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1.2 How can I show proof of residency?
See Alberta Residency Requirement listed under “Supporting Documents”.

1.3 I have applied for permanent resident status but have not yet received my official documents; can I still apply to the AIMG Program?
No. See Eligibility Requirements or Supporting Documents. Until you have received your Permanent Resident Visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document confirming your acceptance in Canada as a Permanent Resident, you are not eligible to apply to the AIMG Program.

1.4 What are your Language Proficiency Requirements?
See Application Requirements - Supporting Documents and refer to language requirements for acceptable scores.

1.5 Could language requirements change for the next application cycle?
Yes. Applicants should check the Announcements for updates.

1.6 I have not done my language proficiency test yet. Can I still complete the application?
No. You will need to have your language proficiency scores to complete the application. See English Language Proficiency

1.7 Should I have the language testing agency send your office a copy of my language results directly?
No. All your documents must be submitted as one package prior to the deadline.

2.1 Where do I look on the website?
See How to Apply refer to the Application Checklist.

2.2. I have been doing clinical observerships in Canada. Do I put that information on the online application form?
No. Clinical observership experience (where, when and for how long) should be recorded in your CV.

2.3 Do I need to print my completed online application and bring it in?
No. The application is online ONLY; therefore you must complete and submit the application online. Supporting documents can be dropped off or mailed as one package, and must be received by the application deadline.

2.4 Should I supply separate payments for each discipline, or just one?
Just one certified cheque or money order for all. Please make it payable to The University of Calgary.

2.5 To whom do I make the certified cheque/money order payable?
Please make it payable to The University of Calgary.

2.6 I applied to the AIMG Program in 2008 and/or 2009. Do I complete the online application again?
Yes. You need to submit a new online application and provide the required information for your referees.  

2.7 Am I required to resubmit all of the supporting documents?
No. You are not required to resubmit all of the supporting documents.

However, you are required to submit:

• an AIMG Program Alberta Residency Statutory Declaration form as outlined in Alberta Residency Requirement
• a new Privacy Notice and Declaration Form
• language proficiency test results if last year’s scores were too low or expired
• a new ‘Application Checklist’ form on which you indicate which documents are held by the AIMG Program in your previous cycle applications.
  

2.8 I applied to the AIMG Program prior to 2008. Can you use my previously submitted supporting documents?
No.

2.9 I moved/changed my email address/changed my telephone number/name since I filed my online application. Can I make those changes to my application?
Yes. Download the AIMG Program Change of Address form, fill it out and fax it to the AIMG Program office.

2.10 Information on my CV is no longer current. Can I change my CV after I’ve submitted my electronic application?
No. The AIMG Program will not make or accept any changes to CVs after submission.

2.11 How do I know that each of my referees has submitted their form?
Once the application form is submitted and accepted as “complete” you will be given an AIMG Program login ID and password. Please check frequently to see if your referees have submitted their referrals.

2.12 Can I contact the AIMG Program office if I have a question?
Yes. Program staff will respond to general questions during the assessment cycle. When contacting the AIMG Program office by email or telephone, identify yourself using your application number and name and ask your question as succinctly as possible. Keep in mind that due to the high volume of applications and questions, response times may vary. Please refrain from resubmitting the same question and note that the AIMG Program office is closed on weekends.

2.13 Can I submit documents separately for my application package?
No. It is your responsibility to make sure your application includes all required documentation and is submitted in its entirety by the application deadline. The AIMG Program is not responsible for deficiencies in your application.

2.14 Will my application package be checked for completeness prior to the application deadline?
No. The AIMG Program File Review Committee will not review files until AFTER the application deadline and therefore will not contact applicants during the application period regarding the status of their application file. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure thel COMPLETENESS of their application package at the time of submission.

2.15 How do I arrange a meeting with the Managing Director to discuss my application?
You may not. The Managing Director does not participate in decision making processes with respect to an individual’s application or assessment. The Managing Director is not available for general correspondence or meetings regarding an individual applicant’s status.

2.16 An emergency has come up at home. I have to go overseas to see my family. I don’t want to miss anything important. How can I ensure this?
Refer to Important Dates and Deadlines. It is your responsibility to check your email frequently to make sure important communications from the AIMG Program are not missed.

2.17 What happens to my application package after it is received by the AIMG Program office and each of my referees has responded?
Your application package is reviewed by the AIMG Program File Review Committee for completeness and correctness and then ranked. OSCE invitations are allocated according to ranking.

