The C10 Work Permit: A Fast-Track Pathway for UK Doctors Relocating to Canada

Canada is facing a well-documented physician shortage, particularly in family medicine and primary care. For UK doctors considering an international move, this shortage has created new and more streamlined pathways to practice. One of the most effective is the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit.

At Merrick Global Talent, we specialise in guiding UK-trained doctors through this process. Here’s an in-depth look at why the C10 visa matters, how it works, and why it’s one of the most attractive options for UK GPs and specialists with CCT.

What is the C10 Work Permit?

The C10 visa (technically, the C10 LMIA-exempt work permit) is issued under Canada’s International Mobility Program. It allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without having to complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — the usually lengthy and paperwork-heavy process of proving no Canadian was available to fill the role.

Instead, the employer demonstrates that hiring the physician provides a “significant social or economic benefit to Canada.” For doctors, this is straightforward: filling critical gaps in patient care in communities across the country.

Why UK Doctors Qualify Strongly

UK-trained doctors are well-positioned for the C10 route because:

• Canada recognises UK medical training — through agreements with the CFPC (College of Family Physicians of Canada) and provincial colleges.

• Family medicine is in high demand — especially outside the major city centres, making the “significant benefit” argument clear.

• English-speaking qualification — UK graduates automatically meet Canada’s English proficiency requirements.

• Established pathways — Alberta, Ontario, and other provinces already accept UK credentials for streamlined licensing.

Key Benefits of the C10 Visa for UK Doctors

1. No LMIA required

The employer doesn’t need to go through months of labour market advertising and government assessments. This saves significant time and administrative burden.

2. Faster processing

Once the employer uploads the job offer into the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee, a UK doctor can often receive their work permit at the airport on arrival in Canada. For UK citizens, no visa is needed in advance — only an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

In practice, a UK doctor could be working in Canada within 2–4 weeks of signing a job contract.

3. Affordable

Government fees are relatively modest:

• Employer compliance fee: CAD $230 (Clinic)

• Work permit fee: CAD $155 (Physician)

• Biometrics fee (if applicable): CAD $85 (Physician)

This is far cheaper than LMIA-based recruitment and much faster to complete.

4. Flexibility of duration

Work permits are normally issued for 2–3 years, matching the employment contract, and can be extended. This gives doctors security to establish themselves while also opening the door to permanent residency.

5. Pathway to permanent residency

Many doctors on C10 permits later transition to Permanent Residency (PR) via programs such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. Time spent working in Canada strengthens a PR application and demonstrates integration into the Canadian healthcare system.

The Employer’s Role

For the C10 pathway to succeed, the Canadian employer must:

1. Submit the job offer through the IRCC Employer Portal using exemption code C10.

2. Pay the CAD $230 compliance fee.

3. Provide a letter confirming the doctor’s role and outlining how their work benefits the community.
   

With that in place, the UK doctor presents the documents at the port of entry, and the permit can be printed on arrival.

Why C10 Is So Rarely Refused for Doctors

While “significant benefit” can be subjective in other professions, for doctors it’s straightforward. With national shortages, provincial health authority data, and employer support letters, immigration officers have strong grounds to approve. Refusals are rare when the paperwork is complete.

How Merrick Global Talent Supports UK Doctors

Relocating overseas is a major step. At Merrick Global Talent, we ensure the process is smooth by:

• Pre-screening eligibility: confirming your GMC licence, CCT, and pathway to Canadian certification.

• Coordinating with Canadian employers: securing compliant job offers and Employer Portal submissions.

• Supporting documentation: helping you gather what immigration officers want to see for a smooth C10 approval.

• Planning timelines: aligning your licensing, job start, and relocation so you can begin practice quickly.

• Future-proofing: advising on routes to permanent residency once you’re established in Canada.

  
  

Final Thoughts

The C10 Significant Benefit work permit is one of the most efficient and practical ways for UK doctors to start practising in Canada. With no LMIA delays, modest costs, and rapid processing often within weeks, it provides an immediate solution for both physicians seeking a new career abroad and Canadian communities in urgent need of doctors.

At Merrick Global Talent, we are ready to guide you from the first conversation to the first day in clinic.