, hospital or Canadian health organization will tell an IMG that they will get relicensed. Most will encourage them to look at other countries. If you are ok with not practicing you may not be able to get a job that has the same prestige in your home country. Before you trust a consultant to recommend an alternate career do some research, look at job availability, etc. Most consultant recommend the easiest program to get into because they want to say they successfully get people to Canada. They don’t care about your longterm success in Canada.

Great, you definitely has a lot of information but there is a difference in understanding because you are not an IMG from a developing country. My thoughts might be bizarre for you.
Knowing a lot, reading about something is one thing but living through it is completely different.
I have many degrees from many countries and respectfully I can assure you that education did not teach assumptions. Assumptions comes from ignorance.
IMG’s are a talented bunch of group and Canada needs them because they bring knowledge, experience and great abilities. IMG’s are accomplishing unimaginable feats, sometimes difficult to achieve by many Canadians.
I hardly know any IMG who is not doing well after many years of struggle in Canada. They are highly capable and goal oriented.
Bright future of Canada is assured when smart people are coming to this beautiful and amazing country.
“Living through the experiences gives actual understanding of Canadian life. Who are we to take away this great opportunity for better life from IMG’s”
Cheers !

 

[foodie69]

IMG’s are a talented bunch of group and Canada needs them because they bring knowledge, experience and great abilities. IMG’s are accomplishing unimaginable feats, sometimes difficult to achieve by many Canadians.
Cheers !

So you are calling Canadians lazy and stupid?

 

[Stay calm and positive]

So you are calling Canadians lazy and stupid?

With due respect I apologize if you have felt like that. I am not here to offend my fellow citizens.
Have a great day !

 

[Stay calm and positive]

If an lMG has cleared USMLE will they be allowed to practice in Canada?can they apply for jobs?

As many people are telling in these forums that you need to do more research! All information is there on the Medical Council of Canada website. Read very carefully and you will know that passing exams will not allow you to practice medicine in Canada. You have to look into getting research work, masters or Phd. Also be careful for the out of practice clause.
Read comments carefully here as some people in these forums are not IMG's and they are suggesting things to real IMG's.
Cheers !

 

[Stay calm and positive]

I thank you for your replies.
I knew of all the LMCC exam requirements even before coming to Canada. But since arriving here a year ago, and actually sitting for EE and QE1 within the past one year, I am discouraged. The exams are ridiculously difficult in my own view. It is a test of cramming ability and speed. It is is not an exam suited for a doctor who has had 10 years of work experience. What do you IMGs think of these exams? Or is it just me struggling to knack them?
Even after passing them, how hopeful are you to be licensed in Canada?
The Practice Ready Assessments are not easy to come by.
I really want to know from other IMGs in Canada, who among you has succeeded or is on a definitive pathway to becoming a Canadian doctor. And what kind of jobs do you do in the meantime?

I work as a health care aide. I never dreamed to be doing this kind of work and embarrassed to tell my folks about it.

I got no truthful friends in Canada.. The Express Entry for skilled and professional workers is also not truthful. It did not state that the professional regulatory bodies do not actually want to integrate us. They seem to be deliberate bottlenecks. Hence, I am relying on this anonymous forum.
IMGs please respond.

Well it is sad if you came to Canada only to become a physician despite knowing that there is nothing much for IMG's in medical field. I think you should take time to decide what is best for you ......
If you want to stick to your profession than you need to go back to your home country and continue practising as a MD. Like this you will not lose out to, out of practice clause. Than keep on trying to clear the exams QE and QE I, OSCE etc. You can travel to Canada to appear for the exams. Once you have cleared all the exams apply through CARMS for residency positions.
You can also think of getting a Masters or PHD in US/Canada to make your application strong. Research work has a lot of good value for applicants.
Search for the Residents profiles and see what other candidates have done to get into residency. Nothing is impossible, if you will really try hard.
If nothing works than you can give MCAT exam and apply to the med school in Canada and get a Canadian MD.
Keep all your options open.
You have to understand one important fact that it is very hard for Canadians to get into the med school and they have lived in Canada for generations.So system is made in such a way that no one gets offended and everyone has a fair chance.
There are not many IMG's who got into Residency or Practice ready assessment easily. Although exceptions are always there.
Cheers !

 

[Stay calm and positive]

Don't believe Canada encourages IMGs to move to Canada. Consultants do. I tell all IMGs not to move to Canada unless they don't want to practice and I get rude comments back or people don't believe me. SuprisinglyIMGs do little research because simple google search will tell you that your chances of getting relicensed are probably 1%.

Mate, What do you do for your living ? Are you a practising physician in Canada ? I would really like to know you better.
Thanks !