2.18 If I submit a complete application package on time, am I guaranteed a seat at the AIMG Program OSCE?
No. In any given year, the number of submitted applications is greater than the number of seats available to participate in the AIMG Program OSCE. Complete application packages will be ranked by the File Review Committee based on length of residency in Alberta. Applicants having higher ranked files will be invited to the AIMG Program OSCE.

3.1 How many AIMG residency positions will be available for this cycle?
The exact number of positions varies each year. To view historical placements and current disciplines considering applications see Current Disciplines and Placements.

3.2 How many disciplines can I apply to this year?
You can apply for up to five (5) disciplines.

4.1 I have not yet taken the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 – can I still apply to the AIMG Program?
Only Final Year Medical Students may apply prior to completion of the MCCQE1. For details See Eligibility Requirements.

4.2 I have written and passed the MCCQE2. Should I include this result in my application?
Yes. Although the MCCQE2 is not an eligibility requirement, include a copy of the result letter from the Medical Council of Canada as a supporting document for ‘other certifications’.

4.3 I am a Final Year Medical Student studying outside Canada and the U.S. I have written my MCCEE and am registered to write the MCCQE1 in the fall. Can I still apply?
Yes. See Final Year Medical Student Route to the AIMG Program. We require proof that you are registered to take the MCCQE1 by the Fall of the application year. Refer to Supporting Documents – Medical Council of Canada Examinations.

4.4 I completed the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate from the United States. Do I still need to complete the Medical Council of Canada examinations?
Yes. You must take the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination and the Qualifying Examination Part 1. You may send a copy of the ECFMG Certificate with your application as additional information but it cannot replace the MCC examinations results requirement.

4.5 Am I disadvantaged if I have not completed any of the IMG support or employment programs such as M-CAP or Clinical Assistant Programs?
No. The entire AIMG Program assessment process is merit based. Enrolment and successful completion of the above-noted programs is positive only in terms of continuing education. Those who do well on the OSCE and in interviews and who show continual improvement in the areas of communication, clinical skills and knowledge of the Canadian Health Care system as reflected in their CV through work experience or other courses, have equal chance in obtaining an externship position.

4.6 Can I fill out the online form if I have not received my MCC results?
No. Refer to Supporting Documents – Medical Council of Canada Examinations and Eligibility Requirements. You must have your MCC scores. We do not accept pending results. Your paper copy of examination scores which you will send in to complete your application will be compared to your online application.

4.7 If I live in Edmonton and the MMI is in Calgary, will the AIMG Program pay my travel expenses?
No. The AIMG Program will not pay travel expenses.

4.8 I am not repeating the OSCE and MMI this cycle. Do I need to submit these scores from last year?
No. Your scores will be forwarded to your current application file.

4.9 I have completed your OSCE, how will I be invited to the MMI?
After the OSCE results are finalized, the AIMG Program will send an e-mail either inviting you to the MMI or advising you of your unsuccessful OSCE assessment.

5.1 I applied in June 2008, passed the examinations and was not matched. I would like to apply this year. Do I have to resubmit all of the supporting documents again?
No. See the response to Question 2.5

5.2 When do I send in copies of all my supporting documents?
After the online application is complete please submit your entire application package to the AIMG Program office before the application deadline. Ensure that all documentation is received in our office as ONE package prior to the application deadline.

5.3 How will my documents be marked to show they are notarized?
Refer to the Supporting Documents. The stamp or seal on the document contains the words “Notary Public”. Note that any document not in English must first be translated into English by a certified translator. A copy of the original and a copy of the translation must be notarized in Canada prior to submission to the AIMG Program.

5.4 I’ve heard there are sometimes exceptions to your application process?
In past application cycles, if a significant policy change for criteria occurred, we have extended deadlines due to scheduling of exams by other organizations. Refer to Announcements for updates

6.1 Who can be a referee?
Educators, health care administrators, and health-related employers who can comment about your professional capabilities.

6.2 How many referees do I need?
You are required to submit a minimum of three names and the email addresses of your referees. The online application allows for one additional referee in the event one of your referees does not respond.

6.3 How do I know my referees have been contacted?
Your referees are contacted at the e-mail address you provide for them. Your referees will complete the AIMG Program reference form on-line.

