The international learner must reach out to the program they are requesting an elective in. A list of programs and program administrator’s contact information can be found on our program webpage. The program must provide a letter or email confirmation outlining the learner’s confirmed elective, the rotation dates, the location, and other details the program wishes to include.

Visiting Electives Application – Learners are expected to complete the McMaster postgraduate International electives application form.  **Translations MUST be provided with the application,

Supporting documents not written in English must be translated, certified and submitted with the original certified documents. The application must include the following letters:

1. 1. 1. Acceptance letter from the McMaster program (including rotations, dates, hospital sites, and preceptor information)
      2. Written permission from the learner’s home university program director
      3. Letter from the learner’s sponsoring agency, confirming its approval and financial support

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) License – candidates must be eligible for a license with the CPSO, the body that regulates the practice of medicine in Ontario. CPSO requires that:

1. 1. The learner must be a PGY3 or higher in a university residency training program of the same specialty they are applying to. Family Medicine residency trainees must be a PGY2 or higher.
   2. The duration of the elective is limited to a maximum of six months.
   3. The applicant successfully completes a two-week pre-entry assessment program (PEAP) during the first two weeks of training in order to continue in the elective rotation (USA residents are PEAP exempt).

Work Permit – Learners must have a work permit that is valid for the duration of their elective. The PGME office will provide the learner with the work permit application information and a Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) approved letter of employment that will enable the learner to apply for the appropriate work permit.

Note: Learners should begin work permit process at least six months in advance of the elective start date

A minimum of eight weeks prior to the elective, learners must complete the McMaster Health Screening Record and provide supporting documents to the McMaster Health Screening Office.

1. 1. Complete the McMaster Health Screening Record and attach back up documentation (I.e. home school immunization records, public health report, etc.)
   2. Any questions about health screening should be directed to hrsadmin@mcmaster.ca