Competitive Stream (Medical Residency Stream Pilot)
Last updated on August 12, 2025On this page:
- Program overview
- Residency positions
- How to apply
- Return of service documents
- Return of service location
Program overview
This pilot program provides International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs) the opportunity to complete residency and practice as a physician in B.C. In exchange, participants complete a three-year return of service (ROS) after completing their residency. Further information is available on the Postgraduate Medical Education webpage.
Residency positions
The Competitive Stream positions at UBC for the 2026 Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) match are:
- Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Urology
How to apply
All applications are made through CaRMS. Both IMGs and CMGs can apply to the Competitive Stream positions in the first iteration of the CaRMS Main Residency Match under the Competitive ROS Stream. Detailed information is available on the CaRMS website, the University of BC Faculty of Medicine IMG Office website, and the University of BC Postgraduate Medical Education website.
Return of service documents
Physicians who accept a Competitive Stream residency position at UBC with an attached ROS must sign the Competitive Stream ROS contract. The policy also important program information, including information on advanced and subspecialization and fellowship.
Contracts for the 2026 CaRMS match will be posted later this summer.
Archive: CaRMS Return of Service Contract Templates:
- Internal Medicine - 4-year residency – BC ROS ( PDF, 174KB)
- Diagnostic Radiology, Emergency Medicine, Neurology, Orthopedic Surgery, Psychiatry, Urology - 5-year residency – BC ROS (PDF, 208KB)
- Neurosurgery - 6-year residency – BC ROS (PDF, 163KB)
Return of Service Policy:
Return of service commitment
Accepting a Competitive Stream position via CaRMS requires executing the ROS contract. Each physician ROS program may have unique requirements. The ROS contract is a legal undertaking that warrants independent legal advice and thorough consideration of the contractual requirements. Contract termination due to breach of contract carries significant financial consequences. For full details on the ROS commitment, please see the contract templates and program policy documents on this page.
Return of service location
In this program, participants complete their ROS in B.C. For more information on the placement process, see the contract and policy documents on this page. More information to come in September 2025 around ROS location for 2026 CaRMS match.
Participants in rural B.C. communities may be eligible for financial incentives. Learn more about Rural Practice Programs.