6.4 Can I submit any paper references?
No.

6.5 Will I see my references?
No. References are considered confidential and the AIMG Program will not share these references with applicants.

6.6 If my referees do not submit their references before the application deadline, will the deadline be extended?
No. It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure that all supporting documents, including references, are submitted prior to the application deadline.

6.7 I have a referee who wants to submit his/her reference form in French, is this acceptable?
Yes. We will accept references in French.

7.1 How will I know what my OSCE and MMI results are?
Examination results are mailed to candidates in early January.

7.2 How does the AIMG Program determine which candidates will be selected for externship?
See Match Process. Candidates who are successful in the AIMG Program assessments will have their files sent to participating residency programs that they selected. Residency programs may or may not choose to interview candidates and may or may not choose to rank.

8.1 What type of licensing do I need if I am accepted into the AIMG Program Externship?
You will need to be eligible for licensing through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) on their Educational Register. See www.cpsa.ab.ca/home/home.asp.

8.2 How will I get the CPSA form?
The University of Alberta Post Graduate Medical Education (PGME) office in Edmonton sends U of A Externs an online link to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) registration form. Externs complete the form and submit the fees to CPSA.

The AIMG Program sends University of Calgary Externs an online link to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) registration form. Externs complete the form and submit the fees to CPSA.

8.3 Do I need Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) coverage?
Yes. You are required to arrange your own CMPA coverage prior to the start of Externship.

8.4 I am a U.S.A. medical school graduate and I completed my residency training in the United States. Do I apply to the AIMG Program to obtain licensure in Alberta?
No. Contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) for information on obtaining a license to practice in Alberta. See www.cpsa.ab.ca/home/home.asp

9.1 Can I fail Externship?
Yes. See Externship. You are being evaluated continually by your Residency Program during Externship. You must successfully complete the Externship phase prior to commencing postgraduate residency training.

9.2 Will I see my Externship evaluations?
Yes. See Externship. You will meet with your preceptor, review each evaluation and be asked to sign the evaluations as you proceed through Externship.

9.3. Will I be paid during Externship?
Yes. A stipend will be paid. See Externship.

9.4 Is there a tuition fee for Externship?
Yes. Each University will calculate a pro-rated tuition fee each year for the Externship period. Externs will be advised of the tuition rate by letter from the applicable University.

9.5 If I am accepted into a residency program, what requirements are needed immediately?
Upon successful completion of Externship, all residents must arrange for their own transportation to and from applicable rotation sites. Residents must arrange to take the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course. It is required that you have Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification prior to beginning residency. It is the resident’s responsibility to cover the costs of these courses. It is recommended that you register for applicable courses well in advance as classes fill quickly.

9.6 Thank you so much! How can I show my appreciation for all of your help in getting me matched to an Extern position?
We at the AIMG Program are committed to helping AIMGs gain post graduate residency training in Alberta. Your appreciation is best demonstrated by doing well in your residency program and afterwards when you are a practicing physician. Though we appreciate your gestures of gratitude shown by way of thoughtful gifts and/or exotic foods, we cannot accept them. Instead, we suggest that you send us a card and offer to help us in examiner recruitment down the road.

10.1 I applied to CaRMS 1st iteration outside Alberta earlier this year. I accepted an Externship position in Alberta in December and plan to stay here. Do I need to withdraw my CaRMS application?
Yes.

10.2 I passed the AIMG Program assessments but did not get matched to a residency program. Can I apply to second iteration CaRMS for residency training in Alberta?
Yes. You are eligible to apply to the second iteration of the CaRMS match in the current AIMG Program cycle year. CaRMS will be notified that you are eligible to apply. It is your sole responsibility to complete the CaRMS application process and supply all documents they require. The AIMG Program office does not forward any of the documents required on your behalf.

10.3 If I did not pass the AIMG Program assessment, can I apply to second iteration CaRMS?
No. You must pass the AIMG Program assessment to be eligible to apply to 2nd iteration CaRMS.

10.4 I passed the AIMG Program OSCE in 2007 – can I use that result to apply for Alberta positions this year?
No. AIMG policy (effective beginning in 2008) allows OSCE/MMI results to be valid for three consecutive years.

10.5 Although I was assessed last year, passed the OSCE and failed to match, can I apply directly to second iteration CaRMS this year?
No. You must successfully apply online in the current application cycle to be eligible to apply to the second iteration CaRMS in that year.